Laboratory Precautions
by Bernadeth Castilleja
Laboratory Precautions
Laboratory experience is essential in all science classes. Experiments are carried out to test a hypothesis formed through researching a particular problem. Although the results of an experiment should not come as a complete surprise, you must always be prepared for the unexpected.
Safety is always a concern with any lab. To ensure that you and your classmates will not be injured in science class, be very familiar with the science lab safety procedures.
We will divide the safety procedures into three areas. Each has 10 tips for you to observe.
Before the experiment
ü Wear your laboratory gown or apron. It will help protect your clothing from stain or damage as well as cover some skin from skin from being exposed to chemicals or flames.
ü Tie back your long hair when preparing to work with open flames.
ü Remove hand jewelry like bracelets, rings, and watches ‘coz some experiments ma involve acids or magnetic sources and may cause damage.
ü Wear your safety goggles at all times.
ü When handling some plants, animals, and chemicals, wear gloves.
ü Familiarize your location and know how to use fire extinguishers, hoses, alarms, emergency eyewash, sink, and other emergency apparatus.
ü Check wires to see if there are exposed and non- insulated sections.
ü If you’re going to bring additional equipment, make sure there is enough space for it.
ü Check the electrical requirements so as not to cause an overload.
ü Always inspect equipments before using and keep the damage equipment away and out of reach.
During the experiment
ü Be alert in your movements and those around, you might get entangled.
ü Horseplay, pushing and shoving are inappropriate for the lab because this action can cause accidents and injury.
ü Keep your work area dry.
ü If one of your equipment was damaged, stop and inform your teacher.
ü Never taste or sniff anything unless instructed to do so by your teacher.
ü Light your burners and other heat source properly.
ü Don’t reach across an open flame.
ü Use tongs or test tube holder when holding heated glassware.
ü When heating substances point away the container from your body.
ü Turn off ang heat sources after using.
After the experiment
ü Wash your hands properly after doing the experiments.
ü Check if your heat source is off.
ü Return all used equipments to their proper storage.
ü If one of your glassware has broken or has cracked must be disposed properly.
ü All glassware should be properly cleaned and air-dried.
ü Use a cleaning solution for your glassware.
ü Don’t dispose hazardous waste in the “trash can” or just pouring it in the sink.
ü Dispose all waste in designated containers.
ü Radioactive materials must not be disposed of. Instead contact the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.
ü When washing your lab. Gown or apron, separate them from your other laundry because some stains may damage your other clothes.
Now its time for our activity, can you spot the wrong doings of this young chemist ?
by Bernadeth Castilleja
Laboratory Precautions
Laboratory experience is essential in all science classes. Experiments are carried out to test a hypothesis formed through researching a particular problem. Although the results of an experiment should not come as a complete surprise, you must always be prepared for the unexpected.
Safety is always a concern with any lab. To ensure that you and your classmates will not be injured in science class, be very familiar with the science lab safety procedures.
We will divide the safety procedures into three areas. Each has 10 tips for you to observe.
Before the experiment
ü Wear your laboratory gown or apron. It will help protect your clothing from stain or damage as well as cover some skin from skin from being exposed to chemicals or flames.
ü Tie back your long hair when preparing to work with open flames.
ü Remove hand jewelry like bracelets, rings, and watches ‘coz some experiments ma involve acids or magnetic sources and may cause damage.
ü Wear your safety goggles at all times.
ü When handling some plants, animals, and chemicals, wear gloves.
ü Familiarize your location and know how to use fire extinguishers, hoses, alarms, emergency eyewash, sink, and other emergency apparatus.
ü Check wires to see if there are exposed and non- insulated sections.
ü If you’re going to bring additional equipment, make sure there is enough space for it.
ü Check the electrical requirements so as not to cause an overload.
ü Always inspect equipments before using and keep the damage equipment away and out of reach.
During the experiment
ü Be alert in your movements and those around, you might get entangled.
ü Horseplay, pushing and shoving are inappropriate for the lab because this action can cause accidents and injury.
ü Keep your work area dry.
ü If one of your equipment was damaged, stop and inform your teacher.
ü Never taste or sniff anything unless instructed to do so by your teacher.
ü Light your burners and other heat source properly.
ü Don’t reach across an open flame.
ü Use tongs or test tube holder when holding heated glassware.
ü When heating substances point away the container from your body.
ü Turn off ang heat sources after using.
After the experiment
ü Wash your hands properly after doing the experiments.
ü Check if your heat source is off.
ü Return all used equipments to their proper storage.
ü If one of your glassware has broken or has cracked must be disposed properly.
ü All glassware should be properly cleaned and air-dried.
ü Use a cleaning solution for your glassware.
ü Don’t dispose hazardous waste in the “trash can” or just pouring it in the sink.
ü Dispose all waste in designated containers.
ü Radioactive materials must not be disposed of. Instead contact the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.
ü When washing your lab. Gown or apron, separate them from your other laundry because some stains may damage your other clothes.
Now its time for our activity, can you spot the wrong doings of this young chemist ?