Lab Safety Created by: Anna Paul

Eye Hazard/ Eye Protection Goggles and glasses can help to protect your eyes from chemicals that splash, and from getting hit by other materials like a shard of glass. However if a chemical does get into your eyes you can always use the eyewash. Eyewash is a fluid that is used to wash your eyes in case they get contaminated by a chemical. Chart from http://cenblog.org/the-safety-zone/2010/06/eyes-in-the-lab/

Hand Hazard/ Hand Protection Many things in the lab are hazardous to your hands if you don’t have the right hand protection. Chemical resistant gloves are made out of different kinds of rubber or plastic. They help protect your hands from chemicals, but can be thick making it hard to move your hand. Fabric gloves and coated fabric gloves help to protect your hands from dirt, slivers, rubbing, and scraping. Gloves made from metal mesh, leather, or canvas can help protect your hands from cuts and burns. However you will not always be supplied gloves so be cautious of things that could be hazardous to your hands!

Clothing Protection/Foot Protection Having closed toed shoes and having clothing protection like an apron or lab coat will help to protect you from chemicals spilling if they are hot, cold, or dangerous.

Fire Hazard/ Fire Protection Having the right fire protection will help prevent fire hazards. Fire blankets help to smother the fire Fire hydrants will stop the fire if aimed at base of the fire

Electrical Hazard If wires are frayed alert the teacher. A frayed wire can cause... Fires Cuts/ tears in flesh Electric shock If you or water came in contact with it you could be shocked by about 230 volts. NEVER plug in devices when there is water close to where a device is getting plugged in. You could get shocked, or even electrocuted if you are touching the water.

Glassware Hazard/ Sharpness Hazard Glass can be very sharp if broken. It can cause serious injuries if touched with bare hands. Tools used for dissections like a scalpel, or needle are also very sharp and can cause injuries if used improperly. So always use sharp materials with caution.

Poison Hazard/ Chemical Hazard Chemicals can be explosive! Explosions can result in damage to surroundings and people. Chemicals can be flammable. Chemicals can be dangerous when wet. Chemicals can be poisonous or toxic. Do not eat, or directly sniff chemicals right under your nose. If you need to smell chemicals, gently waft the smell towards you with your hand.

No Running/ No Food There is always a chance of the floor being slippery and wet. So make sure you don’t run to avoid slipping and falling. Also when running there is always a chance of you bumping in to a desk and knocking dangerous chemicals on the floor, or spilling them on yourself. Food in the lab can easily be contaminated! If you touch chemicals and then touch food, you have just contaminated it making it harmful to eat.

Waste Disposal/ First Aid It is important to store your waste in the right place. If glass is dropped and broken, or just cracked, it should go in the trashcan or bin meant specifically for broken glass. It is important not to put broken glass in a regular trash can. People won’t expect there to be broken glass and won’t be cautious which may result in that person getting cut. Basic first aid kits should include… Plasters in a variety of sizes and shapes Large, medium, and small sterile gauze dressings Eye dressings or pads Triangular bandages Rolled bandages Safety pins Disposable sterile gloves

Follow Rules It is important to follow rules and listen to directions so you can avoid hazards in the first place!!!