Lab Safety 2_Approaching_03

Why do you think it is important not to eat or drink in the lab? Would you want to accidentally ingest harmful chemicals? Eating in the lab is always against the rules. You may never know what dangerous chemicals may have been spilled before you arrived. More importantly, your full attention should be on doing the lab. It should not be on what you are eating or drinking.

What should you do if an accident happens?

You should report all accidents to the teacher. This applies for any accident, minor or major. The teacher needs to know so they can make sure everyone stays safe. Never feel bad about reporting an accident. Accidents are a part of doing experiments. They can happen even when we are careful.

The biggest mistake comes when an accident is not reported to the teacher. It is also important that you report potential hazards, such as broken, cracked, or chipped glassware. It may not be an immediate danger to you but could be to future students. The teacher serves as the expert to make sure everyone stays safe.

The teacher has a job to ensure students are safe. In addition to the teacher, you also have a duty to be safe. Among those duties is to know the location and use of emergency equipment.

Your lab room may have fire blankets and fire extinguishers. You must know the location of each. You must also know the locations of emergency exits. You should also know where the eyewash station and shower are located. Always, the most important rule is to obey the teacher’s instructions. He or she has the experience and training as a scientist to keep everyone safe. You should listen at all times. The lab is a place for Science, not for socializing or horseplay.