Lab Safety Handout PDF

23-24 Project: _________________________________________________________________ Name: ______________________ Period: _________ LAB SAFETY, OATH, AND PRECAUTIONS It’s that time of the year. Testing is over, and you want to get to the fun stuff of science. All year you’ve wanted to blow something up (...

23-24 Project: _________________________________________________________________ Name: ______________________ Period: _________ LAB SAFETY, OATH, AND PRECAUTIONS It’s that time of the year. Testing is over, and you want to get to the fun stuff of science. All year you’ve wanted to blow something up (which isn’t done in biology, or at least shouldn’t be done) or dissect an animal. SO MANY OPTIONS Well, today marks the first day for this opportunity (the dissection)! But first, there MUST be a universal understanding regarding LAB SAFETY and EXPECTATIONS. This lesson will discuss the following: - Lab Safety Rules Hippocratic Oath Universal Precautions Specimen Respect and Disposal Dissection Tools Lab Safety Rules Lab safety is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT when conducting scientific experiments and dissecting specimens. It is crucial to follow proper procedures to ensure the safety of yourself and others in the lab. This prevents injuries and, in severe cases, death! Some important lab safety rules to remember are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. ALWAYS wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles (aprons included) NEVER eat or drink in the lab BE AWARE of emergency exits and evacuation procedures FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS carefully, always waiting for your instructor before performing ANY task NEVER run or play in the lab Properly dispose of waste materials (this is guided by your instructor) IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY your instructor of any spills or accidents BE CAUTIOUS when using sharp objects ALWAYS ASK for help if you are unsure about something, NEVER act first Remember, safety comes first in the lab! 23-24 Project: _________________________________________________________________ Name: ______________________ Period: _________ Hippocratic Oath Attributed to the work of Greek physician Hippocrates, the Hippocratic oath is foundational documentation that emphasizes the importance of ethical (proper) and professional conduct in prioritizing the well-being of a patient. Within the actual oath, there are 7 I WILL statements followed by a closing. Even though this applies to doctors in medicine for humans, you will be handling a deceased patient (your animal). Therefore, THIS OATH APPLIES TO YOU AS WELL! We will apply a simplified oath for our upcoming lab: I will act responsibly applying required resources without overbearing or neglecting the need to respect my animal. I will remember to show respect and understanding beyond the dissection towards my instructor, peers, and animal. I will ask for help from my instructor. I will prevent disease to myself and peers by following lab safety rules. I promise to uphold these statements and remember them. I will follow the directions of my instructor and ensure the safety of myself and peers while preserving respect for my animal. In our case, our animal is deceased, but still deserves respect. Your dissection kit entitles you to special obligations and special rules to be ALWAYS applied! Universal Precautions Universal precautions are essential guidelines that recommend treating all lab environments as potentially hazardous to prevent the spread of infections and maintain a safe working environment. This means taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others, regardless of whether you think a substance or specimen is harmless. By following universal precautions, you can minimize the risk of exposure to pathogens and ensure the safety of everyone in the lab. Remember, it is important to always assume that all materials you encounter during a dissection lab could potentially pose a risk, and to take necessary measures to protect yourself and prevent the spread of any potential infections. Universal Precautions are BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS and INFECTIOUS WASTE! 23-24 Project: _________________________________________________________________ Name: ______________________ Period: _________ Animal Respect and Disposal When preparing for a dissection lab, it is important to understand the differences between handling live animals and preserved animals. Live animals are organisms that are alive and require special care and handling to ensure their well-being. These animals are euthanized and used fresh. Preserved animals, on the other hand, have been treated with chemicals to prevent decay and are no longer alive. These animals are typically stored before use. When handling deceased animals, it is crucial to wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any potential chemicals or pathogens present. Proper disposal of preserved animals should be done according to the guidelines provided by your instructor, and any spills or contamination should be cleaned up immediately with appropriate cleaning materials. By taking these precautions and following proper disposal and cleaning procedures, you can ensure a safe and successful dissection lab experience. Our animals are preserved with liquid preservatives (typically alcohols and latex), and we will be using a 10% bleach cleanser. Your instructor will dispose of the animals properly. Dissection Tools While a typical dissection kit contains many useful tools for positioning, sectioning, and removing various components. You will be using the following: Scissors Forceps Pins Probe Scalpel Scissors – used to cut tissues/bone Forceps – used to maneuver tissues/organs Pins – used to position tissues in a specific place Probe – used to move organs and point to areas of importance Scalpel – used to slice through tissues with sensitivity