Safe laboratory operations and techniques
This document outlines safety devices and symbols used in the laboratory. It describes proper techniques for handling chemicals including using spatulas for solids and glass rods for liquids. When heating substances in test tubes, the test tube should be held at a 45 degree angle and moved back and forth across the flame away from people. Filters and filter paper are used to separate solid particles from liquids, leaving residue on the filter paper and filtrate passing through. Personal protective equipment like safety gowns, goggles, gloves, and masks should be worn, and chemicals must be properly disposed of and hands washed before and after activities. Common safety symbols indicate hazards involving poisons, electricity, heating, and hygiene.
Safe laboratory operations and techniques
- 1. SAFETY DEVICES AND SYMBOLS IN THE LABORATORY
- 2. Chemicals are used everyday. Accident prevention - Doing things is not merely the right way, but it is the only way.
- 3. Solid reagents are spooned out from the bottle with the use of a clean, dry spatula. They should not be handled with bare hands.
- 5. Liquid chemicals are stored in reagent bottles. When pouring a liquid into another container, use a glass rod/stirring rod to prevent the liquid from running down the sides of the container from which it is poured. The glass rod is held against the lip of the container.
- 7. Hold the test tube with a test tube holder tilted at 45 degrees. Heat the test tube moving it back and forth across the flame. Do not point the test tube toward anyone. Do not look into the test tube while it is being heated.
- 9. This method is used to separate solid particles from a liquid. Filter paper is used in the operation Residue- soil particles that left on the filter paper Filtrate- water that passes through the filter paper.
- 11. The process of pouring liquid while separating the solid particles. Supernatant liquid- the liquid obtain from the process.
- 12. Use a watch glass in getting the mass of a liquid. Do not place a chemical directly on the balance pan
- 13. Safety gown or apron Safety goggles/ lab helmet Gloves White mask
- 15. Poison- substance is harmful, deadly, and should not be touched, tasted, or inhaled.
- 16. Electric shock- indicates that electrical outlets should not be touched when the hands are wet. Electrical apparatus must be disconnected when not in used.
- 17. Disposal- used chemicals must be properly disposed of in specific containers.
- 18. Hygiene- hands should be thoroughly washed before and after a laboratory activity.
- 19. Heating- indicates that one should be extra careful when handling hot materials. One should use gloves, test tube holders, or tongs.