Lab Safety Mrs. Reese

Safety First  The laboratory is a place for making inquiries, the process of finding answers to questions, as safely as possible.  The laboratory is a place to foster curiosity and objective thinking.  The laboratory is a place to learn fundamental principles of science through hands-on experiences.

Safety First! Lab Safety: Everyone is Responsible!

Goggles  Goggles: Help prevent foreign substances from harming eyes.  We will use goggles on MOST labs.

Apron  Apron: Help prevent foreign substances from harming skin or clothes.  We will use aprons on some labs.

Only the teacher is authorized to use the fire extinguisher ! Fire Extinguisher A. Combustible: wood, clothes, paper, plastic, and rubber. B. Flammable liquids: oil, grease and paint thinner. C. Energized electrical equipment.

Fire Extinguisher Method  The average fire extinguisher only operates about 10 seconds. Don't waste it!  You must get close to the fire - as close as 5 or 6 feet!  To effectively operate an extinguisher, think P-A-S-S. P -- pull the pin A -- aim the hose at the base of the fire S -- squeeze the handle S -- sweep the hose back and forth  

Safety Shower  Safety showers are designed to flood the entire body in the event of a clothing fire or a major spill of hazardous liquid.  In either case, the victim should stand under the shower and activate the shower by pulling on the handle. Flood the area of chemical contact for at least 15 minutes to be sure there is no residue of the chemical.

Safety Eye Wash  If a individual receives a chemical splash in the eyes, use the nearest eyewash for immediate and thorough washing of the eyes. Always flood the eyes for at least 15 minutes to be sure there is no residue of the chemical.

Broken Glass Container  All containers used for broken glass disposal should be puncture-resistant containers.  A metal or thick plastic can or bucket with a sealing lid is ideal.  If glassware is dry, a cardboard box may be used if all seams and edges are sealed or taped.

Fire blanket  A fire retardant-treated woolen blanket for smothering fires. Blanket can be used for small fires (such as a fire in the trashcan) or on a person.

First Aid Kit  Foreign Matter in Eye: Flush with plenty of water.  Poisoning: Note the suspected poisoning agent. Call Poison Control.  Any Spills on Skin: Flush with large amounts of water.  Cuts: Allow cut to bleed slightly, wash it with soap and water, and apply pressure with gauze.  Burn: Flood the area with COLD water.  For any injury, immediately inform the teacher!

What’s wrong with this picture? Sometimes acetone is used in nail polish remover)

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

What’s Wrong With These Statements? Peter says that his teacher is the only one responsible for preventing laboratory accidents. Keshia started the lab activity before reading it through completely. Ricardo decided to do a lab activity that he read in a library book before the teacher came into the classroom. Stephanie says that the lab aprons are unattractive and that the safety goggles mess up her hair. She refuses to wear them.

Safety Symbols  Animal Safety  Lab Apron  Breakage

Safety Symbols  Corrosive Chemical:  Disposal:  Flames:

Safety Symbols  Fumes:  General Safety Awareness:  Hand washing:

Safety Symbols  Heat resistant gloves:  Heating:  No Flames:

Safety Symbols  Physical Safety:  Plant Safety:  Poison:

Safety Symbols Safety Goggles: Sharp Object: Electric Shock: