1. Lab Safety
Forensic Science

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3. The Purpose of Lab Safety
Science courses are hands-on, and usually include many laboratory and/or field investigations
Safety in the science classroom should be the number one priority of teachers, students, and parents

4. The Purpose of Lab Safety (continued)
Knowledge of safe practices includes what to do if an emergency occurs in the class
Identifying potential dangers that may occur in the classroom, labs, and field investigations could be vital to preventing accidents from happening, but only if everyone knows what to look for

5. General Safety Rules Students should
Follow all directions given by the teacher at all times
Read the instructions completely before starting the lab
Know where all safety equipment is in the laboratory, including but not limited to
Eyewash station
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Safety shower

6. General Safety Rules (continued)
Students should (continued)
Work in a well-ventilated area and/or use the fume hood at all times
Wash hands before and after labs with soap and water
Keep their personal lab areas clean
Confirm that the lab area and all equipment is cleaned and/or unplugged before leaving
Notify the teacher immediately of any spills or accidents

7. General Safety Rules (continued)
Students should not
Begin any lab until told to do so or without the teacher present
Bring any food, drinks, or gum into the laboratory
Goof around or allow any horseplay in the lab

8. Protective Clothing and Equipment Rules
Eyewear
Safety goggles should be worn for the entirety of all labs
If contact lenses are worn, an eye doctor and the teacher should be consulted before performing any labs
Eyeglasses should never be worn in lieu of safety goggles

9. Protective Clothing and Equipment Rules (continued)
Gloves
No glove can protect from all hazards
Always check for rips, tear, or holes
Assess the lab and see what type of gloves are best for that situation
Cloth – good for light abrasives, but not for liquids
Rubber – good for solvents and corrosives
Leather – good for heat, sparks, and rough abrasives

10. Protective Clothing and Equipment Rules (continued)
Attire
Wear closed-toed, low, or non-heeled shoes
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts around chemicals or specimens
Wear aprons and/or lab coats during labs
Pull hair out of the way and away from the face
Do not wear loose or baggy clothing and/or dangling jewelry in the lab

11. Chemical Rules
Do not taste or smell any chemicals in the lab, unless a teacher directs otherwise
To smell a chemical always “waft” it
Waft – wave your hand above the chemical towards your nose so that small amounts of vapor can be smelled without causing harm
Make sure to clearly label all chemicals for others

12. Chemical Rules (continued)
Ensure accurate use by reading the label twice before using the chemical in the lab
Avoid contamination by not returning used chemicals back into their original container
Dispose of chemicals using the method described on the container and/or the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

13. Chemical Rules (continued)
Add acid to water, never water to acid (adding water to acid could cause acid to splash out of the container and cause harm)
Be careful with flammable chemicals near any heat source
Do not take any chemicals out of the lab for any reason
Keep chemical containers that are not being used closed
Notify the teacher immediately if any chemical is spilt at any time

14. Glassware and Equipment Rules
Do not use dirty, chipped, or broken glassware in the lab
Notify the teacher immediately if/when any glassware is broken, so he or she can clean it up
Inform the teacher of any damaged electrical equipment
Use protective equipment when handling glassware (hot and cold glassware look similar)

15. Heating Substances Rules
Never leave any heat sources unattended (whether a hot plate or a Bunsen burner)
Never lean over a flame
Always point the open end of a heated test tube away from yourself and others
Always use tongs or protective gloves to handle heated glass or metal
Always make sure that long hair is pulled back when dealing with a flame or heat

16. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
MSDS’s are available for every chemical (online and/or hardcopy)
MSDS’s always include
Chemical product information
Ingredients
Hazard identification
First aid measures
Firefighting measures
Accidental release measures
Handling and storage
Exposure controls/Personal protection
Physical and chemical properties
Stability and reactivity
Toxicological information
Ecological information
Disposal considerations
Transport information
Regulatory information
Any additional information

17. Resources Flinn Scientific, Inc. www.flinnsci.com
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
Texas Education Agency, Forensic Certification Training, Sam Houston State University