The Do’s & Don’ts of Lab Safety

Lab Safety Begins Before You Go to the Lab!

• Always read through the lab instructions the day before you go to the lab

• Ask any questions you may have concerning the lab BEFORE you begin

***IT IS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY

Identify the DON’T in the picture below:

NEVER eat, drink, or chew gum in the lab

Identify the DON’T in the picture below: It wasn’t me!

1.) Broken glass where (broken test tube, cracked test tube) should always be thrown away in a special cardboard container

2.) Report any accidents, spills, or breakage to injury to instructor IMMEDIATELY

*If glassware breaks use a broom, dustpan or tongs to pick up

Identify the DON’T in the picture below:

• Goggles must be worn when: – When working with solid

materials or equipment under stress, pressure, or force that might cause fragmentation or flying particles

– When an activity generates projectiles, or uses elastic materials under stress (e.g., springs, wires, rubber, glass), or causes collisions

– When dust or fumes are present (Eye protection reduces the dust or fumes reaching the eye.)

– When using preserved specimens

When working with hazardous liquids, solids, gases in the lab you must wear approved safety goggles.

Identify the DON’T in the picture below:

NEVER use lab glassware or other lab containers for food or beverages

Identify the DON’T in the picture below: Time to go home!

Clean up all lab materials when you are done. Leave the lab looking better than you found it

Always follow the instructors directions in order to properly dispose all hazardous materials, substances, and chemicals

Identify the DON’T in the picture below:

When you must sniff a solution to detect an odor, be sure to hold it away from your face and waft the odor

Identify the DON’T in the picture below:

Always wear protective gloves when working with harmful substances, chemicals, or specimens in lab

Identify the DON’T in the picture below:

You must wear closed-toed shoes during all lab activities

Identify the DON’T in the picture below:

Never become involved in horseplay or practical jokes while in the lab

Identify the DON’T in the picture below:

Long hair is to be tied back or confined during lab when working with hazardous substances or open flame

Protect YourselfProper Attire

• Keep all long hair tied back

• Do not wear loose clothing that could catch on fire

*This is not a joke! Emergency shower releases 20 gallons/minute for 15 minutes.

WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER LAB

Regardless of glove wear during lab, you MUST ALWAYS wash your hands thoroughly (with soap and warm water) after working in the lab

Protect YourselfEye Safety

• In case of emergency in which a chemical goes into one’s eye, use the eyewash station

Flush in water for 15 minutes

Remember!• Do clean up after using any glassware or

equipment after you are done!• Do leave the lab cleaner than you found it!• Do take precautions and consider every substance

dangerous unless told otherwise by instructor. Avoid inhaling fumes, tasting, touching or smelling any substance while in the lab.

• Don’t preform any experiment or use any lab equipment without proper instruction

• Don’t take ANYTHING from the lab unless instructed by the teacher

If lab safety rules are broken the instructor has the right to revoke ALL lab privileges