Lab Safety and Equipment

Laboratory Safety

• Working in a lab is an important aspect of biology study.
• Labs involve hands-on experiments and observations of living organisms.
• This helps in understanding biological principles.
• Labs require safety precautions to prevent accidents.
• Safety guidelines and equipment usage are reviewed for safe lab work.

Pre-Lab Discussion

• Eating or drinking in a lab can be dangerous due to potential contamination by harmful microorganisms.
• Reading through an entire investigation before starting ensures understanding of the work's scope of risks and hazards.
• Safety equipment like fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, eye/handwash stations, and safety showers are essential.
• Proper cleanup procedures should be followed.
• Safety rules should not be skipped to complete work before the bell rings.
• Special symbols in labs indicate activities that demand extra caution; a broken glassware symbol indicates a risk of broken glass.

Identifying Laboratory Equipment

• Scientists use tools to explore the world around them.
• Tools range from simple metric rulers to complex computers.
• This study identifies and explains laboratory equipment (e.g., Bunsen burners, beakers, thermometers, measuring cylinders) typically found in biology/science labs.

Laboratory Equipment - Functions

• Burette: Used for accurately measuring and delivering specific volumes of liquid during titrations.
• Pipette: Precisely measuring liquid volumes and transferring liquids.
• Metre Rule/Ruler: Used to measure lengths.
• Beaker: Used for mixing solutions/heating liquids.
• Thermometer: Used for measuring the temperature of a substance/environment.
• Conical Flask: Used to measure volumes of solutions.
• Bunsen Burner: Used for heating substances directly via a flame.
• Filter Funnel: Used to separate solids from a solution.
• Stirring Rod: For mixing solutions effectively.
• Test Tube Rack: For storing and holding test tubes.
• Test Tube Holder: For holding test tubes while heating.
• Measuring Cylinder: Precisely measuring liquid volumes.
• Forceps: For handling objects during weighing.
• Mortar & Pestle: Used for grinding substances into powder form.
• Dropper/Pipette: For dispensing small volumes of liquids.
• Desiccator: Used for drying substances gradually.
• Beaker: Used for holding, pouring, and measuring liquid volumes.
• Volumetric Flask: For producing solutions with known volumes.

Common Laboratory Hazards

• Physical Hazards: Slips, falls, broken glass, sharp objects.
• Electrical Hazards: Damaged/faulty electrical equipment.
• Fire and Explosion Hazards: Flammable chemicals, open flames.
• Chemical Hazards: Toxic substances (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides, volatile organic compounds), corrosive substances (e.g., strong acids, bases), flammable liquids (e.g., solvents, fuels), reactive substances.
• Biological Hazards: Pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites), toxins, allergens. (biological substances that cause harm)

Preventing Laboratory Hazards

• Physical Hazards: Clean spills, proper lighting, use of protective gear (gloves, safety glasses, lab coats).
• Chemical Hazards: Proper chemical handling, labeling, use of fume hoods, safe disposal procedures.
• Biological Hazards: Use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure.
• First Aid: Procedures to handle injuries in the laboratory.

Microscope

• Microscopes are tools that let us view tiny objects.
• Different kinds of microscopes include:
  • Dissecting/stereo microscopes
  • Compound microscopes
  • Electron microscopes
  • Photomicrograph Microscopes
• Microscopy is crucial for examining minute details of organisms.
• Microscopy can be used to view cell organelles.

Lab Procedure

• General safety guidelines (PPE/dress code).
• Pre-lab preparations (e.g., reviewing lab procedures and safety protocols).
• Experimental procedure steps.
• Post-lab cleanup procedures.

Common Laboratory Apparatus

• Cleaning, storage, maintenance, and safety protocols involve proper care and handling of equipment.
• Ensure proper training on equipment usage and maintenance.