Lab 0-A

Lab Safety Training

WhatIS

Lab Safety?

Definition

Laboratory safety is a careful process, with the goal of preventing injuries and diseases from occurring among students, scientists, laboratory staff, and the community.

Lab safety rules inform students about specific precautions to take when doing lab procedures

Historical Perspective

“Who does not ruin his health by his studies,nowadays will not get anywhere in Chemistry.”

– Kekule, a Chemist in 1890

Today, scientists can design and conduct experiments for an entire career with no adverse health effects.

Lab Accidents

The most common injuries and diseases affect the muscular / skeletal system, the skin, and the eyes

MUSCULAR / SKELETAL

Slips and falls caused by

rushing, spills, and trip hazards

SKIN

Damage or burns caused by chemicals, electricity, or

heat

EYES

Irritation and damage from

chemical splashes and airborne

materials

All of these are preventable!

Common Injuries

Common Causes

There are several common reasons for injuries and accidents in labs. These can all be avoided!

Not preparing properly / not including a lab safety plan

Being careless / not paying attention to your work

Using unlabeled or mislabeled chemicals

Hurrying to complete a procedure

Using damaged equipment

Working by yourself

Prevention

The best way to prevent lab accidents is to be prepared and knowledgeable about what you will be doing before beginning and then continuing to be careful as you work

Know the equipment and materials you'll be using

Evaluate the lab environmentfor possible hazards

Follow the lab safety plan

Stay focused when you'redoing procedures

Hazard Symbols&

Guidelines

Glassware Hazard

Do not use cracked or broken items.

Do not heat or cool glassware unless it is specially designed to withstand large temperature changes.

Make sure glassware is clean & dry before use.

Use tongs or hot pads to handle hot or very cold glassware.

Electrical Hazard

Do not use electrical equipment or touch an outlet with wet hands.

Be sure plug is solidly inserted in the socket.

Remember that people (that's you) conduct electricity.

Avoid getting outlets/electrical equipment wet.

Flammable Hazard

Wear goggles when using a flame or handling hot liquids.

Never heat anything in the lab unless instructed to.

Don't reach across a flame.

Use tongs or padded gloves to handle hot objects.

Be sure the work area is clean when using a flame.

Poison Hazard

Never smell a chemical directly. Use the wafting method, but only when instructed.

Do not taste, touch, or mix chemicals unless instructed.

Keep chemicals away from your skin and face. Use protective gear such as goggles and gloves.

If any chemical gets on your skin or clothing, rinse it with water FIRST. Then notify the instructor.

Animal Hazard

Handle animals only when necessary and only as directed.

Do not cause pain, discomfort or injury to an animal in the lab; treat animals humanely.

After handling animals or their cages, wash your hands thoroughly.

Plant Hazard

Remember that some plants may be poisonous or have sharp components.

Never taste or eat a plant in the lab, even if it looks familiar or is a food item, unless instructed to do so.

Some people are allergic to plant components or oils on a plant’s surface.

Sharpness Hazard

Use specific cutting instruments and dissection tools designed for lab use.

Handle sharp instruments carefully and never point them at yourself or other people.

Cut with the sharp edge moving away from you.

If you are cut or jabbed, report it to the instructor immediately.

Gas Hazard

Materials (chemicals) may give off toxic gases or dangerous fumes may be created during lab procedures.

Work only in areas with proper ventilation. If toxic gas is suspected immediately move outside to get fresh air.

Our labs should not create toxic fumes. This depends a lot on YOU. It is very important you don't mix chemicals or heat items without being instructed to do so!

Procedures&

Precautions

Working Safely in the LabWhich warning symbol(s) would be appropriate for the lab procedure?

Protective GearThese symbols are used to indicate which types of protective gear should be worn during lab activities.

Lab Safety Check