January 4, 2012
Biology I
Why Are Rules and Symbols
Important?
 Working in a laboratory can be an exciting experience,
but it can also be dangerous if proper safety rules are
not followed.
 To prepare yourself for a safe experience in lab, copy
and LEARN these safety rules.
 Please note that these rules have been summarized to save time and
paper. If you do not understand a rule, please raise your hand and ask
me to further explain.
Dress Code
 Wear safety goggles when working with chemicals,
burners, or any substance that might get into your
eyes. Avoid wearing contacts on lab days.
 Wear lab aprons or coats when working with chemicals
or heated substances.
 Tie back long hair when working in lab. Remove any
jewelry or clothing that may hang down during
experiments.
General Safety Rules and First Aid
 Read all direction several times before conducting an
experiment. Never perform investigations not
authorized by the teacher.
 Never handle equipment unless you have teacher’s
permission.
 If you spill a substance, ask your teacher immediately
about the proper cleanup procedure. Never pour
chemicals or other substances into the sink or trash
can.
General Safety Rules and First Aid
 Immediately report all accidents, no matter how
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minor.
Never eat, drink, or bring food in the lab.
Learn proper procedure for specific accidents (ex.
Rinse acid off your body with lots of water).
Know the location of all first aid kits; teacher will
administer any first aid that is needed.
Know the location of fire extinguishers and fire
alarms. Report any fires to your teacher immediately.
Heating and Fire Safety
 Never use a heat source without wearing goggles.
 Never heat a chemical you are not instructed to heat.
 Maintain a clean work area and keep materials away
from open flames.
 Never reach across a flame.
 Make sure you know proper procedure in lighting a
Bunsen burner.
Heating and Fire Safety
 When heating a test tube or bottle, point the opening
away from yourself and others.
 Never heat a closed container.
 Never pick up a container that has been heated
without first holding the back of your hand near it to
feel the heat.
Using Chemical Safety
 Never mix chemicals for “fun.”
 Never touch, taste, or smell a chemical that you do not
know for certain is harmless. If instructed to smell a
chemical, gently wave your hand over the container
toward your nose.
 Use only those chemicals needed in the investigations.
Keep all container lids closed when a chemical is not
being used.
 Notify your teacher if there is a chemical spill.
Using Chemical Safety
 Dispose of chemical as instructed by your teacher. To
avoid contamination, never return chemicals to their
original containers.
 Be extra careful when working with acids and/or bases.
Pour such containers from one container to another
over the sink, not your work area.
 When diluting acid, pour the acid into the water!!!!
Never pour water into the acid.
 If any acids or bases get on your skin or clothing, rinse
them with water. Immediately notify your teacher!
Using Glassware Safely
 Never heat glassware that is not thoroughly dry. Use a
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wire screen to protect glassware from any flame.
Never pick up glassware without first checking to see if
it is hot.
Never use broken or chipped glassware. Notify your
teacher if glass breaks.
Never eat or drink from laboratory glassware.
Thoroughly clean glassware before putting it away.
Let the teacher know if you cut yourself with
glassware.
Working with Live Organisms
 No experiment that will cause pain, discomfort, or
harm to animals should be done in the classroom or at
home.
 Your teacher will instruct you how to handle species
brought into the class. Animals should be handled
only if necessary.
 Clean your hands thoroughly after handling any
organism or material.
End of Experiment Rules
 Clean your work area and return equipment to its
proper place.
 Wash your hands before and after every experiment.
 Turn off all burners before leaving the laboratory.
Check gas lines leading to the burners to see if they are
off as well.
Find What’s Wrong…
 Look at the two pictures. You and your partner should
“Rally Robin” and discuss and write what’s wrong with
the pictures.
 Rally Robin means when one person talks, the other
person listens and vice versa!
 Take about 1 minute to complete this assignment.
Silly Sport
 Let’s count to 10!!! .
 Good luck!
Safety Symbols
 Look on page 1062 Appendix B or on your handout.
 These are the safety symbols that you must recognize
and learn.
 Use your handout as a study guide.
These are some sample safety symbols. We will go over this material
after 30 minutes.
Begin to review your safety rules and symbols. If it helps, you
can make flash cards as a study aid.
Any Questions…