Laboratory Conduct and Safety

Safety in the laboratory involves recognizing all potential hazards and an awareness of the necessary precautions connected with these hazards.

Each person in a laboratory is responsible for the safety of EVERYONE working in the laboratory

Accidents can cause SERIOUS INJURY or even DEATH Accidents can cause SERIOUS INJURY or even DEATH. These accidents can be anticipated and even prevented by being aware of our classroom environment and taking responsibility for our actions. Smart Responder Question: Accidents can cause ______________. (open response)

Follow all safety procedures is key to our personal protection.

Three Fundamental ideas involved in using a laboratory to carry out experiments. ALWAYS read the experiment before conducting experiment. ALWAYS use common sense when you are working with laboratory apparatus and materials. In case of an accident know how to get help. Smart Responder Question: It is not necessary to read the experiment before conducting it. (T or F)

Goggles Students must wear safety glasses at all times while conducting laboratory experiments. This is the law.

Contact Lenses Contact lenses should be avoided in the laboratory. Wearing them puts one at risk for toxic or poisonous gases being trapped inside the contact causing the gas to be in direct contact with your eye. Smart Responder Question: Why should contacts be avoided in the laboratory? Toxins and gases can get trapped They don’t look right under safety glasses They are expensive None of the above

Locations of Emergency Safety Equipment Burn Kit Eye Wash Fire Extinguishers First Aid Kit Safety Shower

Never work in Laboratory alone Your instructor should be within your sights and hearing at all times, so that if you can ask for help if you have questions, difficulties, or accidents.

Do ONLY the assigned laboratory experiment. Never substitute an unauthorized experiment for the one your teacher assigns. Do not deviate from the procedures. Smart Responder Question: It is OK to deviate from the experiment if you do not have the right chemicals. (T or F)

Proper Clothing Wear shoes that completely cover your feet. Tie back long hair. Gloves and lab coats may be necessary.

IMMEDIATELY report all accidents to teacher, no matter how minor. Common accidents include: Chemical spills Ingestion of Chemicals Cuts Burns Fire

No Mouth Contact with ANY objects in the laboratory. This applies to: Pipettes Reagents Fingers No Food or Beverages should be present in Laboratory Smart Responder Question: When is it OK to have food and drinks in the lab? Classmates birthday Lunch Never During afterschool projects

Odors should be treated with caution! TOXIC Chemicals primarily enter the body through the respiratory system. If you must smell a chemical do not put directly over the sample but gently WAFT the vapors instead.

Neat, clean and clear of unnecessary objects. Backpacks, books and other items not needed for work should be placed in an area that doesn’t interfere with the activity. Keep work areas uncluttered and never place chemicals or materials on the floor. Smart Responder Question: Where should your bags and books be stored? Your locker Under your desk On the bench Both A & B

Only use equipment that is in good condition. Glassware that is cracked, chipped or damaged should be given to the instructor for proper disposal. Inform instructor of any equipment that is in unsatisfactory condition. (It is a good idea to keep excess electrical cords taped to the work area or tied with rubber bands to prevent you or a classmate from tripping.

Spills must be cleaned up immediately as directed by teacher. Dispose of rinses, reaction mixtures and unused reagents only as directed by instructor. DO NOT throw anything down the sink unless instructed to do so. Smart Responder Question: It is OK to pour chemicals down the sink. (T or F)

Avoid touching hot objects. Heat can be generated through chemical reactions so it is imperative that you are cautious when handling reaction vessels during and after the reactions. Objects that have been near flames can be dangerous as well.

Immature Behavior has no place in a laboratory setting. The potential dangers posed by such behavior are too great. Smart Responder Question: What type of behavior will not be tolerated in the laboratory? __________________ (open response)

You will gain much insight to this during OSHA training. Read labels on reagent bottles and containers to make certain that they contain that appropriate reagent for the experiment. Other symbols may also be found on the bottle representing flammability, reactivity, health concerns and other potential dangers. You will gain much insight to this during OSHA training.

Happy Hands Smart Responder Question: You should always wash your hands before leaving the laboratory. (T or F) Use detergent or soap to wash your hands thoroughly before you leave the laboratory.

Laboratory is an important part of this class Laboratory is an important part of this class. It is your responsibility to maintain proper conduct and apply safety practices in the classroom.