Lab Safety Guidelines

Biology 102  —  Lab Safety Guidelines

1. Upon entering the laboratory, locate each exit, the fire extinguisher, the chemical shower, the eye wash station, the broken glass container, and the first aid kit.
2. Do not eat, drink, smoke. handle contact lenses, apply cosmetics or lip balm. Restrain long hair and dangling jewelry. It is advisable to wear long pants and close-toed shoes to every lab.
3. Students who have any medical conditions that might necessitate special precautions must inform the instructor immediately.
4. It is strongly recommended that regular eyeglasses should be worn instead of contact lenses. Contact lenses may absorb volatile chemicals.
5. Decontaminate work spaces at the end of every lab period with the disinfectant provided. This becomes especially important when working with chemicals and preserved tissues/organs.
6. Keep all liquids away from the edge of your work space to avoid spills. In addition, keep all liquids away from computers that may be provided.
7. Mouth pipetting is prohibited.
8. Properly label all test tubes and slides, when indicated.
9. Wear disposable gloves when handling preserved tissues/organs. Cover any open cuts or scrapes with a sterile bandage before donning gloves. Dispose of all gloves in regular trash containers.
10. Place any materials (e.g., swabs) that come into contact with body fluids in containers indicated by your instructor. Red biohazard bags are regularly provided. Labeled bins with a chemical disinfectant (e.g., 10% bleach solution) will be provided when needed.
11. To prevent contamination by used scalpels, new or decontaminated scalpels will be provided. Use caution when using probes (with sharp ends) and scalpels.
12. Do not leave any heat sources unattended. Turn off and/or unplug these sources when you have completed any experiment.  Do not allow the  power cord to touch the hot plate.
13. Do not place a beaker without water on the hot plate and Do not allow a beaker to boil dry.
14. Never work alone in the laboratory.
15. Report all accidents (e.g., glass breakage) and spills to your instructor as soon as possible.
16. Wash your hands at the end of every laboratory exercise.

I have read and will abide by these safety guidelines.

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