Angel, Czelica H. August 18, 2020
BSCE 1 – OL51 Exercise 1.1
Laboratory Safety
A laboratory is a place where many scientific research and experiments are made.
However, not only scientists or people in the field are using this, but also students. It helps us to
learn, observe, and understand many things. A laboratory is a dangerous place. To avoid
accidents like spilling of chemicals, burns, poisoning, having broken tools or machinery, and
others, there are safety measures that need to be observed. Laboratory safety helps to keep safe
inside the lab. These are important to keep an individual’s risk to hazard. Following these
measures can save a person in life and death situations while working in a lab. If these safety
rules did not follow, then you might get hurt. First off, it is essential to familiarize with the
equipment, signages, working space, location of first aid kits, and fire exit. Never start an activity
without the presence of an instructor. Be aware of the things happening around you. Being
mindful makes you focus on the lab works.
When working inside the lab, always wear comfortable clothes with a lab coat with
closed-toed shoes to avoid any chemical splash into the skin. For the girls, hair should be tied up
because it can easily get in the chemical or flame. Accessories are not necessary for the reason it
might fell into the solutions. Wear eye goggles to protect eyes when irritation occurs, wash eyes
until it stops. Wash hands first and dry before wearing gloves to keep hands free from chemicals.
Bags on the working space or aisle does not help; hence keep things on the side to have enough
space. Avoid eating or drinking; it can cause accidental ingestion of hazardous materials. In
getting chemicals or solutions, read the label first before pouring and get what is enough. Excess
cannot be return to the original container. Pay attention when doing experiments. Avoid facing
apparatuses being heated. Use thongs or heat-protective gloves to avoid burns. Always keep the
flammable things away from fire. Know where the fire extinguisher is located. Chemicals should
not be tasted or smelled; it is not food. If to use a microscope, one hand underneath and the other
is holding the arm to avoid it from falling. Keep the electricity from water. Inform the instructor