Biology:Laboratory Safety

Safety Goggles

Wear safety goggles to
protect your eyes in any activity involving
chemicals, flames or heating, or glassware.

Lab Apron

Wear a laboratory apron to
protect your skin and clothing from damage.

Breakage

Handle breakable materials,
such as glassware, with care. Do not touch
broken glassware.

Heat-Resistant Gloves

Use an oven
mitt or other hand protection when handling
hot materials such as hot plates or hot glassware.

Plastic Gloves

Wear disposable plastic
gloves when working with harmful chemicals
and organisms. Keep your hands away from
your face, and dispose of the gloves according
to your teacher's instructions.

Heating

Use a clamp or tongs to pick up
hot glassware. Do not touch hot objects with
your bare hands.

Flames

Before you work with flames,
tie back loose hair and clothing. Follow
instructions from your teacher about lighting
and extinguishing flames.

No Flames

When using flammable
materials, make sure there are no flames,
sparks, or other exposed heat sources present.

Corrosive Chemical

Avoid getting acid
or other corrosive chemicals on your skin or
clothing or in your eyes. Do not inhale the
vapors. Wash your hands after the activity.

Poison

Do not let any poisonous chemical
come into contact with your skin, and do not
inhale its vapors. Wash your hands when you
are finished with the activity.

Fumes

Work in a ventilated area when harmful vapors may be involved. Avoid inhaling vapors directly. Only test an odor when directed to do so by your teacher, and use a wafting motion to direct the vapor toward your nose.

Sharp Object

Scissors, scalpels, knives,
needles, pins, and tacks can cut your skin.
Always direct a sharp edge or point away from
yourself and others.

Animal Safety

Treat live or preserved
animals or animal parts with care to avoid
harming the animals or yourself. Wash your
hands when you are finished with the activity.

Plant Safety

Handle plants only as directed by your teacher. If you are allergic to certain plants, tell your teacher; do not do an activity involving those plants. Avoid touching
harmful plants such as poison ivy. Wash your
hands when you are finished with the activi

Electric Shock

To avoid electric shock, never use electrical equipment around water, or when the equipment is wet or your hands are wet. Be sure cords are untangled and cannot
trip anyone. Unplug equipment not in use.

Physical Safety

When an experiment involves physical activity, avoid injuring yourself or others. Alert your teacher if there is any reason you should not participate.

Disposal

Dispose of chemicals and other laboratory materials safely. Follow the instructions from your teacher.

Hand Washing

Wash your hands thoroughly when finished with the activity. Use antibacterial soap and warm water. Rinse well.

General Safety Awareness

When this symbol appears, follow the instructions
provided. When you are asked to develop your
own procedure in a lab, have your teacher
approve your plan before you go further.