FAQ:
What are the safety rules for working in the lab?
Where is the safety contract?
How do I conduct myself in the lab?
What first aid should I know while working in the lab?
WHAT
ARE THE SAFETY RULES FOR WORKING IN THE LAB?
For more specific explanations of the safety rules- Click here.
These are the most basic rules that you MUST follow!
1. Always obtain your teachers permission before beginning an
activity.
2. Study the procedure. If you have questions ask your teacher.
3. Use the safety equipment provided for you. Goggles and a
laboratory
apron should be worn when any investigation calls for using
chemicals.
Sometimes gloves will be necessary.
4. Always slant test tubes away from yourself and others when
heating
them.
5. Never eat or drink in the lab, and never use lab or glassware
as food or drink containers. Never inhale chemicals. Do not taste any
substance
or draw any material into a tube with your mouth.
6. If you spill any chemical, wash it off immediately with water.
Report the spill immediately to your teacher.
7. Know the location and proper use of the fire extinguisher, safety
shower, fire blanket, first aid kit, and fire alarm.
8. Keep materials away from open flames. Tie back long hair and
loose clothing.
9. If a fire should break out in the classroom, or if your clothing
should catch fire, smother it with the fire blanket or a coat, or get
under
a safety shower.
10. Report any accident or injury, no matter how small, to your
teacher.
Follow these procedures as you clean up your
work
area
1. Turn off the water and gas. Disconnect electrical devices
2. Return all materials to their proper places
3. Dispose of chemicals and other materials as directed by your
teacher. Place broken glass and solid substances in the proper
containers.
Never discard materials in the sink.
4. Clean your work area
5. Always wash your hands thoroughly after working in the
laboratory.
WHAT
IS A SAFETY CONTRACT?
HOW
SHOULD I CONDUCT MYSELF IN THE LAB?
1. Enter the classroom in an orderly fashion-- make sure you have all
the
required materials.
2. Sit down at your seat- put only your lab book and/or notebook on the
desk. Remove all
other books from the working area.
3. NO ITEMS ARE TO BE ON THE FLOOR OR HANGING ON YOUR CHAIR!
4. The teacher will explain the procedure. If you have any
questions,
ask them now.
5. At the signal from the teacher put on all required safety gear.
6. Gather all necessary materials and work in a quiet, organized and
orderly
manner.
7. Always be safety conscious; check any hazardous substances for their
precautions---YOU HAVE
A RIGHT TO KNOW--- IT'S THE LAW!
8. At the end of the lab period you are responsible for making sure
that:
a. all equipment has been put back in the proper place;
b. all glassware is washed, dried and returned to its proper place;
c. your lab desk is wiped off and dried;
d. there is no debris on the floor around your lab desk;
e. the sinks are clean of debris and rinsed out;
f. broken glass and flammables are thrown away in the designated
containers;
g. chemicals are disposed in accordance to your teachers
directions.
WHAT
ARE SOME COMMON FIRST AID PROCEDURES FOR THE LAB?
1. Any spills on skin-- Flush with large amounts of
water
(use safety shower if necessary).
Call your teacher immediately.
2. Foreign matter/chemical in eye-- Flush with plenty of water.
Use eyewash
for 15 MINUTES! Call your teacher immediately.
3. Burns-- Apply cold water. Call your teacher
immediately.
4. Cuts and Bruises-- Stop any bleeding by applying
direct
pressure. Cover cuts with
a clean dressing. Apply cold compresses to bruises. Call your teacher
immediately.
5. Fainting-- Leave the person lying down. Loosen any
tight
clothing and keep crowds
away. Call your teacher immediately
Other safety links: Safety rules