Before Lab
At all times while in the lab area you must follow all classroom rules and behave in an appropriate manner or
you will not be allowed to participate in laboratory activities. You should come to class prepared with any
pre-lab assignments or instructions that have been given.
⋅ While working in the lab area safety goggles should be worn at all times.
⋅ All long hair should be tied back; open-toed shoes, baggy clothing, and loose jewelry should also be
avoided.
⋅ Know the location and proper use of all safety equipment (including fire extinguisher, fire blanket, firstaid kit, eye wash station, and sink) as well as classroom exits.
⋅ Food and drink are not allowed in the lab area.
⋅ Never work alone in the laboratory.
⋅ If there is an accident or a problem, immediately stop what you are doing and report it to your instructor.
During Lab
⋅ Before beginning any procedures, read through all lab instructions that your instructor has given.
⋅ If you do not understand the instructions or the procedures, ask for clarification.
⋅ Perform only procedures or experiments that have been assigned by your instructor.
⋅ Clean up all spills, including water, and messes immediately before proceeding.
⋅ Wear an apron whenever using acids, bases, or stains.
⋅ All solutions, chemicals, and specimens should be treated with care.
⋅ Never taste or smell anything in the lab. If instructed to smell something, use your hand to gently waft the vapors to
your nose.
Fire / Electrical Safety
⋅ Know the location and proper use of the fire blanket and fire extinguisher.
⋅ Never directly touch something that may be hot, use a hot mitt or tongs instead.
⋅ When heating, always point test tubes away from yourself or others.
⋅ Never use electrical equipment near water or moisture.
⋅ Extinguish all uncontrolled flames immediately and notify your instructor.
⋅ If a burn is received, immediately place the burned area under cold water and notify instructor.
⋅ Always make sure that all flames and electrical equipment are turned off when not in use.
Glassware / Sharp Object Safety
⋅ Never use glassware that is cracked or chipped (even if it does not leak).
⋅ When using a blade, never use a dull blade and always cut downward and away from your body.
⋅ If a cut is received, immediately wash the cut, apply pressure to stop the bleeding, and notify your
instructor.
⋅ Always dispose of broken glass in a glass disposal box and notify your instructor.
Chemical Safety
⋅ Know the location and proper use of the eye-wash, sinks, and chemical showers.
⋅ Know the location of sand or vermiculite in case of acid spills.
⋅ When diluting, always pour acids into water. Do not pour water into acid.
⋅ If a chemical is spilled on your person, immediately flush the area with water and notify the instructor.
⋅ Dispose of chemicals only as instructed in marked containers.
Biological Safety
⋅ Wear protective gloves when handling biological specimens.
⋅ If you come into direct contact with biological specimens or fluids, immediately notify your instructor.
⋅ Dispose of all biological cultures or materials containing live cultures in the proper biohazard bags.
After Lab
Before leaving the lab area, return all equipment to its proper place and make sure that your lab area is
cleaned up. After completing the lab wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
(Hope this helped)
