Living Environment - Laboratory Safety Rules
Living Environment
Safety Practices
Proper procedures for working safely in a classroom laboratory
An important part of your study of biology will be working in laboratory. In the laboratory you and your classmates will learn biology by actively observing and conducting experiments. Working directly with the world of life will provide opportunities for you to better understand the principles of biology that you will read about in your textbook or discuss in class.
Most of the laboratory work you will do is quite safe. Some laboratory equipment, chemicals, and specimens can be dangerous if handled improperly. Laboratory accidents do not just happen, they are caused by carelessness, improper handling of equipment, chemicals, and specimens, or inappropriate behavior. In this sheet you will learn how to prevent accidents and work safely in a laboratory setting. You will review some safety guidelines and become acquainted with the location and proper use of safety equipment.
General Safety Guidelines
1. Prepare for every investigation by reading through the procedure before beginning. Follow all written directions precisely unless your instructor directs you to make certain changes.
2. Upon entering the classroom or laboratory, wait for your teacher to direct you to begin working. Do NOT handle the laboratory materials until then.
3. Work in a careful, organized manner. Horseplay, practical jokes, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
4. Never consume food or beverages during a laboratory period. Never put any chemicals, equipment, or specimens in your mouth.
5. Clothing and jewelry should be appropriate for laboratory work. Do not wear bulky clothing and dangling jewelry that could interfere with the laboratory work.
6. Keep your lab table clean, dry, and uncluttered. At the end of each laboratory activity, clean up you lab station, return all materials to the proper place, and wash your hands. Make sure that all gas jets, electrical equipment, and water faucets are turned off.
7. Know the location of all safety equipment and how to use it.
8. Report all spills, accidents, or injuries (no matter how minor) to your instructor immediately.
9. Wear safety goggles when working with chemicals, equipment, or specimens.
Safety with Heat
1. Light gas burners according to your teacher’s instructions. Put out all flames as soon as you are finished.
2. Never discard used matches directly into wastepaper basket.
3. Never leave a lit burner unattended.
4. Keep all clothing away from a lit burner. Tie back long hair.
5. Keep flammable materials, such as books and papers, away from a burner flame. Do not put any objects into the flame unless told to do so.
6. When heating a substance in a test tube, never point the tube toward yourself or anyone else.
7. Use tongs, test tube holders, or hot pads to hold or move hot glassware. Never grab glassware with bare hands, glassware looks the same whether it is hot or cold.
8. When using an electric hot plate, be cautious not to let any materials touch the hot plate.
Safety with Chemicals
1. Carefully read the label of any container before using the contents of the container. Never use contents of an unlabeled container.
2. Use only the amount of chemicals required for the experiment. Do NOT pour excess chemicals back into their containers. See instructor for proper disposal.
3. Do NOT directly inhale fumes given off by any substance. Use the wafting technique when instructed by your teacher.
Safety with Electricity
1. Always handle electrical equipment with dry hands and make sure that your lab station is free of standing water.
2. Do NOT allow electrical cords from hot plates, microscopes, or other electrical equipment to dangle from the work tables.
3. Do NOT use any electrical equipment with frayed cords, loose connections, or exposed wires. See your instructor immediately.
4. When removing an electrical plug from the outlet, pull it by the plug, NEVER by the cord.
Safety with Glassware
1. Use glassware that is clean and not cracked.
2. If glassware is broken, notify your instructor immediately.
3. Never carry glassware with bare hands, use tongs or holders to carry glassware.
4. Never carry glassware through a congested area.
Safety with Live and Preserved Specimens
1. Handle microorganisms or cultures with extreme care.
2. Since many plants are poisonous, never place unknown plants or plant parts, such as berries or seeds, into your mouth.
3. Always treat animals in the classroom with care and respect. They are living organisms. Do NOT touch unless instructed to do so.
4. Always place a specimen to be dissected in a pan. Do NOT attempt to dissect in your hand or on lab bench.