Lab Safety Station Lab: Read It

Read It: Lab Safety Rules

Read the information about lab safety below. As you read, try to identify important ideas to remember about lab safety. Write the most important idea on the Station Lab worksheet in the Read It section. When you have finished, take the 4 question quiz to see what you learned. Record your quiz score in the Read It section of your Station Lab worksheet. 

Could Any of These Have Been Prevented?

Accidents occur when you least expect them. That is why it is so crucial to always be aware and mindful while working in the science lab. Watch the video below that shows some silly accidents. Think about how they could have been prevented with a little bit of preparation and awareness.

Being in the Lab

• Labs can be a fun and exciting learning environment.
• It is a privilege for those who can follow instructions.
• Labs can be a very dangerous place if people are careless and take things for granted.

Practicing Lab Safety

• You can enjoy science more often.
• You gain the trust of your teacher.
• You keep yourself and others from serious harm.
  So let’s begin…

Take a look at this picture. How many unsafe lab procedures can you identify in 30 seconds?

What Can We Do To Prevent Accidents?

• Be well prepared.
• Actively seek signs of danger.
• Know the proper procedures.

10 Basic Lab Safety Rules

1. Get permission before starting.
2. Study the procedures.
3. Use safety equipment like goggles.
4. Always point materials away from you and other students.
5. Never eat or drink in a lab; do not inhale or taste any chemicals.
6. Know the location of safety equipment and how to use it: fire extinguisher, fire blanket, first aid kit, eyewash and fire alarm.
7. Be aware of open flames; tie back long hair and loose clothing.
8. Never run if you are caught on fire.
9. Keep area organized and clean.
10. Report any incidences to the instructor, no matter how minor.

Basic First Aid

• Always notify your instructor of any injury IMMEDIATELY.
• Burns: apply cold water.
• Cuts: stop bleeding by applying direct pressure. Cover cuts with a clean dressing.
• Bruises: Apply cold compresses to bruises.
• Fainting: Leave the person lying down. Loosen tight clothing and don’t crowd.
• Foreign matter in eye: Use the eyewash station and flush with plenty of water.
• Poisoning: Note the suspect poisoning agent FIRST then call teacher/poison control.
• Inducing vomiting is not always the remedy.
• Chemicals on skin: Flush with large amounts of water.

Lab Clean Up

• Turn off water/gas. Unplug electrical devices.
• Return materials to their proper places.
• Properly dispose of materials as instructed.
• Clean your work area.
• Wash your hands!!!

7 Safety Tips to Remember

• Stick to these 7 tips and you won’t have to worry about safety.
• Stick to these 7 tips and you won’t need first aid.
• Stick to these 7 tips and you can have fun in science this year!

#7: Be attentive to the task(s) at hand.

#6: Always check the equipment.

#5: Be attentive to those around you.

#4: Keep your eyes on the experiment.

#3: Don't leave your experiment unattended. 

#2: ALWAYS inform your instructor of any incidents, no matter how minor.

#1: Stay calm and don't panic. You might end up injuring yourself.

Don't forget to take the quiz!!