SCIENCE LABORATORY SAFETY

Prepared by : Cindy Wong Chyee Chen Department of Science and Mathematics

SAFETY IN SCIENCE LABORATORY

Laboratory Rules & Safety Type of fire & uses of suitable fire extinguishers

First Aid for various injuries & accidents

INTRODUCTION

Potential dangers are inherent in everything people do.

People get knocked down while crossing the street, fall off when riding on the bus, drown while taking a bath or even choke while eating

Similarly, dangerous activities are very often done in the science laboratories and workshops but this should not discourage anyone from doing practical work

INTRODUCTION

One of the important outcomes of activities & experiments in a science lesson is that students are allowed to meet phenomena face to face For many learners, understanding comes through doing Experimenting can be fun, it can also be dangerous

INTRODUCTION

Teacher must ensure that work is done is such a way that no accidents occur Students should be taught the dangers involved so that they can enjoy the benefits of the activity and at the same time avoid the hazards

WHY ACCIDENTS HAPPEN ??

Analysis of accidents indicate that there are a number of causes

Lack of knowledge & understanding of the materials, processes & equipment used in school Failure of teacher to give adequate instructions or supervision Failure of teacher to properly plan or conduct the activity Protective equipment or proper equipment not provided

WHY ACCIDENTS HAPPEN ??

Failure to follow instructions or rules Failure to use protective devices provided or improper used of equipment or material An I dont care attitude of person doing experimental work

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY ??

Though many believe that teachers & students are helpless against hazardous accidents because they occur unexpectedly The toll of accidents can be reduced to a minimum if those using the laboratories know their responsibilities

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY ??

Firstly, the school & laboratory staff

to provide the facilities, equipment and maintenance for a safe working environment Giving all the necessary directions to the students including safety measures to be used and of seeing that students observe them

Secondly, the teacher

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY ??

Thirdly, the student

To learn the health and safety hazards of the chemicals he will be using or producing and the hazards which may occur from the equipment and techniques he will employ so that he may design his setup and procedures to limit the effects of an accident

RULES & SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY

SCIENCE LABORATORY RULES

Do not let the students in the lab unless the teacher is present Only allow books & materials for science lesson bring into the lab during L & T Science Safety rules should be enforced in the lab No unauthorized experiments are to be performed Taking proper care of science lab & preparation room at all time

SCIENCE LABORATORY RULES

Eating, drinking & smoking are strictly prohibited in the lab Never taste anything Never directly smell the source of any vapor or gas etc

You (teacher) serve as the role model for the behaviour in the laboratory that you expect from your students. You have to follow the rules before you could tell your students to do so. On the first day of class, introduce or review the safety guidelines that are the students responsibility.

Safe Handling of Scientific Materials & Apparatus

Safe handling would reduce the potential of any unintended risks. There are many scientific materials & apparatus in the labs that need careful attention in handling it. This includes various forms of:

Chemical Sensitive electrical appliances Radioactive materials Biological materials

A) Handling of Chemicals

Some chemical materials are very toxic, dangerous and highly sensitive to heat. Do not take a risk when you deal with it. Rules to keep in mind:

Never heat with open flame. Use steam bath or hot water bath Unwanted solvents must be returned to solvent store or properly disposed-of without delay etc

A) Handling of Chemicals

Techniques of pouring chemical solutions

Pouring chemical solution from reagent bottle Transferring chemical solution using a dropper Pouring chemical solution using glass rod

Refer to handout

Transferring chemical solution using a dropper

Pouring chemical solution using glass rod

A) Handling of Chemicals Hazard Symbols

Oxidizer

No Open Flames

Eyewash Sign

Explosive

Chemical Weapon Sign

Fire Extinguisher Sign

A) Handling of Chemicals Hazard Symbols

Chemical Hazard Sign

Radioactive Symbol

Hazard Symbols

B) Handling of Radioactive Materials

If by accident you come across any kind of radioactive material, what should you do???

all sources should be shielded, handled, and transported in a manner o prevent anyone from being exposed to unnecessary radiation

Radioactive materials should not be allowed to touch the skin All radioactive materials must be disposed of at the end of the practical lasses Any parts of the body which has been contaminated must be thoroughly washed wit soap and water

C) Handling of Biological Materials

Include all kinds of microorganisms, insects, small animals and plants Handling biological materials need careful attention

All hand to mouth operations should be avoided when handling biological materials Insects and small animals should be placed in a safe cage or aquarium Etc

D) Handling of Electrical Apparatus / Equipments

Usually primary school pupils are very curious, active and helpful They want to do everything as instructed or not instructed by the teacher Do not allow your pupils to handle them without your attention or instruction Failing to follow the rules, may cause serious accident

D) Handling of Electrical Apparatus / Equipments

Among the rules are:

Make sure that all electrical cords are in good condition Make sure the circuits are not overloaded All electrical appliances must be switched off before it is moved or adjusted Etc

Besides handling scientific materials and apparatus correctly, carefully and safely, you are also required to inculcate in your students the culture of maintenance and cleanliness in the laboratory You may used the following laboratory cleanup checklist in reminding your student after a laboratory acitivity.

Checklist:

Promptly clean up your work area while still wearing your protective equipment Turn off all hot plates or burners Unplug electrical devises Place all waste items in the proper disposal containers Never wash anything down the sink drain unless instructed to do so by your teacher Wash glassware with warm water and detergent. Rinse several times with water Return laboratory devises to their storage areas

Storage of Science Equipment

Proper storage of equipments or materials will prolong their lifespan May avoid any unintended risks Here are some general storage patterns and procedures:

Larger equipment and larger chemical containers should be stored on lower shelves only Substances should be stored at the correct temperature Store flammable reagent in the smallest quantities possible

Storage of Science Equipment

Here are some general storage patterns and procedures:

All storage shelves and cabinets should be securely attached to the walls Poisons should be kept locked in cabinet All containers of biological specimens, syringes and scalpel blades should be kept in locked storage Store all active chemicals in dark container Acids and corrosives should be stored in a nonmetal or coated metal, vented cabinet

MAINTENANCE STORAGE OF SCIENCE EQUIPMENT

There are many materials & science equipment & apparatus that can be spoilt easily. The arrangement & keeping have to be done to prevent it. The science equipments should be put back to its original place to avoid accidents

Metal wares Chemicals

Glassware items

MAINTENANCE STORAGE OF SCIENCE EQUIPMENT

Electric Parts

Plastic items

Optical items

GLASSWARE ITEMS All glassware should be cleaned before stored Stored in closed cupboard (if possible) Should not be placed too high and mixed with heavy apparatus or metal articles. Tall glass apparatus should be stored at the back of shelves and smaller pieces in front

GLASSWARE ITEMS Glassware is stored according to its type and size Glassware is stored according to its type & size Small glassware (specimen tubes, petri dishes, microscopic slides) are best kept in shelf tray

GLASSWARE ITEMS Burettes require a long padded drawer/a stand covered with a plastic sheet) All expensive glassware should be separately package in soft wadding Thermometers should be kept in their cardboard-cases.

OPTICAL ITEMS

Should be properly kept

Not

easy to be scratched

Small optical item (prism, lenses, mirror, magnifying glass)

Kept

in styrofoam in the drawers (with silica gel packet) to maintain dryness in box or dry cupboard

Microscope & binocular

Kept

ELECTRICAL PARTS / ITEMS Electrical equipment & components should be stored in a group, away from fumes & chemicals Valves, transistors and other delicate items should be wrapped in cotton wool and place in individual casings

PLASTIC ITEMS

Plastics apparatus should be stored away from heat sources. If it is brittle, it should not be stored with heavy apparatus METAL WARES

Metal wares such as clamps, bossheads, tripod stands, bunsen burners should be stored together and they need periodic maintenance

CHEMICALS

Science room (primary school)

Seldom

stored chemicals

Science Laboratory (secondary school)

Chemical

should be labeled Shelves should be labeled accordingly Dangerous chemicals should be stored under lock & key in special cupboard Periodic checks on the bottles for dropping or fading of labels are required & replacements made if necessary

Dont put too high on the shelves

CHEMICALS

Example of chemical labels : Flammable

chemicals Toxic chemicals Corrosive and irritant chemicals Oxidizing substances Explosive Radioactive chemicals

TYPES OF FIRE AND USES OF SUITABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

FIRE SAFETY
Fire can happen in the laboratory in many ways and some of them are mentioned below. Fire can take place when : A hot plate or other heating device is placed against walls or close to bench positions A cracked glass tubing is used Flammable liquids are poured into the sink or heated in a open flame

FIRE SAFETY
Fire can happen in the laboratory in many ways and some of them are mentioned below. Fire can take place when : A bunsen is used with isolating it from the bench by a neat-resistant material like asbestos Combustible metals are left behind without careful storage

Fire occurs only in the presence of three elements.

Heat

Oxygen

Fuel

FIRE

FIRE SAFETY
Therefore, to kill a fire, you must deny the fire one or more of theses three things. You may : Exclude oxygen from the fire Remove the fuel on which the fire is feeding Lower the temperature This principles is used for fighting fire

If a fire should occur, of prime concern is the safety of all persons & consideration for property damage should only be given after personal safety is assured.

Electricity and gas mains should be turned off and windows and doors shut to localise fire, if teacher is not in immediate danger

Proper fire fighting equipment should be used, but should the fire spread beyond the control of any one individual the laboratory staff should know how to call the fire department and other help

A general note for safety:

If your clothing catches on fire, it is a natural response to panic and run to the nearest shower of first blanket.

DONT DO IT !!!

Running will just fan the flames and increase the potential for serious injury

A general note for safety:

Stop, Drop, and Roll

On the ground to extinguish the flames If one of your colleagues catches fire, panics, and starts to run, tackle him or her and smother the flames

Cover your face with your hands to protect your face & lungs

TYPES OF FIRES
Each class of fire calls for the right kind of extinguisher. Using the wrong extinguisher is dangerous & may do more harm than good. For your own protection, you should know the classes of fire, the direct type of extinguisher, how to use them and why..

TYPES OF FIRES
There are four classes of fires, categorized according to the kind of material that is burning For the first three classes of fires, there are two sets of colour-coded icons in common use One or both kinds of icons appear on most fire extinguishers to indicate the kinds of fire against which the unit is intended to be used

TYPES OF FIRES
There is only one icon used to indicate the fourth (class D) kind of fire

Class D fires involve uncommon materials and occur in fairly specialized situations
Note that any given fire can fall into more than one class; a fire that involves both burning paper & kitchen grease would be a class AB fire

TYPES OF FIRES
Class A fires are those fueled by materials that, when they burn, leave a residue in the form of ash, such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber, and certain plastics. Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gasses, such as gasoline, paint thinner, kitchen grease, propane, and acetylene. Fires that involve energized electrical wiring or equipment (motors, computers, panel boxes) are Class C fires. Note that if the electricity to the equipment is cut, a Class C fire becomes one of the other three types of fires. Class D fires involve exotic metals, such as magnesium, sodium, titanium, and certain organometallic compounds such as alkyllithium and Grignard reagents.

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Fire extinguishers are categorized according to the substances that they contain and by class of fire Extinguishers are rated for use against only certain kinds of first, and will carry an ABCD marking to indicate the classes of fire against which they may properly be used

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

For example, an extinguisher rated for class B and C fires is called a type BC extinguisher A fire extinguisher should never be used on a class of fire for which it is not rated
E.g. Water used on a Class D fire the extinguisher can actually make the fire worse Never use water on a class C fire shock hazard

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Type Mecha nism Dischar Effectiv ge e Duratio Range n 60 sec 8-30 sec 10-40 sec 8-24 sec NA
Extinguisher rated for this type of fire Extinguisher not rated for this type of fire 3

Classes of Fire A B C D

water

reduces tempera 30-40 ft ture

displace s oxygen binds oxygen binds oxygen smother s 3-8 ft

CO2 dry chemic al

5-20 ft

halon
Met-L-X

4-10 ft
See Note 4

FIRE EXTINGUISHER OPERATION To remember how to use a fire extinguisher, think of putting out the fire as a test you must PASS

P Pull the locking pin

A Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
S Squeeze the trigger all the way closed

S Sweep the extinguisher discharge side

to side over the area of the fire

Steps to be taken in a FIRE DRILL are : Sound the alarm Move students out in an orderly manner to a safe place following specified direction Call the fire department Switch off the electricity and gas mains Take down the roll attendance of students

FIRST AID FOR VARIOUS INJURIES AND ACCIDENTS

 Many of the tools and chemicals in the lab can cause injury or allergic reaction if used without proper attention and care Even with best efforts at prevention, emergencies sometimes still occur In case of emergency, different responses need to take place simultaneously
Call ambulance, getting the school nurse, administering first aid

 In case of emergency, you should:Keep calm In case of injury, send the student to get the school nurse/principal/headmaster In case of fire, begin evacuation and sound the alarm system immediately In case of chemical spill, place affected student in the safety shower or use eyewash station if the spill affects the eyes

FIRST AID
Is the first assistance provided to a person suffering an accident or sudden illness The first emphasis in any laboratory is to prevent accidents However, should an accident occur then it is the teachers first concern to see to it that the condition of the patient does not worsen while awaiting medical help

FIRST AID
Person giving first aid should seek NOT to treat the victim but to protect him/her until professional medical assistance arrives Every teach bears the responsibility for knowing how to help a student in the case of an accident or illness Students should aware of the location of the first aid kit, but a teacher should be the one administering first aid

FIRST AID GOAL

Safe lives Minimize injuries Encourage recovery Prevent situation from getting worst All these should be done before the arrival of medical help

Steps taken by science teacher when accident happened in the laboratory

Identify the accident

Serious or not?

Dismiss the other students

Outside the laboratory

Evaluate the emergency situation

Make sure no other danger for the victim, other students % yourself

Do not act more than your capability

Ask for help

Steps taken by science teacher when accident happened in the laboratory

Act calmly, confident & dont panic Call ambulance

For serious injuries

Record & report the accident to the school management

TYPE OF INJURIES @ ACCIDENTS AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES

Burns Cuts, wounds and fractures Eye injuries Shock Electric shock Fainting Poisoning
Refer to Handouts

METHODS OF ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION

Mouth to mouth (mouth to Nose) method Get the victim clear of any further injury Inspect the mouth and remove any obstructions Place victim on his back and loosen tight clothing Make sure the tongue does not obstruct the air passage by tilting the head back raising the chin

METHODS OF ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION

Insert your left thumb in the mouth, grasp the lower jaw and lift it forcibly upwards and forwards. Hold the lower jaw up and close the victims nostrils by pinching with the finger Breathe in, open you mouth wide and place tightly over the subjects mouth or else close the mouth and place your mouth over nose

METHODS OF ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION

Blow gently and watch the chest rise Remove you mouth, turn your head to the side and listen for the return rush of air that indicates air exchange Repeat blowing at the rate of 12 breaths per minute

METHODS OF ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION

If still do not get air exchange quickly turn the victim on his side and give several sharp blows between the should blades to dislodge foreign matter. Remove obstructions and repeat the process

Prevention of Injuries & Accidents

Injuries and accidents to yours students can be avoided if you are aware of all the safety precaution measures suggested in handling or carrying out science activities in the labs or science room Besides that other physical facilities in the labs should be made available or in good condition

Prevention of Injuries & Accidents

As science teacher, you have to b aware of such facilities:Use proper protective equipment Floor must not be slippery No protruding fittings from wall into the walking space Proper place for storage of pupils belongings Windows can be easily accessible

Prevention of Injuries & Accidents

As science teacher, you have to b aware of such facilities:All mains for gas, water and electricity controls are easily accessible to teachers Clearly labeled waste container should be available for broken glass, biological materials and chemicals

Content of First Aid Box

One of the most basic equipment that should be in the science classroom or labs is the first aid kit First aid supplies should be kept readily at hand Immediate aid then can be given while waiting for the school nurse or medical assistance

Content of First Aid Box

At a minimum, supplies should include the following:Assorted size bandages Disposable gloves (latex @ plastic) Sterile gauze for covering large wounds Disposable towels Adhesive bandages for covering small wounds An eye wash bottle An antiseptic (iodine solution - is not recommended, it can cause tissue damage)

Content of First Aid Box

At a minimum, supplies should include the following:Disinfectant One pair of blunt ended scissors Medical tape Small forceps Bleach Plastic bags for holding contaminated waste

THANK YOU