Lab Safety
General Precautions Fire Chemicals

Scientists "live" in laboratories: this is where science happens. So it's easy to forget that the laboratory is a potentially dangerous place. As a Biology major, you will be sharing laboratory space, reagents, and equipment with others. This is true of most biology labs in which you might work in the future. A few general rules and the liberal application of common sense and courtesy will help to make working in the lab safer and more enjoyable for you and your colleagues.

You are responsible for understanding and applying the precautions given below and any other safety precautions given by your instructor, either orally or in writing. Always ask your instructor about any lab procedures that are unclear to you.

 

 
 General Precautions
Do not fool around or indulge in horseplay in the laboratory.
No smoking, eating, drinking, or applying makeup at any time in the laboratory.
Do not put anything in your mouth, like pens or pencils. Remember that microorganisms and potentially harmful chemicals are used in the laboratory. Wash your hands frequently, and always before leaving the laboratory.
Shoes must be worn in the lab at all times. Do not wear loose clothing or dangling jewelry. Keep long hair tied back, out of the way.
Soft contact lenses should not be worn while you are working with preserved specimens; such lenses can absorb fumes and irritate the eyes.
See that broken glassware is cleaned up immediately. Do not pick up broken pieces of glass in your hand, use a broom or brush. If broken glass is on a bench top, use wet paper towels to pick up small slivers of glass.
Be careful with cords from electrical equipment (microscopes, hot plates, etc.). Be sure they are out of the way and cannot get accidentally hooked by an arm or a leg.
Always use hot plates with care. Do not allow beakers or flasks to boil dry.
Keep your work area neat and clean.
Avoid working in the lab when there is no one else around. If you must do so, be sure tell someone else where you are and when you expect to be back.

 

 Fire

If a fire should break out in the laboratory, leave the room immediately and call for help.
Know where fire blankets are located, and be sure you understand their use.
Do not use open flames near flammable liquids such as alcohol, ether, or organic solvents.
Do not throw any flammable solvents in the waste basket. Flush them down the sink with a large quantity of cold water or follow the directions given by your instructor.
When working near Bunsen burners or other open flames, be sure that loose clothing does not come near the flame. Long hair must be tied back.

 

Chemicals  

Biology students must become familiar with the college's Chemical Safety guidelines.
All chemicals used in the lab must be handled with care; follow all directions given by your instructor for their correct use.
Never pipet any solution by mouth.
Any work with volatile solvents or other hazardous chemicals must be carried out in a fume hood.
Strong acids and alkalis are not only poisonous but may also be harmful to skin and clothing. Handle with care and be sure to wash drops of such liquids from bench tops or from the outsides of bottles.
Report all major spills. Clean up minor spills immediately.
Be careful when handling dyes or stains; these can stain clothing and skin.

 

Handbook Contents
Top of page
Next Page

http://www.biology.sbc.edu/handbook/labsafety.htm
This page is maintained by Linda Fink: lfink@sbc.edu
Last updated July 2006