What is it?
Laboratory safety is very important. This safety is demonstrated in the laboratory by use of special articles such as tongs, goggles, aprons, etc.
Why use it?
Laboratory precaution is used so that scientists, students, or anyone else participating in an experiment does not get harmed in the process.
What are some examples?
-Wearing goggles to protect eyes from chemicals
-Wearing gloves to protect hands from substances
-Wearing an apron to avoid staining clothes
-Having a fire extinguisher, shower for acids, eye wash, sinks, fume hood, and emergency water nearby
-Using tongs to pick up and move hot objects
-Avoiding mixing unknown or unstable chemicals together
-Having a supervisor watch over the process so they know what to do in emergency
-Cleaning up once finished so the area can be used in future with no hazards around
-Keeping flammable objects out of laboratory area
-Maintaining proper ventilation system
-Keeping proper medical supplies nearby
-Be careful, do not work alone, and use proper gear (don't abuse)
What items represent these examples?
Gloves, goggles, apron, tongs, emergency water, fire hydrant, eye wash, sinks, shower for removing acids, fume hood, medical supplies etc. (See photo gallery)
Sample Problem:
If a liquid is boiling, what should you use to move it?
Answer:
Tongs
Whiteboard Video:
http://eanes.tx.schoolwebpages.com/education/sctemp/1ab81cc52a313087e65500fa6bab86eb/LaboratorySafety_Wiki_video.wmv
Helpful Website:
http://www.labsafety.com