Lab+Safety

 **// An important part of your study of biology will be working in the lab. Conducting and observing experiments in the lab will provide opportunities for you to better understand the principles of biology discussed in your textbook or talked about in class. Most of the lab work you will do is quite safe. However, some lab equipment, chemicals, and specimens can be dangerous if handled improperly. Read the following safety guidelines to acquaint yourself with ways in which you can avoid accidents in the lab. //**

** 1) **** Only perform an experiment specifically assigned by Miss Gentile. ** Do not attempt any lab procedure without your teacher’s directions. **If you perform any unauthorized experiments or use the equipment in a manner for which they were not intended you will immediately be asked to leave the lab and receive a zero for the assignment.**  2) Familiarize yourself with the investigation and all safety precautions before entering the lab. ** Be aware of the potential hazards of the materials and procedures. Read instructions carefully before attempting to do anything. Before you begin, ask your teacher to explain any parts of the investigation that you do not understand. **  3) Before beginning work, tie back long hair and roll up loose sleeves. ** Avoid or confine loose clothing that could knock things over; catch on fire, or absorb chemical solutions. Nylon and polyester fabrics burn and melt more readily therefore cotton clothing is preferred. ** ** Wear shoes that will protect your feet from chemical spills and falling objects—no open-toes shoes or sandals. **  4) Always wear safety goggles when working with chemicals, heated materials, sharp objects, or things that might be able to shatter. ** It is suggested that you wear glasses rather than contact lenses. Even if you are wearing safety goggles, chemicals could get between contact lenses and your eyes and cause irreparable eye damage. **  5) Keep your work area uncluttered. ** Take to the lab station only what is necessary. Keep other books, backpacks, purses, and similar items in your desk, locker, or designated storage area. **  6) Never fool around or play practical jokes in the lab. ** Laboratory equipment and apparatus are not toys; never play in the lab or use lab time or equipment for anything other than their intended purpose. **  7) Do not have or consume food or beverages in the lab.  8) NEVER taste chemicals. ** Do not touch chemicals or allow them tocontact areas of bare skin. **  9) Report all accidents to the teacher IMMEDIATELY, no matter how minor. **In addition, if you get a headache or feel ill or dizzy, tell your teacher.**  10)Report all spills to your teacher immediately. ** Call your teacher, rather than cleaning a spill yourself. Your teacher will tell you if it is safe for you to clean up the spill. If it is not safe for you to clean up the spill, your teacher will know how the spill should be cleaned up safely. **  11)Know the location of the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, eyewash station, and first aid kit.  12)Exercise caution when working with electrical equipment. ** Be sure your hands are dry before you use electrical equipment. Do not let electrical cords dangle from work stations; dangling cords can cause tripping or electrical shocks. **  13)In case of fire, alert your teacher and leave the lab. ** If your clothing catches on fire standard fire-safety procedures should be followed. If your clothing catches on fire you should immediately stop, drop, and roll. ** <span style="background-color: #ffff00; display: block; font-family: "Comic Sans MS",cursive; text-align: center;"> 14)Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water at the conclusion of each investigation to avoid contamination.**