subject: Basic Science Lab Safety Tips [print this page] Although learning and researching in a science lab are important, there is one thing that should always be considered more important. That is to remember that in a lab safety comes first.
Safety must always be the number one priority whenever you take the time to experiment.
Main safety steps can be categorized into a few different overall types including fire safety, glassware safety, sharp instrument safety, eye safety, electrical safety, chemical safety, and eye safety.
Depending on the type of experiment that is being performed some of these safety precautions may be more applicable to certain labs. While others safety procedures may not apply to the type of experiment being performed at all.
Fire safety is important if there is going to be any fire, heating, or burning device used at any point during the experiment. Examples of the use of fire would include the use of a Bunsen burners, stoves, matches, or alcohol lamps.
Remember that to use lab equipment is a privilege, not a right. If someone is not properly using the supplies they should be taught how to properly use the item. Take care to follow safety procedures that will help to keep you safe when using anything related to fire.
A few procedures to ensure safety include making sure you use gloves or other protection if picking up a warm or hot object; not placing body parts into a flame; making sure you know where to turn off the gas; and ensuring that long hair is tied back and long sleeves are rolled up so that they don't accidentally start on fire.
Glassware safety is another important safety feature. Glass can generally be found throughout a lab area.
Glassware is vital in most science experiments. As a scientist, you will most likely be exposed to glassware a lot.
If not handled with care, glassware can cause serious harm. Make others in the area aware if you break glassware so that they can be careful when walking in certain areas.
Immediately clean up the broken glass. Be careful not to touch the glass with your bare hands. Instead use a broom or vacuum to pick up glass pieces.
Make sure that you properly and carefully cleaned up all of the small pieces of glass. Dispose of the broken glass in the appropriate container.
Sharp instrument safety is something that you should keep in mind when you have to work with any pointed instruments. These would include knives, scissors, tweezers, and any other objects with pointed or jagged edges.
Sharp instruments are common in the lab. Many experiments require the use of sharp tools.
When handling sharp objects, don't make swift movements and be aware of what is going on around you, and don't play or roughhouse during an experiment in which sharp instruments are involved.
Eye safety is very important. Often labs require that you wear safety glasses.
The purpose of such glasses is to prevent any damage from occurring to your vision. If you do use goggles, alcohol wipes should be used to clean the goggles before using.
If something gets into your eyes, the first thing you need to do is immediately stop what you are doing. Get to a sink and then proceed to flush out the eye. Vented safety goggles should always be used when working with chemicals.
Electrical safety should always be taken into consideration. Many labs involve the use of electrical devices.
Hold the plug firmly by the insulating cover when plugging in items or unplugging them. Don't unplug an electrical device by pulling on its cord. Be careful not to cut cords that are connected to an electrical outlet.
When working with chemicals, chemical safety should be a top priority. Many lab experiments will involve the use of chemicals.
Be careful to keep chemicals off your skin and out of your mouth and eyes. If you get any chemical on your skin or in your eyes wash or flush it out immediately.
Animal safety is extremely important if the use of animals is needed for an experiment.Occasionally you will encounter animals in the science lab. Please be careful to keep from being bitten. Wear gloves if needed.
There are a few other safety suggestions that can help create a safe environment in the lab.
While participating in any lab it is important to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner at all times. This includes staying focused on the task, interacting appropriately with other researchers, and not messing around or roughhousing during the lab.
Also remember that it is not a good idea to eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum while in a science lab. This will not only keep the lab cleaner but will be safer for you. Labs often have dangerous chemicals that can be very harmful if swallowed.
If you follow these basic safety steps you will be safer during experiments and keep those around you safer as well.
