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LAB SAFETY :
RULES AND REGULATIONS
AND
ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION
No can dispute that laboratory work should
occupy a central position in any
programme of science education anywhere
in the world .
Laboratory safety is regarded as a positive
undertaking which is an integral part of
every activity in which the science teacher
is engaged with her students.

SAFETY EQUIPMENTS
Every laboratory should be equipped with the
following :
Fire extinguishers
Sand buckets
Fire blanket
Dust-bin
Rubber gloves
Asbestos safety screens

SUGGESTED TEACHER
PRECAUTIONS
Establish off-limit storage areas .
Inspect your science room for proper ventilation
and be sure that all electrical connections are in
good condition .
Put out a metal container in a convenient spot to
collect the broken glass.
Store large bottles of acids and alkalis on the
floor in the stock room or in the lowest shelf of
the science room cabinet.

 Always add acid to the water , stirring

continuously to avoid splashing.
In the case of fire ,determine the cause
and act accordingly.
Limit the supply of matches and other
combustibles.
Label all bottles containing chemicals
clearly and accurately.
Mercury from broken thermometers
should be cleaned up by the teacher at
once.
Experiments involving the heating of
solutions should be done in Pyrex
glassware.

 Teacher should check all student

circuits before the power is connected.
Use insulated tools to check , when the
power is on.
When using any apparatus that rotates
, be sure that the safety nut is secured.
Springs should not exceed their limits.
Sufficient space must be allowed
during activities involving collisions.
Closed containers should never be
heated.

 Fire retardant pads and gloves should

be used when handling hot materials.
Never leave gas jets open .
Mirrors that are sharper should be
taped.
Uses of lenses and prisms in direct
sunlight should be supervised.
Cautions should be exercised in the
use of UV sources such as mercuryquartz or carbon arc lamps.
Never permit eye exposure to either
direct or reflected laser light.

SAFETY RULES IN GENERAL

FOR STUDENTS
Follow all directions as given.
Consider the safety of your fellow
students.
Perform only those experiments
assigned by the teacher .
Any accident or injury must be
reported to the teacher.
Do not work in the laboratory or
work rooms without supervision.

 No equipments will be used until proper

instructions are received.
No chemical may be used until the teacher
explains the use and precautions to be
taken.
Never touch materials or apparatus in the
demonstration table.
Study each experiment before coming to the
class.
Immediately wash with water any part of the
skin that has been contact with any
chemical.
Specimens, solid waste , broken glass , and
other laboratory waste will be placed in
their specific containers.

 Laboratory work areas and

equipments are to be cleaned and
dried before leaving the
laboratory.
Reagents are not to be taken from
the laboratory stock.
Do not taste , eat or drink any
laboratory chemicals unless so
instructed .
Do not grasp any electrical device
which has just been used.
Appliances which depend upon

ACCIDENTS IN LABORATORIES

HAZARDOUS SITUATION +
HUMAN ERROR
ACCIDENT .

POTENTIAL SOURCES OF
ACCIDENTS
The following seven points indicates
some areas for examination by the
teacher :
Windows and doors in good repairs
Benches , seats and floors
Water taps and sinks
Electrical sockets and wiring
Storage cupboards and shelves
Apparatus and equipment
Safety equipment

FIRST AID
FIRST AID stands for :
First
Investigate DIAGNOSIS
Reassure
Steady
Treatment TREATMENT
Arrange
Immediate TRANSPORT
Dispatch

FIRST AID KIT

GENERAL ITEMS
Cotton
Roller bandage
Scissors
Plasters
Forceps
Eye dropper
Thermometer ,etc.
MEDICINES

SOME COMMON LABORATORY MISHAPS

Poisons
Fire
Eye injuries
Burns
Electric shock
The following conditions are medical emergencies and
require immediate action :
Severe bleeding
Absence of breathing
Eye injuries
shock

CONCLUSION
Children will be children, so,
accidents may take place any time
in the laboratory. It is, therefore,
very important to train students in
the use and practice of safety rules
and administration of first aid , etc.

QUESTIONS
Q) There should be some teacher

precautions and student rules for

the safety of science labs. Discuss.
Q)Prepare an inventory of the
possible hazards associated with a
chemistry / physics laboratory.

REFERENCES
Radha Mohan ,Innovative Science Teaching,
India, Prentice Hall of India private limited.
Narendra Vaidya, Marvin Druger, Science
Teaching in schools, India, Deep and Deep
publications Pvt.Ltd.
Siddiqi and Siddiqi , Teaching of Science ,
India ,Doaba House Booksellers and
publishers.
Sites.google.com , mail.colonial.net,
nobel.scas.bat.ca
,www.europeantechniques.com,
www.thecatalyst.org.