Lab 0-A Lab Safety Training

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 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 environment
for possible hazards
Follow the lab safety plan
Stay focused when you're
doing procedures

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!

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

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

Lab 0-A Lab Safety Training

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Lab 0-A Lab Safety Training