Lab Safety Introduction

Lab Safety Introduction

• The lab is dangerous when safety protocols are not followed.
• Participants are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others in the laboratory.
• Ignorance of lab safety rules is not acceptable.
• If you are unsure about safety, ask your instructor or lab technician.

General Safety Rules

• Food and smoking are strictly prohibited in the laboratory.
• Lab coats and goggles must be worn at all times when in the lab.
• Lab coats should be stored in a designated pouch or bag after use.
• Contact lenses are prohibited in the laboratory.
• Wear appropriate gloves for various chemicals.
• Sandals are prohibited.
• Keep long hair tied back and away from chemicals.
• Do not wear jewelry.
• Avoid wearing a watch.
• Do not bring radio, headphones, etc. into the laboratory.
• Use both hands to carry items in the lab (e.g., glassware).
• Never touch broken glass with your hands.
• Dispose of broken glassware in the designated receptacle, not the regular waste bin.
• Everyone must know the location and use of the first aid kit, fire extinguishers, and emergency showers.
• Safety equipment must be maintained and not used unnecessarily.
• Do not smell directly from bottles and avoid inhaling vapors.
• Open containers containing chemicals within a fume hood.
• Experiments that produce fumes should always be conducted in a fume hood.
• Avoid chemical contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• In case of a large chemical spill, inform the lab technician immediately.
• Shorts or skirts above the knee are not allowed in the laboratory.
• Inform the lab technician immediately in case of danger or accidents.
• If a chemical in a beaker or flask catches fire, cover the flame with a beaker or damp cloth (only if the fire is small).
• Use the appropriate fire extinguisher and fire blanket for larger fires.
• For a large fire, evacuate the lab and alert other buildings.
• Call the Fire Department.
• Gather at the designated assembly point in case of fire.
• Water is effective for fire-related materials like wood, paper, cloth, and plastic but is not effective for electrical fires or flammable liquids.

General Safety Rules for Chemical Reagents

• Work with hazardous reagents only in the fume hood.
• Do not pipette by mouth.
• Use rubber suckers (bulbs) for proper pipetting.
• Use only the required amount of reagents in the experiment.
• Do not return excess reagent to the container (consult the lab technician for disposal).
• Do not heat flammable liquids or solutions in open containers or with Bunsen burners.

Laboratory Waste

• Do not pour chemical waste into sinks or regular trash bins.
• Chemical waste must be collected in designated containers and delivered to a collection company for neutralization.
• Avoid mixing incompatible chemicals to prevent dangerous reactions.

Toxic Substances

• Treat all chemicals as potential poisons unless otherwise indicated.
• If you sustain a small cut, let the blood flow for a few seconds, disinfect the wound, and bandage it.

Carcinogens

• Metallic mercury vapors and volatile compounds are dangerous poisons.
• If working with known carcinogenic compounds, avoid inhaling fumes or contact with the skin.

Other Safety Issues

• Discuss incomplete lab experiments with the lab technician/instructor.
• When heating a substance in a test tube, point the mouth away from other people.
• Use clamps or tongs to handle hot glassware.

Exam for Lab Safety

• A lab safety exam is required (80% or higher passing score) before starting lab courses.
• The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice and/or true/false questions.
• The exam will be held on October 9th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m..