L AB S AFETY 5 Simple Rules to Remember

O BJECTIVE With 100% effort, students will: Evaluate and demonstrate safe science laboratory practices Recognize proper attire and behavior choices for working in the science laboratory Identify and understand correct use of some basic laboratory safety equipment Science is important. Learning is important. Having fun is important. But SAFETY is our FIRST priority!

F IVE B ASIC R ULES Your safety contract covers more than 5 rules, in greater detail – read it. Most of the safety rules can be covered by just 5 basic rules:

1. D RESS FOR L AB

D RESS FOR L AB DO wear clothes that cover your legs as completely as possible to prevent chemical splashes on your skin – pants are preferred instead of shorts or skirts. DO wear close-toed shoes with non-slip soles to protect your feet and keep from slipping. DO keep long hair tied back if it hangs in your face or reaches your shoulders – chemicals or fire in your hair are BAD ideas. DO remove jewelry before lab, especially anything that dangles or has tiny spaces chemicals could get into.

D RESS FOR L AB DON’T wear shorts, dresses, or cuffed pants in lab – shorts and dresses leave skin exposed, and cuffed pants can hold spilled substances. DON’T wear clothes that have flared sleeves or are oversized and overly baggy ; they can cause accidents and pick up spilled chemicals, or get caught in flames. Long sleeves? Roll ‘em up! DON’T wear sandals, open toed shoes, high heels, or shoes with slick bottoms in lab.

2. U SE P ERSONAL P ROTECTIVE E QUIPMENT

U SE P ERSONAL P ROTECTIVE E QUIPMENT For most labs: DO wear safety glasses or goggles, even if you have to wear glasses under them! DO wear gloves to protect skin from chemicals, and dispose of them properly after use. DO wear a lab coat or apron to protect clothes and exposed skin. REMEMBER – GOGGLES, GOGGLES, GOGGLES!

U SE P ERSONAL P ROTECTIVE E QUIPMENT DON’T rely on regular glasses to protect your eyes in lab. DON’T leave your goggles on the table or on top of your head while you work. DON’T reuse gloves or throw them in regular trash unless your teacher says it is ok.

3. F OLLOW C HEMICAL S AFETY

F OLLOW C HEMICAL S AFETY DO read warnings and safety data sheets (SDS) about chemicals you will use, BEFORE starting the lab. The SDS contains info such as: ingredients, first aid, handling and storage, expiration dates, and flammability. DO pour acids or bases into water, NOT the other way around. Slowly! DO wash your hands with soap after handling chemicals, and at the end of every lab.

F OLLOW C HEMICAL S AFETY DON’T mix chemicals without permission. You never know what they might do when mixed! DON’T pour water into an acid or base – it can cause the chemical to splatter, and result in burns. DON’T use expired or contaminated chemicals. DON’T dump chemicals in sinks or trash without permission.

4. L OCATE S AFETY E QUIPMENT

DO know where emergency safety equipment is located, and how to use it correctly : Fire extinguisher Safety or chemical shower Eye wash station Fire blanket First aid kit Phone Evacuation map DO remember to tell your teacher immediately if ANYTHING goes wrong.

4. L OCATE S AFETY E QUIPMENT DON’T use a fire extinguisher on a person. Many extinguishers use chemicals that can cause more damage to living tissue. DON’T rub your eyes if you have something in them. DON’T run if you have chemicals or fire on you.

5. U SE G OOD L AB B EHAVIOR

DO leave food and drink outside the lab. DO wait for instructions, and follow them. DO practice good housekeeping – keep your things out of the way, and clean up after yourself.

5. U SE G OOD L AB B EHAVIOR DON’T chew gum in lab. DON’T taste, eat, or drink anything in lab without permission. DON’T work alone. DON’T leave extra items on the table during lab.

REVIEW 1. Dress for Lab. 2. Use Personal Protective Equipment. 3. Follow Chemical Safety. 4. Locate Emergency Safety Equipment. 5. Use Good Lab Behavior. And remember, if anything goes wrong, always let the teacher know IMMEDIATELY!