Safety in the Science Laboratory

1. Safety in the Science Laboratory Mr. H. Clark Bethpage High School

2. Safety in the Science Laboratory • Safety Rule 1: Always follow the teacher’s instructions.

3. Safety Equipment • Know the location of safety equipment. • Know who is responsible for using a piece of safety equipment. • Know how to use safety equipment. • Always follow the teacher’s instructions.

4. Safety Equipment • Fire extinguisher • Fire blanket • Shower • Eye wash station • Gas cut off valve (in labs equipped with gas)

5. Safety Equipment • Goggle sterilizer cabinet • First aid kit • Emergency exits • Nearest phone • Nearest fire alarm station

6. If something happens! • A fire starts. • You get injured. • You develop a headache. • You are wearing contacts. • You spilled something. • You have allergies and we are using that substance.

7. If something happens! • The first thing you do is: Tell the teacher and follow the teacher’s instructions.

8. Chemical Safety • Never taste any substance in the laboratory! Particularly if it is in lab glassware. • Do NOT eat or drink in the science laboratory.

9. Chemical Safety • Do NOT directly inhale fumes, and if it has fumes work in a fume hood. • Always label your bottles and test tubes as indicated by the lab instructions or the teacher’s instructions. • First aid for acids and bases is running water.

10. Heat Sources and Flames • Always follow the teacher’s instructions. • Always wear goggles when using an open flame or heat source. • Never have a flammable substance like alcohol near an open flame or heat source. • Keep extra papers away from the lab area. • Heat sources must always be attended.

11. Heat Sources and Flames • If you get burned, tell the teacher and put the burned area under cold running water. • Always heat a test tube away from everyone. • Never heat a closed container. It will explode.

12. Heat Sources and Flames • Hot glass looks just like cold glass, but hot glass will burn you. If you are not sure leave it alone. • Never reach across a flame. • Tie back loose clothing and hair when working with flames.

13. Appropriate Lab Fashion • Closed footwear. • Clothing that is comfortable and if it gets damaged it is okay. • Goggles when instructed by the teacher. • Gloves and aprons when instructed by the teacher.

14. Inappropriate Lab Fashion • Loose clothing (ties) • Dangling jewelry • Flammable clothing • Flammable hair

15. Inappropriate Lab Fashion • Open toed shoes • Sandals • Wearing eyeglasses instead of approved safety goggles. • Expensive outfits.

16. Other things to think about • Wash you hands with soap and water after the lab if you handle anything. • If you get cut or burned, tell the teacher and run cold water on a burn, wash with soap and water and put on a band aid. See the school nurse if there are any problems.

17. Other things to think about • The shower is there if you spill acid or a caustic chemical on yourself. Otherwise do not touch the shower. • The eyewash is there if you get something in you eye. Otherwise do not touch the eyewash. • Learn basic first aid. • Dispose of wastes in the proper container.

18. Other things to think about • Never touch anything electrical with wet hands. • Never use any equipment if it has frayed wires.

19. Other things to think about • Clean up is the responsibility of all students, whether the are leaving or arriving the lab. • Put equipment away after you use it. • Clean up spills immediately.

20. Other things to think about • Playing around (Wrestling, throwing things, etc.) is always against the safety rules. • If glassware is chipped or broken, tell the teacher. • Never add water to acids. PAW Pour acids into water.

21. Finally • Lab and Field Safety is in your textbook pages xviii to xx. • Always follow the teacher’s instructions. • Use common sense.