Lab Safety
#1
 Do not bring food, drink, or tobacco into
the lab.
 Do not invite friends into the lab.
 Keep pencils, fingers, etc. out of your
mouth, ears, eyes, nose, etc.
#2
 Wear protective clothing at all times.
 Shoes are always required
 Open-toed sandals are not allowed.
#3
 Do not take any cultures out of the lab
for any reason.
#4
 Wipe the bench tops down with
disinfectant both before you begin your
work and after you have completed your
work.
#5
 Keep nonessential books and clothing
far away from your work area.
#6
 Wash your hands with soap and water for 15 seconds
before and after you work in the lab, or if you leave the
lab for any reason.
#7
 Do not mouth pipette ever!!!!!!!!!!
#8
 Be careful near bunsen burners.
 Tie long hair back away from the face.
 Turn off burners when not in use.
#9
 Beware of the chemicals and reagents
used in biochemical tests.
#10
 Report any accidents (spills, broken glass, cuts, or
injuries) to your instructor immediately.
#11
 Dispose of contaminated or used materials quickly and
in the manner set forth by your instructor.
#12
 Label all of your tubes and plates exactly as directed by
your instructor.
 Place all cultures for incubation exactly where
instructed or you risk their loss.
 Any cultures not handled accordingly will be
discarded!!!
#13
 Keep microscopes clean and the
objectives free of oil.
Why is Lab Safety Important?
 Lab safety is a major aspect of every lab based
science class.
 Lab safety rules and symbols are needed so that
students do not injure themselves or their
classmates.
Lab Safety Rules
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at
all times. No Horseplay!
2. Do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or
other materials until told to do so.
3. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew
gum in the lab. Do not use lab glassware as
food or beverage containers
4. Report ALL accidents immediately, even if
you think it is minor.
Clothing
Wear:
Do NOT Wear:
• Goggles/safety glasses
• Sandals
• Closed-toed shoes
• Jewelry
• Clothing made of
• Loose or Baggy
natural based fiber
such as cotton
• Tie back long hair
clothing
Lab Safety Equipment
Safety Shower
Eye Wash
Safety Goggles
Lab Safety Equipment
Fire
Extinguisher
Fire Blanket
Fume Hood
Lab Safety Symbols
Found in your textbook
 Glassware
 Electrical
 Heat
 Animal
 Eye and Face
 Chemical
 Sharps
 Fire
Other Chemical Hazards
and Symbols
 Flammable
 Explosive
 Toxic/Poison
 Irritant
 Corrosive
 Environmental
Chemical Hazard Symbols
and Definitions
 Flammable – Any substance that will burn if
exposed to an open flame.
 Explosive – A substance that may explode if
exposed to heat or flame.
Chemical Hazard Symbols
and Definitions
 Toxic/Poison – A substance that can
lead to death if inhaled, ingested, or
absorbed by the skin.
 Corrosive – A substance that can
destroy or burn living tissue and can
eat away at other materials.
Chemical Hazard Symbols
and Definitions
 Irritant - A substance that causes
inflammation upon contact with skin or
mucous membranes.
 Environmental - Substances that are
harmful to the environment. They must be
disposed of properly, not washed down the
drain.
Accidents and Injuries
 Report ALL accidents and injuries immediately!!!
 Be aware of safety hazards associated with
each chemical you use.
 Eye accident – Wash the eye with copious
amounts of water for at least 15 min.
 Fire Burns – Stop, Drop, and be covered with a
fire blanket or soaked with water. Do not remove
clothing stuck to victim. Get medical attention
immediately.