Laboratory Safety It is your responsibility to protect yourself and other students in a safe manner while in the laboratory. You can avoid accidents in the laboratory by following directions, handling materials carefully, and taking your work seriously.

General Guidelines Only perform investigations or experiments specifically assigned by the teacher. Familiarize yourself with the experiment and all safety precautions before entering the lab. Before beginning work, tie back long hair, roll up loose sleeves, and put on any required protective equipment as directed by your teacher.

Always wear a lab apron and safety goggles. No contact lenses are allowed in the lab. Know the location of all safety and emergency equipment used in the laboratory. Immediately report any accident, incident, or hazard – no matter how trivial – to your teacher. In case of fire, alert your teacher and leave the lab. Do not have or consume food or drinks in the lab.

Do not fool around in the laboratory. Do not apply cosmetics in the laboratory. Keep your work area neat and uncluttered. Clean your work area at the conclusion of each lab period as directed by your teacher. Wash your hands with soap and water after each lab.

wafting – a method used to smell the contents of a bottle, place hand over opening of bottle and gently wave hand back and forth to emit fumes laboratory fume hoods – used to control exposure to toxic, offensive or flammable vapors, gases and aerosols transferring liquids - pour the liquid down a stirring rod held across the top of the beaker from which one is pouring

Using the Inoculating Loop

Safety Symbols Hand Safety /cold objects

Safety Symbols Do not cut objects while holding them in your hand. Wear protective gloves when working with specimens, open flames, chemicals, or solutions. Wear approved safety goggles as directed. Do not wear contact lenses in the lab. In case of eye contact flush eyes with water for 15 minutes.

Use extreme care when handling sharp objects. Do not use double edged razors in the laboratory. Do not cut objects while holding them in your hand. Cut away from your body Keep hands away from your face and mouth. Wash hands thoroughly before leaving the lab. Remove contaminated clothing immediately.

Do not use chipped or cracked glassware. Careful inserting glass tubing into a rubber stopper. Immediately notify teacher of any broken glass. Be aware of flammable liquids or gas. When heating test tube with chemicals, do not point test tube toward anyone. Use tongs or insulated holders to handle heated objects. Know the location of fire extinguishers, blankets, ect.

Do not use equipment with frayed electrical cords or loose plugs. Do not use electrical equipment near water or with wet hands or clothing. Wear apron or laboratory coat to prevent chemicals or chemical solutions from contacting skin or clothing. Dispose of all sharp objects and contaminated materials in proper container.

Do not inhale any gases or vapor. Handle materials that emit vapors in a well-ventilated area. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when working with chemicals. Do not taste, touch, or smell chemicals. Do not mix chemicals unless directed to do so by your teacher. Do not pour water into a strong acid or base. Report any spill immediately to your teacher.

Do not ingest any plants or plant parts used in the lab. Do not pick any wild plants unless directed by your teacher. Wash hands thoroughly after handling plants. Do not approach or touch wild animals. Handle animal with care and as directed by your teacher.

This symbol appears when there is danger involving bacteria, fungi, or protists or any biological substance such as blood, saliva, ect. This symbol appears when radioactive materials are used.