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Follow Safety Procedures in Science Labs
When learning and researching in a science lab, you must always remember that safety comes first. There is always potential for things to turn out differently than expected and for accidents to easily occur.
Safety must always be the number one priority of any experiment. This article will go through the different types of basic safety instruction that will help to keep those experimenting safe, if they are willing to heed the advice.
There are many different types of safety that need to be addressed in this article including fire safety, glassware safety, sharp instrument safety, eye safety, electrical safety, chemical safety, and eye safety.
Depending on the type of experiment that you want to perform some of these safety precautions may be more applicable to a particular lab than others. While others may not be pertinent at all to the particular experiment or type of researching you are doing.
Fire safety is important if there is going to be any fire, heating, or burning device used during the experiment. Examples would include the use of a Bunsen burner, stove, or alcohol lamp. All of these items involve the use of fire and flame.
Remember that to use equipment is a privilege. 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 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 thing to be aware of when experimenting. Glassware is vital in most science experiments. As a scientist, you will 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 walking in certain areas.
Immediately clean up the broken glass ensuring 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 sharp instruments. These would include knifes, scissors, tweezers, and any other objects with pointed or jagged edges.
Sharp instruments are often needed in the lab in order to perform certain experiments. Be wise when using these.
Don't make swift movements. Make sure you have dry hands so that these objects do not slip from them. Do not 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 damage to your vision. Alcohol wipes should be used to clean the goggles before using.
If something gets into your eyes be sure to immediately stop what you are doing. Proceed to flush out the eye if it is a liquid or chemical.
Safety goggles that are vented should be used when working with chemicals. Safety glasses can also be used for impact safety.
Electrical safety is also very important. Many labs involve the use of electrical devices.
Hold the plug firmly by the insulating cover when plugging it in or unplugging it. 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 is important. Often, labs 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.
Conduct yourself in an appropriate manner at all times in the lab. This includes staying focused on the task, interacting appropriately with other researchers, and not messing or playing around during the lab.
Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum while in a science lab. This will not only keep the lab cleaner but it will be safer for you.
By following these simple steps you will create a safer lab environment for experiments.
About the Author Jack R. Landry has worked since 1987 selling laboratory products and supplies to various labs and schools across the country. He has written hundreds of articles about lab supplies. Contact Info: Jack R. Landry JackRLandry@gmail.com http://www.avogadro-lab-supply.com
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