Laboratory Safety
Biology
Objective
The student will
demonstrate safe
practices during field
and laboratory
investigation.
Safety Rules
 NO
food or drink in the lab.
 NO horseplay or loud voices in the lab.
 Keep workstation neat and clean.
 Understand what you are doing
in the lab before beginning the lab experiment.
 Keep hands away from face while working.
 Know emergency procedures in case of an
emergency.
 Work with a partner, but produce your OWN work.
 Wash your hands before leaving the lab.
General Guidelines for Lab
Safety
 Only
perform experiments specifically
assigned by your teacher.
 Understand safety rules before entering
the lab.
 Tie back hair, roll up sleeves, put on and
leave on, any required safety protective
equipment for each lab.
General Guidelines for Lab
Safety
 Know
the location of all safety and
emergency equipment used in the
laboratory.
 Immediately report and accident,
incident, or hazard – no matter how trivial
–to teacher.
 In case of fire, alert your teacher and
leave the lab following given procedure.
 Do not eat or drink in the lab.
General Guidelines for Lab
Safety
 Do
not fool around or horseplay in the lab.
 Do not apply cosmetics in the lab.
 Keep your work area neat and
uncluttered.
 Clean your work area at the end of each
lab period.
 REMAIN with your lab group. NO TABLE
HOPPING.
Eye Safety
WEAR
SAFETY GOGGLES as
directed.
Do not touch your eyes or face
during lab and always wash your
hands after performing a lab or
activity.
Emergency Eye Wash Station
Immediately flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes.
Hold eyes open with fingers to get under lid.
Have lab partner notify teacher immediately.
Safety with Gases or Inhalants
 Do
not inhale any gas or vapor
WAFT any scent to your nostrils
ensure that you do not destroy
the mucus membranes of your
respiratory system.
 Handle materials that emit
vapors or gases in a well
ventilated area.
Sharp-Object Safety
 Use
extreme care when handling all
sharp and pointed instruments, such
as scalpels, sharp probes, and
knives.
Do
not cut objects while
holding them in your hand.

Cut objects on a suitable work
surface. Always cut in a direction
away from your body.
Heating Safety
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Hot plates look the same hot or cool.
NEVER touch a hot plate to determine its
temperature. ALWAYS assume hotplates
are hot and treat them as such.
Always inspect the electrical cord and
outlet of a hotplate prior to plugging it in.
Do not leave hot plates unattended.
Be aware of flames, sparks, or heat before
working with flammable materials.
When heating chemicals or solutions in a
test tube, do not point the test tube toward
anyone.
Avoid using open flames
Know the location and use of the fire
extinguisher and fire-safety blankets.
Use tongs or insulated holders when
handling heated objects.
Hygienic Care
 Keep
hands away from your face and mouth while
working in the lab.
 Wash your hands before leaving the lab.
 Use proper technique when handling bacteria or other
microorganisms. These are pathogens!!! Keep petri
dishes sealed. Dispose of petri dishes as instructed by
teacher for proper disposal.
 Wash hands after touching any cultures dish!
Spill of caustic material on clothing
 Get to safety shower ASAP. Remove all clothing and
rinse 15 minutes. Have partner inform teacher.
Permanent skin damage can occur from chemical spills.
Glassware Safety
 Inspect
glassware for chips or
cracks BEFORE using.
 Notify teacher immediately if
glassware breaks. Do not
attempt to pick it up with
hands.
 Dispose of broken glassware
in specified container. This
container is a labeled bucket
near the prep room door.
Clean up and
Proper Waste Disposal

Clean and Sanitize all work
surfaces and safety attire
after each lab period.

Dispose of all sharp objects
and contaminated
materials as directed by
your teacher.
Live Animals
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Always designate a SAFE ZONE
for animals prior to working with
them or removing them from their
habitat.
Notify teacher immediately if
scratched, bitten or injured by a
live animal.
Examine the animals in their
natural habitat first prior to
working with them outside of their
habitat.
Always wash your hands after
working with live animals.
Treat animals with care and with
respect at all times.
Remain calm and plan all
procedures ahead prior to
exposing animals to procedures.
Chemical Safety
 Always
wear safety goggles, gloves,
and a lab apron or coat when
working with any chemicals.
 Do
not touch, taste, or smell any
chemicals unless instructed by your
teacher.
 Know
location of eye wash and
shower stations.
 Do
not mix any chemicals unless
instructed to do so by your teacher.
 Do
not pour water into a strong acid
or base. Pour acid into the water.
Your Turn!
 During
lab you are an
important piece of the
puzzle; however, follow
safety guidelines so
that you do not stick
out 
 Lab Safety and
Guidelines for Safety in
Biology Exercise
 Lab
Safety Project