7/29/2019 Maria May

1/24

Physics Laboratory Safety Precautions

Physics Student Safety Contract

Lab work is the key to progress in science. Therefore, systematic, careful lab

work is an essential part of any science program. In this class, you will practice

some of the same fundamental laboratory procedures and techniques that

experimental physicists use to pursue new knowledge.

The equipment and apparatus you will use involve various safety hazards, just as

they do for working physicists. You must be aware of these hazards. Your

teacher will guide you in properly using the equipment and carrying out the

experiments, but you must also take responsibility for your part in this process.

With the active involvement of you and your teacher, these risks can be

minimized so that working in the physics laboratory can be a safe, enjoyable

process of discovery.

7/29/2019 Maria May

2/24

These safety rules always apply in the lab

1. Always wear a lab apron and safety goggles.

Wear these safety devices whenever you are in the lab, not just when you areworking on an experiment.

2. No contact lenses in the lab.

Contact lenses should not be worn during any investigations using chemicals

(even if you are wearing goggles). In the event of an accident, chemicals can

get behind contact lenses and cause serious damage before the lenses can

be removed. If your doctor requires that you wear contact lenses instead ofglasses, you should wear eye-cup safety goggles in the lab. Ask your doctor

or your teacher how to use this important eye protection.

3. Personal apparel should be appropriate for laboratory work.

On lab days avoid wearing long necklaces, dangling bracelets, bulky jewelry,

and bulky or loose-fitting clothing. Long hair should be tied back.

Loose, dangling items may get caught in moving parts, accidentally contact

electrical connections, or interfere with the investigation in a potentially

hazardous manner. In addition, chemical fumes may react with some jewelry,

such as pearls, and ruin them. Cotton clothing is preferable to wool, nylon, or

polyester. Wear shoes that will protect your feet from chemical spills and

falling objects-open-toed shoes or sandals, and shoes with woven leather

straps are not allowed in the laboratory.

4. NEVER work alone in the laboratory.

Work in the lab only while under the supervision of your teacher. Do not leave

equipment unattended while it is in operation.

5. Only books and notebooks needed for the experiment should be in the

lab.

Only the lab notebook and the textbook should be used. Keep other books,

backpacks, purses, and similar items in your desk, locker, or designated

storage area.

6. Read the entire experiment before entering the lab.

Your teacher will review applicable safety precautions before the lab. If you

are not sure of something, ask your teacher about it.

7/29/2019 Maria May

3/24

7. Always heed safety symbols and cautions written in the experimental

investigations and handouts, posted in the room, and given verbally by

your teacher.

They are provided for your safety.

8. Know the proper fire drill procedures and the location of fire exits and

emergency equipment.

Make sure you know the procedures to follow in case of a fire or an

emergency.

9. If your clothing catches on fire, do not run;

WALK to the safety shower, stand under it, and turn it on.

Call to your teacher while you do this.

10.Report all accidents to the teacher immediately, no matter how minor.

In addition, if you get a headache, feel sick to your stomach, or feel dizzy, tell

your teacher immediately.

11.Report all spills to your teacher immediately.

Call your teacher rather than trying to clean up a spill yourself. Your teacher

will tell you if it is safe for you to clean up the spill; if not, your teacher will

know how the spillshould be cleaned up safely.

12. Student-designed inquiry investigations, such as the Invention Labs

in the Laboratory Experiments manual, must be approved by the teacher

before being attempted by the student.

13. DO NOT perform unauthorized experiments or use materials and

equipment in a manner for which they were not intended .

Use only materials and equipment listed in the activity equipment list or

authorized by your teacher. Steps in a procedure should only be performed

as described in the textbook or lab manual or approved by your teacher.

14. Stay alert in the lab, and proceed with caution .

Be aware of others near you or your equipment when you are performing anexperiment. If you are not sure of how to proceed, ask.

15.Horseplay in the lab is very dangerous.

Laboratory equipment and apparatus are not toys; never play in the lab or

use lab time or equipment for anything other than their intended purpose.

7/29/2019 Maria May

4/24

16.Food, beverages, and chewing gum are NEVER permitted in the

laboratory.

17.NEVER taste chemicals. Do not touch chemicals or allow them to

contact areas of bare skin.

18.Use extreme CAUTION when working with.

Hot plates or other heating devices.

Keep your head, hands, hair, and clothing away from the flame or heating

area, and turn heating devices off when they are not in use. Remember that

metal surfaces connected to the heated area will, become hot by conduction.

Gas burners should be lit only with a spark lighter. Make sure all heating

devices and gas valves are turned off before leaving the laboratory. Never

leave a hot plate or other heating device unattended when it is in use.Remember that many metal, ceramic, and glass items do not always look hot

when they are hot. Allow all items to cool before storing.

19. Exercise caution when working with electrical equipment.

Do not use electrical equipment with frayed or twisted wires. Be sure your

hands are dry before using electrical equipment. Do not let electrical cords

dangle from work stations; dangling cords can cause electrical shocks and

other injuries.

20.Keep work areas and apparatus clean and neat.

Always dean up any clutter made during lab work, rearrange apparatus in an

orderly manner, and report any damaged or missing items.

21. Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water at the

conclusion of each investigation.

7/29/2019 Maria May

5/24

Waste Disposal

Never put broken glass or ceramics in a regular waste container. Use a

dustpan, a brush, and heavy gloves to carefully pick up broken pieces,

and dispose of them in a container specifically provided for this purpose.

Dispose of chemicals as instructed by your teacher. Never pour

hazardous chemicals into a regular waste container. Never pour

radioactive materials down the drain.

Heating Safety

When using a burner or hot plate, always wear goggles and an apron to

protect your eyes and clothing. Tie back long hair, secure loose clothing

and remove loose jewelry.

Never leave a hot plate unattended while it is turned on.

Wire coils may heat up rapidly during this experiment. If heating occurs,

open the switch immediately and handle the equipment with a hot mitt.

Allow all equipment to cool before storing it.

If your clothing catches on fire, walk to the emergency lab shower and use

the shower to put out the fire.

7/29/2019 Maria May

6/24

HandSafety

Perform this experiment in a clear area. Attach masses securely. Falling,

dropped, or swinging objects can cause serious injury.

Use a hot mitt to handle resistors, light sources, and other equipment that

may be hot. Allow all equipment to. Cool before storing it.

Glassware Safety

If a thermometer breaks, notify the teacher immediately.

Do not heat glassware that is broken, chipped, or cracked. Use tongs or a

hot mitt to handle heated glassware and other equipment that may be hot.

Allow all equipment to cool before storing it.

If a bulb breaks, notify your teacher immediately.

Do not remove broken bulbs from sockets.

7/29/2019 Maria May

7/24

Electrical Safety

Never dose a circuit until it has been approved by your teacher. Never

rewire or adjust any element of a closed circuit.

Never work with electricity near water. Be sure the floor and all work

surfaces are dry.

If the pointer on any kind of meter moves off scale, open the circuit

immediately by opening the switch.

Do not work with any batteries, electrical devices, or magnets other than

those provided by your teacher.

7/29/2019 Maria May

8/24

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

SHORT AND SIMPLE RULES

No unauthorized access to Laboratories and Workshops without

supervision

No unauthorized use of equipment

Wear protective gear

Wear only closed toe shoes

No jewelers or loose fitting clothing

Contain long hair and beards

Walk - dont run

If you dont understand - ASK

No food or drink

Read all safety data sheets and labels

Be aware of emergency procedures, exits and emergency buttons

Read and understand any safety signs, instructions and notices. Think before you act.

Clean up as you work to avoid dangerous clutter.

7/29/2019 Maria May

9/24

SAFETY PRECAUTIONSIN LABORATORIES AND WORKSHOPS

Construction Laboratories and Workshops are places to experiment, be creative

and use skills and talents to construct models, furniture and other design

prototypes.

However, these activities in the design and development are often unpredictable.

The use of exotic materials, unorthodox use of tools and equipment and a rapid

change in the activities as new design ideas develop and change, sometimes

make it difficult to respect safety regulations.

7/29/2019 Maria May

10/24

Workshop Safety Precaution

THE WRONG TOOL FOR THE JOB

It is sometimes tempting to use available equipment or tools in a way not

originally foreseen or to do some work to which they have not been adapted or

designed for.

All equipment and tools can be used to undertake a variety of tasks but if you

dont know the limits or use it the right way - trouble is just around the corner!

If you have the slightest doubt about the suitability of the operation, ASK advice

from the Technical staff. They will ensure that the necessary precautions are

taken and adequate safety equipment made available or alternative equipment

can be used. Don't think of the safety organisation as being there to stop youfrom doing interesting things, it is there to help you achieve success.

As well as the Laboratory or Workshop where you are working, Technical staff

have access to other resources within the University that can usually carry out

special processes that cannot be handled in Faculty Laboratories and

Workshops.

Consult, ask for advice and help from Technical staff - thats

their job and they want to see how proud you are of the finished

project.

7/29/2019 Maria May

11/24

CLEAN UP YOUR MESS!

It is the responsibility of ALL Laboratory and Workshop users to keep the

surrounding work area clean and tidy at all times and not cluttered with the

materials that you are using for your project.

Areas around machines and walkways are specially marked to prevent

accidents.

Dont block them with materials or obstacles that may restrict access or

emergency evacuation, or simply clutter up the working space and make safe

and efficient working more difficult.

At the end of the session, that magical SOMEONE is supposed to wave a magic

wand to clean up the mess! Technical staff are not employed to clean-up after

you - cleaning equipment is provided and time is usually allocated at the end to

cleandown the benches, machinery and sweep the floor around your work area.

Making a mess when using a workshop is a fact of life. You cant produce a

masterpiece without cutting, sanding, sawing or drilling that special creation.

7/29/2019 Maria May

12/24

IS IT SAFE?

Some materials, solutions and solvents are unsafe when they mix or come into

contact with other substances. They must be used in well ventilated areas and

under fume extraction hoods.

Any materials or solutions that you bring into the Laboratory or Workshop MUST

be shown to the Technical Staff to assess if there is any risk in their use in the

area.

Technical staff provide materials safety data sheets of the common materials

used within the Laboratory or Workshop. Before you decide to try some special

type of material, ASK what safety hazards may be likely and whether special

precautions and processes need to be undertaken.

Verify that all safety equipment that you need for a particular job is present

before starting the activity.

7/29/2019 Maria May

13/24

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

Even when all the safety precautions are in place, sometimes things go wrong

and emergency procedures must be implemented.

Get to know the work environment, in particular where to find:

fire extinguisher

fire aid kit

emergency stop buttons

telephone and emergency number

emergency exits

7/29/2019 Maria May

14/24

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING - EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

Laboratories and Workshops are operated by well organized Technical staffs

who provides multiple sets of tools and equipment for your use.

Leaving a heap of tools lying around on the workbench is inviting a accident to

happen. When you have finished using it - put it back in the rack or cupboard for

others to use and keep your work area uncluttered.

If a tool is broken, blunt, or you break it - tell the Technical staff - they usually

wont "bite you head off", because these things happen all the time as students

are learning and experimenting with new skills.

If a tool it is damaged or unsafe to use, then it isYOUR responsib-ility to inform

them.

Dont just return it to the cupboard, as the next user could be seriously hurt or

injured.

7/29/2019 Maria May

15/24

SAFETY SIGNS

Signs surround us in everyday life to inform us to Go Left, Slow Down, Stop and

a multitude of other instructions.

In Laboratories and Workshops, picture safety signs use universal symbols to:

prevent accidents

signal health hazards

indicate the location of safety, first aid and fire protection equipment

give clear guidance and instruction in emergency procedures

form part of the total safety information system of the area.

Picture safety signs warn of hazards or risks that are present in the workplace

and inform users in the workplace how to avoid that hazard or risks, or its effects.

In addition to the picture signs, many individual machines and processes have

detailed signs explaining "step by step" instructions to use them safely.

Some Laboratories and Workshops provide mandatory signage for students from

non-English speaking backgrounds.

7/29/2019 Maria May

16/24

TYPES OF SAFETY SIGNS AND THEIR MEANING

There are four categories of picture safety signs, distinguished by the color and

shape of the symbol:

1. Circle: white background with red borders and cross bar; black symbol

Meaning: Stop and Prohibition signs

2. Triangle: yellow background with black border; black symbol

Meaning: Caution (warning) signs

7/29/2019 Maria May

17/24

3. Rectangle: green background; white symbol

Meaning: Emergency-related information signs

4. Circle: blue background; white symbol

Meaning: Mandatory (must obey) signs

Engineering Laboratory Equipment Borrowing Procedures

7/29/2019 Maria May

18/24

Introduction

We pride ourselves for having the best and current up to date equipment

available to our students to use in our labs. To keep our equipment in good

working order and available this Engineering Laboratory Equipment Procedure

must be followed by Students, Faculty & Staff of the Westmead International

School of Engineering.

I. Equipment and Supplies

A. Anyone (Student/Staff/Faculty) borrowing Tools\Equipment from any

electronics lab or Laboratory Support room must check in/out with a Laboratory

Support Attendant (KEN234) or record his/her Name, Student ID Number (10

digit phone number) the date & time loaned, the Item ID (Bar Code) and the

item/s borrowed on a YELLOW CARD Form (See Form 1) located in the

Laboratory Support Storeroom.

B. Tools or instruments must be returned on the same day in order to best

assure availability of the limited resources. If the item is needed for a longer time,

approval from the Laboratory Supervisor is required.

C. All tools must be returned to the original storage site after use.

D. Anyone using any components or parts from the lab must return the

components or parts to it original storage bin or drawer. If the items are already

in short supply (only one or two remaining), they are not to be used without firstobtaining approval of the Laboratory Supervisor or Faculty Member. This assures

Stock replenishment.

E. For the safety our Equipment, all doors to the Electronics Laboratory

must be locked at all times and will not be propped open at any time. Access

cards can be obtained with your Instructors permission.

FORM 1, with required fields filled in.

7/29/2019 Maria May

19/24

WESTMEAD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLSCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT OF EQUIPMENTName :____________________ Home Phone :_____________________

Student ID no.:_______________ Work Phone:_____________________Date and Time: ______________________________________________

Name of Equipment/s: ________________________________________Item ID:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________DATE/TIME RETURNED TO LAB SUPERVISOR ___________________

7/29/2019 Maria May

20/24

Chemistry Laboratory Safety Precautions

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

KNOW THE LOCATIONS OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND LEARN HOWTO USE THEM.

Know the locations of the eyewash fountain, safety shower, fire blanket,

and the fire extinguisher nearest to your laboratory bench. Be sure to know how

to use this safety equipment. Your action during an emergency might prevent a

classmate from serious injury.

WEAR SAFETY GLASSES AT ALL TIMES IN THE LABORATORY.

Goggles are required to be worn at all times! Goggles are available to be

worn over prescription glasses. Wearers of contact lenses are discouraged from

wearing these lenses during the lab. Goggles designed for contact wearers is

necessary.

WEAR SENSIBLE CLOTHING.

In the laboratory, sensible clothing includes shoes that fully cover the feet;

sandals and clogs are not adequate. Shoes provide a great deal of initial

protection in the case of dropped containers, spilled chemicals, and unseen

hazards on the floor. Sensible clothing also includes old clothes, which are not

too loose, especially at the sleeves. Laboratory coats or aprons are even more

satisfactory. All extra clothing should be kept off the laboratory bench. Tie back

long hair so that it will not fall into flames or chemicals. Do not wear synthetics if

possible as they burn readily.

NEVER WORK ALONE IN THE LABORATORY

All work must be performed under the supervision of a laboratory

instructor/demonstrator. The instructor should be aware of the exact nature of all

work being done in the laboratory.

DO NOT PERFORM ANY UNAUTHORIZED EXPERIMENTS.

Do only the experiment, which has been assigned by the laboratory

instructor. Never do any unauthorized experiment in place of the one assigned by

7/29/2019 Maria May

21/24

the instructor. Do not change the designated procedure without the advice of the

instructor.

KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE TO DO.

Occasionally incomplete directions or a misunderstanding of

instruction causes accidents. Whenever you are in doubt, ask your instructor.

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND WHY YOU ARE DOING IT AT

ALLTIMES.

DO NOT start any experiment involving the use of an experimental set-up

(apparatus) until it has been checked and approved by your laboratory instructor

unless otherwise instructed.

DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE IN THE LABORATORY.

For safety purposes, assume all chemicals to be poisonous either by

themselves or because of impurities. Also avoid direct contact with organic

chemicals. Many are absorbed directly through the skin.

KEEP THE LABORATORY CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.

Any chemical spilled on your skin or your clothing, should be washed

immediately and thoroughly. If a solution, a solid or liquid chemical is spilled on

the bench or on the laboratory floor, clean up the spill immediately. Notify the

laboratory instructor of the spill. When leaving the laboratory, wipe the bench top

thoroughly. Make sure that your work area is clean and free of spilled chemicals

or scraps of paper. Wash your hands with soap and water.

DISPOSE OF WASTE AND EXCESS MATERIALS IN THE PROPER MANNER.

Used matches, paper, broken glass, or porcelain ware should be placed in

the appropriate containers but not in the sinks or cup sinks. If you have any

questions concerning the waste disposal, ask your instructor for the proper

procedure.

USE THE FUME HOOD WHEN NECESSARY.

Use the fume hood when you are so directed by the laboratory instructor,

or when it is indicated to do son on the experimental procedure. Fume hoods

7/29/2019 Maria May

22/24

remove toxic vapors and irritating odors from the laboratory. The removal of

these materials is essential for protecting the health and safety of those people

working in the laboratory.

LIGHT BURNERS ONLY WHEN NEEDED.

Properly extinguish any flame not being used. Any open flame may ignite

reagents being used by you or others near you. Many organic liquids are highly

flammable and these liquids should be heated only on hot plates or heating

mantles.

NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY.

Never look directly into the mouth of an open flask or test tube if it

contains a reaction mixture.

AVOID TOUCHING HOT OBJECTS.

When heating a chemical in a container, the clamp holding the container

and the burner will also become hot. Place the object on a piece of asbestos

board or on wire gauze, which is not directly touching the bench top. Glass

objects take a long time to cool, so allow plenty of time to cool before touching

them.

USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN INSERTING GLASS INTO STOPPERS.

Be very careful when inserting glass tubing, glass rods, thermometers,

funnels, or thistle tubes into rubber stoppers or corks. Protect your hands by

holding the glass and stopper with a cloth towel or multiple layers of paper

towels. Always lubricate the glass surface with water or glycerol.

USE ONLY EQUIPMENT, WHICH IS IN GOOD CONDITION.

Defective equipment is an important source of accidents. Some

defects to watch for include:

a. chipped tips on burets, pipets, and funnels.

b. chipped or broken rims on beakers, flasks, funnels, graduated cylinders andtest tubes.

7/29/2019 Maria May

23/24

c. cracks in beakers, flasks, graduated cylinders, test tubes and crucibles.

d. star-shaped breaks in the bottom of test tubes or near the bottom edges ofbeakers and flasks.

e. severe scratches in the bottom of beakers, flasks, and test tubes.

f. sharp edges on glass tubing and glass rods.

g. inflexibility in rubber stoppers.

h. separations in the mercury column of thermometers.

i. non-working parts of screw clamps, buret clamps or rings.

REPORT ALL ACCIDENTS TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR PROMPTLY!

Report to the laboratory instructor immediately all accidents that cause

injury, no matter how minor the injury might seem.

GLOVES

Glove Types and Removal Gloves should be selected on the basis of the

material being handled and the particular hazard involved. Glove manufacturers

and the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) accompanying products in use are

good sources of specific glove selection information.

7/29/2019 Maria May

24/24

Westmead International School

College of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Safety Precautions for:

Physics Laboratory, Chemistry Laboratory, Workshop

And also the

Procedure for borrowing tools / Chemicals

Maria May M. Atole

BSME 421

February 2011