Common Laboratory Apparatus

Common Laboratory Apparatus

• Laboratory equipment is used to conduct and perform scientific experiments of varying complexities.
• Correctly identifying lab apparatus and understanding safe usage is critical.
• Always follow the teachers instructions and use the apparatus properly.

Beaker

• Used to hold both liquids and solids.
• Used for mixing and heating substances
• Available indifferent capacities.

Test Tube

• A common piece of glassware.
• Used to mix liquids, mix solids with liquids, and grow cultures.
• Comes in various sizes to accommodate a range of experiments.

Watch Glass

• Ideal for holding small amounts of solids or liquids, especially during heating processes.
• Used as a lid for beakers to prevent contamination or spills.

Evaporating Dish

• Used for heating substances such as solids needing to be melted or mixtures requiring evaporation to obtain crystalline solids.

Petri Dish

• A shallow glass or plastic dish, complete with a cover, ideal for growing microbiological cultures.
• These dishes owe their name to Julius Richard Petri, their inventor.

Forceps

• Typically made of metal, but can also be plastic.
• Designed for tasks requiring the handling or picking up of small or sterile objects.

Spatula

• Used to pick up small quantities of solids.
• Used to transfer solids to and from containers.
• Serves as a spoon and can be used for crushing and mixing substances.

Test Tube Rack

• Designed to hold 5-10 test tubes in an upright position for convenience and organization.
• Some models include spikes that facilitate drying of test tubes after washing.

Test Tube Tongs

• Used to safely manipulate a hot test tube during or after heating.

Beaker Tongs

• Used to carry a beaker after it's been heated.

Retort Stand with Boss Head and Clamp

• A retort stand, equipped with a boss head and clamp, to hold lab equipment in a secure and fixed position.
• The boss head is a double-ended screw securing a clamp to the stand.
• The clamp connects to the boss head and holds other lab equipment, adding versatility to experimental setups.

Bunsen Burner

• Used for burning or heating substances.
• Fitted with an adjustable collar to modify the color of the flame.
• An orange flame indicates safety mode, whereas a blue flame is used for heating.

Wire Gauze Mat

• Features a mesh-like structure crafted from metal.
• Often used to support beakers or flasks atop a tripod during heating processes.
• Facilitates even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and ensuring uniform heating.

Tripod

• Used to support glassware on a wire gauze mat.
• Used when heating substances with a Bunsen burner.

Ruler

• Measures dimensions of an object.
• Used to draw graphs and scientific diagrams.

Thermometer

• Used to accurately measure the temperature of a substance.

Stopwatch

• Used to accurately measure the timing of a reaction or how long an experiment takes.
• For assessments the clock on the Smart Board is used.
• Cellphones are not permitted.

Measuring Cylinder

• Used to accurately measure the volume of a liquid in ml.
• Designed with markings for precise measurements of liquids.

Measuring Liquid Volume

• To accurately measure liquid volume, ensure eye level aligns with the meniscus bottom.
• Reading above or below introduces error.

Magnifying Glass

• Used to examine very small objects more closely by enlarging them.
• Should a magnifying glass not suffice, a microscope is used.

Microscope

• Used for making extremely small or microscopic objects appear much bigger.
• Enable the observation of details too fine to be seen with the naked eye.
• Valuable for studying microorganisms and cells.

Microscope Slide

• Thin, rectangular glass for holding specimens under the microscope.

Coverslip

• Thin, square glass that is used to protect the specimen and prevent it from drying or detaching.

Scalpel and Dissecting Scissors

• Scalpels and dissecting scissors are used to cut and slice specimens.
• These should be handled carefully due to their sharp edges, and should only be used under the supervision of a teacher.

Dissecting Needle

• Used to pull apart or examine specimens.
• Also used to pick up plant or animal material to examine whats underneath.

Droppers and Pipettes

• Essential for transferring small quantities of liquids one drop at a time.
• Made from plastic or glass.
• Disposable plastic droppers and pipettes are preferred when sterile conditions are required.
• Glass droppers typically feature a rubber bulb to draw liquid.

Funnel

• Used for pouring liquids easily from one container into another narrow opening without spilling.
• Used for filtering substances.

White Tile

• Offers a flat, white surface ideal for cutting or mixing small samples.
• Designed to enhance visibility, making dyes or small colored objects easier to view.

Lab Safety

• Lab equipment is used to test theories and collect data.
• Critical for experiments to be carried out safely to prevent damage occurring to the lab and to protect scientists.
• Ensure that strict safety procedures are followed so that discoveries are made safely.

What is Lab Safety

• Lab safety refers to the rules and safety guidelines that must be followed in a laboratory.
• Safety procedures learned at school are used in university and workplace settings.

Why is Lab Safety Important

• Materials and equipment used in the lab can be dangerous.
• The danger may be chemical, sharp objects, heating equipment or biological substances.
• Following safety rules ensures that there is minimal chance of someone being hurt.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

• Wearing a lab coat or apron is essential
• Close-toed shoes should be worn
• Safety eyewear should be used.
• Gloves are integral when working with certain chemicals.
• Masks should be implemented when needed
• Following correct procedures guarantees safer experimentation.

Common Lab Safety Rules

• Wear a lab coat or apron inside the laboratory if required.
• Wear close-toed shoes to avoid injuries.
• The working bench or working station should be clean and organised.
• Do not consume food or drinks inside the laboratory area, only water is allowed.
• Listen to your teacher before handling any equipment and in case of any doubts the teacher should be consulted.
• To avoid injuries to the eyes while handling chemicals or organic solvents, safety goggles should be worn.
• Contact lenses should be dislosed.
• Wear gloves if allergic to certain chemicals or handling contaminated plates.
• Masks should be worn also if working with chemicals that produce fumes, allergens and while handling microorganisms.
• Mouth pipetting is strictly prohibited.
• Do not taste any chemicals and solvents for safety reasons.
• Properly tie your hair.
• Headwear should be worn in case of fuming chemicals.
• All glassware should be washed properly after use and should be left to air dry.
• Tongs should be used to avoid burning of the fingers if handling hot objects.
• Know the location of the first aid box and other safety locations.

Chemical Safety

• Avoid mixing chemicals unless explicitly instructed to do so.
• Mixing chemicals without permission can be dangerous.
• Tasting, touching, smelling or drinking chemicals are prohibited.
• Dispose chemicals according to the teacher's instructions.
• Never directly dispose of chemicals in the sink.
• Exercise caution when using concentrated acids.
• Pour acid into water, not water into acid, when diluting.
• Use a cloth to wipe acid spills or ask the teacher.

Heating and Fire Safety

• Use a clamp or tongs to pick up hot objects and do not touch with your bare hands.
• Use heat resistant gloves to handle hot objects.
• Point test tubes and other containers away from yourself and others when heating substances.
• While boiling, splashes can be avoided by using large capacity glassware to heat chemicals.
• Be sure to switch off the burner after use.

Glassware Safety

• Glassware should be washed after use and left to air dry.
• Inform your teacher or lab assistant if glassware is chipped or broken.
• Laboratory glassware is only for laboratory use.
• When glassware is being heated on a flame, use wire gauze.

Safety While Handling Microorganisms

• Sterilize all contaminated plates and glassware before use.
• Follow the teacher's instructions while handling microorganisms.
• Aseptic rules should be followed when working with microorganisms.
• Do not inhale any microorganisms.
• Keep the cultured plates with the lid on.
• Petri plates and culture media should never be discarded without autoclaving.

Safety Symbols

• Poison/Toxic Material: Inhaling, consuming, or exposing skin to the material is dangerous.
• Flammable and Combustible: The material will burn when exposed to air.
• Biohazard: The material is hazardous and infectious.
• Corrosive Chemicals: The chemical may cause skin and eye irritation.
• Radioactive: The material can emit harmful radiation.
• Breakage: Handle glassware with care.
• Disposal: Place waste materials in the correct can.
• Wear gloves: Protect your hands.
• Wear eye protection: Shield your eyes with safety goggles.