LABORATORY

OPERATIONS AND
SAFETY

RACHEL ANN RAMILO,LPT

Assistant Instructor I
 TOPICS

A. PROTECTING YOURSELF IN THE LABORATORY

B. FIRST-AID MEASURES IN CASE OF

LABORATORY ACCIDENTS

C. LABORATORY WASTES AND ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION

D. LABORATORY GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS

E. LABORATORY SAFETY SYMBOL AND HAZARD SIGNS

 SAFETY RULES:
PROTECTING YOURSELF IN THE LABORATORY

1. The laboratory is a place for serious work.

DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY UNAUTHORIZED
EXPERIMENTATION.
2. Report all injuries-no matter how minor
-to your instructor immediately.
3. Beware of touching hot glass.
Glass cools very slowly and may be very hot
without appearing to be so. Immediately
wash the injured area with cold water or
have it cooled with an ice pack.

4. Do not point your test tube at your

seatmate or yourself when heating
substances. Suddenly formed bubbles of
vapor may expel the contents violently.
5. When diluting sulfuric acid,
pour the acid slowly and carefully
into the water, stirring constantly.

NEVER ADD WATER TO THE ACID.

Remember the "AA Rule"

"Add Acid to water."

6. Neutralize spilled acid and bases as
follows:
• Acid on clothing-use dilute ammonia
solution.

•Base on clothing-use dilute acetic acid

followed by dilute ammonia solution.

• Acid or base on the desktop or floor

-wash off with plenty of water.
Use solid crude sodium bicarbonate to
neutralize large amounts of either acid or
base. Then wash off the mixture with water
7. When inserting glass tubing
(including thermometers, thistle
tubes, and funnels) through a rubber
stopper, first lubricate the tube and
stopper with water/petroleum jelly.
Hold the tube with a cloth near the
end where the insertion is to be
made and insert the tube with a
twisting motion.
 8. Never taste a chemical or solution unless
directed to do so.
When directed to taste a solution, place a minute
portion of the solution on a stirring rod, suspend
it in the air, and touch it with your tongue.
Then wash your mouth with water.
 9. When identifying the scent of a
liquid, do not place your face directly
over the container. Waft/Fan a little of
the vapor towards you by sweeping
your hand over the top of the
container.
 10. In an experiment where poisonous or
otherwise objectionable gases or vapors are
discharged, perform the operations under
the hood. The hood provides the suction
necessary to remove such gases or vapors
from the laboratory.
 11. To protect your clothing from corrosive
chemicals, always wear a laboratory gown when
experimenting.

12. Ladies must clip or tie their long

hair and bangs to prevent possible
accidents.
13. If your clothing catches fire, use a safety
shower or a wet blanket.

14. If a fire breaks out in the bench area,

use the fire extinguisher.
SAFETY RULES: FIRST-AID MEASURES IN CASE OF
LABORATORY ACCIDENTS

1. Burns
For burns caused by dry heat in which the skin
did not break out, apply butesin picrate
ointment.

2. Acids on the Skin

Wash immediately with plenty of water, then
with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution,
and again with water. For serious acid burns,
follow the same procedure and call for medical
aid at once.
3. Alkali on the Skin
Wash immediately with plenty of water, then with
1% acetic acid solution, and again with water. For
serious alkali burns, follow the same procedure
and call for medical aid at once.

4. Bromine on the Skin

Wash the affected part immediately with plenty
of light petroleum (b.p. 80 °C) and then rub
glycerine well onto the skin. After a short while,
remove the glycerin and apply butesin picrate
ointment.
5. Sodium on the Skin
If a small fragment of sodium metal can still be
seen, remove it carefully with a forceps. Wash
thoroughly with water, followed with 1% acetic
acid solution. Cover the area with gauze soaked
in olive oil or acriflavine jelly or Vaseline.

6. Organic Substances on the Skin

Wash freely with rubbing alcohol, then with soap and
warm water
7. Cuts
If the cut is a minor one, allow it to bleed for a few
seconds. If the cut is caused by glass, see to it that no
glass pieces remain lodged in the skin. Then apply a
disinfectant and bandage. For serious cuts, check the
bleeding by applying pressure above the injured area
(e.g., by using a tourniquet). Call for a doctor at once.
8. Eye Accidents
In all cases, the patient must see a doctor.
For acid in the eye/s, wash the eye/s
repeatedly with 1% sodium bicarbonate
solution. If the acid is concentrated, wash the
eye/s with copious amount of water and then
with bicarbonate solution. For caustic alkali in
the eye/s, wash the eye/s with copious
amount of water and then with 1% boric acid
solution. For bromine water in the eye/s, wash
the eye/s thoroughly with water, then with 1%
sodium bicarbonate solution.
9. Fires

For burning clothing, prevent the person from running.

Let him/her roll on the floor or wrap another piece of
clothing around him/her (a laboratory gown or blanket)
to cut off the supply of oxygen. For burning chemicals in
a beaker or any other container, cover the mouth of the
vessel with a clean damp cloth so that the flame will be
put out. For larger flames, sand may be employed. It is
advisable to make use of a fire extinguisher and NOT
water.
10. POISONS
A. ACIDS
If an acid is swallowed, dilute it by drinking plenty of water
followed by limewater or Milk of Magnesia. Milk may also
be given. Do not give any emetic.
B. CAUSTIC ALKALI
Dilute the acid by drinking plenty of water, followed by
vinegar, lemon, or orange juice. Milk may also be given. Do
not give any emetic.
C. SALTS OF HEAVY METALS
If a salt of heavy metal is swallowed, one may give milk or
raw egg white.
D. ARSENIC OR MERCURY COMPOUNDS
Give an emetic immediately such as one tablespoonful of
salt or zinc sulfate in a glass of warm water.
SAFETY RULES: LABORATORY WASTES AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

1. Never put solid waste materials in the sink.

Place such materials in solid waste containers
or special receptacles designated for such a
purpose.

2. Pour aqueous liquids directly into the drain

followed by a liberal amount of water.

3. Never pour non-aqueous solutions and

organic solvents directly into a sink. The
laboratory usually provides a container for such
materials.
4. If the waste is a mixture of an undissolved
solid in a liquid, decant the liquid into a trash
container and place the residue in a designated
receptacle.

5. Corrosive reagents must be put in a designated

waste bottle. DO NOT POUR SUCH REAGENTS INTO
THE SINK.

6. After every experiment performed in the laboratory,

always make sure that the workplace you have
occupied is left clean and spotless for the next
laboratory class
LABORATORY GUIDELINES
AND REGULATIONS

and
1. Eating, smoking, as well as bringing in audio
equipment (with or without earphones) are
STRICTLY NOT allowed inside the laboratory.

2. Students are allowed to work in the laboratory

only during their officially scheduled laboratory
period. No unauthorized overtime is allowed.

3. Do not take the reagent bottles from the side

shelves to your desk. Carry liquids in clean vials,
test tubes, or beakers; carry solids in clean
and
beakers or watch glasses or on small squares of
papers.
4. Read the label twice before taking anything from
the bottles.

5. Use a little reagent as is convenient to

perform your experiment. Two or three milliliters
are usually sufficient in test tube experiments.

6. NEVER return unused chemicals to the stock

bottles. Throw these in their respective
containers. and
7. DO NOT INSERT YOUR OWN PIPETTES, MEDICINE
DROPPERS, OR SYRINGES INTO THE REAGENT BOTTLES.
Pour out the solution instead in clean vials.
This will avoid any possible contamination of the stock
solution.

8. Do not lay the stopper of the bottle down. Impurities

may be picked up and thus contaminate the solution
when the stopper is returned.

9. Do not heat graduated cylinders or bottles; they

break easily. Test tubes may break if heated above the
level of the liquid in them. Evaporating dishes
and and
crucibles may be heated red hot, if necessary.
10. Return all Bunsen burners, burettes, and other items
borrowed from the laboratory counter at the end of
every laboratory period.

11. Make sure that you leave your pieces of glassware

clean and dry inside your respective group locker at the
end of each laboratory period. Wash and wipe the desktop
so that it will be clean for the next class.

12. Put all solids and waste paper in the waste can.
NEVER THROW MATCHES, PIECES OF LITMUS PAPER, OR
ANY SOLID INSOLUBLE CHEMICALS IN THE SINK, Place
used chemicals into the waste bottles provided.and
13. See to it that your lockers are properly
padlocked before leaving the room. Many incidents
of loss have occurred due to padlocks left open. All
members of the group MUST have a duplicate key
to the group's padlock.

14. When borrowing laboratory items from the

counter, surrender to the laboratory technician
your ID card together with a ¼ sheet of paper
containing the list of items needed.

and
15. Do not pay for any losses, breakages, or repairs of
apparatus to any laboratory or office personnel.
Breakages/losses are charged against your laboratory
deposits. If payments have to be made at the end of the
semester, pay only to the Accounting Office. Demand an
official receipt from the University.

16. Keep all your student copies of the Laboratory

Division forms issued during the distribution and
returning of apparatus. You may need them for
clearance of your accounts in theand
future.
 17. Notify the Laboratory Division
Office immediately if you intend to
drop any laboratory subject/course.

and
 LAB SAFETY SYMBOLS
AND HAZARD SIGNS

Fire Safety Symbols

Fire safety symbols support people's safety

in case of a fire accident. Also, the
firefighters and emergency teams can find
their way and devise a better fire safety plan.
These symbols include fire extinguishers, fire
hoses, fire blankets, etc.
Fire Extinguisher: It is used to mention where the fire
extinguisher is placed. It may also include the audit details
of the extinguisher.
Flammable: It is highly used and critical in lab safety symbols because
there are many flammable substances in labs. It is important to label
flammable things for safety.

No Open Flames: It is used where any substances are placed that can
catch fire easily. These substances include fuels, volatile liquids, and so
on.

Fire Blanket: It is a piece of safety equipment that helps in controlling fire.

Fire Hose: It marks the place of the fire hose in the lab.

Oxidizing Material: Oxidizing materials can give oxygen to chemical

substrates and flammable substances. Lab team must place oxidizing
materials and flammable substances at a distance. Proper safety
equipment is important while dealing with oxidizing materials.
 HAZARD SYMBOLS

Hazard symbols are the lab safety symbols

that show the presence of a material or
equipment that is harmful.
General Warning: The general warning symbol indicates potential risks and
reminds the person dealing with it to use PPE and other safety precautions.

Biohazard: The "biohazard" symbol shows that this particular place deals with
biological substances—for example, body secretions, bacteria, and samples.

Explosive Hazard: The "explosive material" warning indicates that materials that
can explode are present here.

Harmful Irritant: Substances that can irritate the skin, eye or respiratory tract
irritant, or narcotic.

Poison/Toxic Material: Examples of poison or toxic materials include ammonia,

bleach, and battery acid.

Toxic Gas: Inhaling these gases is a health hazard.

Noise Sign: It is a sign for quiet areas where noise must be
controlled.
Corrosive Material Hazard: Corrosive materials hazard lab safety
sign mentions the presence of materials that can destroy exposed
body tissues, including skin, eyes, respiratory tract, digestive
tract. It can also destroy metals.
High Voltage: It is a sign for high voltage current where caution
must be taken.
Electrical Hazard: These signs indicate electrical hazards like
concealed high voltage wires and equipment or buried cables etc.
Laser Beam Hazard: High-intensity focused laser beams can be
dangerous for human eyes and skin.
Low-Temperature Warning Symbol: These symbols are for low
temperature and cryogenic hazards. These substances are below
freezing point and stored with chemicals like liquid nitrogen.
 RADIATION HAZARD
SYMBOLS

Radiation Hazard Symbols warn about the

radiations that may break chemical bonds.

There are several potential health risks

associated with exposure to such substances
Ionizing Radiation Hazard: Ionizing radiation
hazards include skin burns or acute radiation
syndrome when radiations go beyond a certain
level.

Non-Ionizing Radiation Hazard: Non-ionizing

radiation hazards include ultraviolet, visible light,
infrared, microwave, radiofrequency, and
extremely low frequency (ELF).

IAEA Ionizing Radiation Hazard: It is usually placed

on the device housing the radiation source to warn
people not to take the device apart or get any
closer.
 LABORATORY COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS
• Laboratory gown with affixed embroidered name
(Last name, initials of first name)
• Laboratory manual
• Laboratory safety goggles
• Black/blue and red writing pen
• Pencil with eraser
• White board marker
• Hair pins (to clip bangs whose length is BELOW
eyebrow level) or headbands, rubber bands or hair
net for ladies
 LABORATORY COURSE REQUIREMENTS
GROUP REQUIREMENTS
1 pc. padlock with key (all members of the group must have a
duplicate key)
1 pc. 5" x 8" index card 1 pc. long clip folder (without cover)
1 pc. ruler (12 inches)
pair of scissors
1 pc. stapler with staple wires
1 pc. permanent marker (black)
1 pc. masking tape (½ inch wide)
2 rolls tissue paper
2 pcs, hand towel
1 bottle 1500 mL 70% alcohol
Detergent powder in a jar or liquid detergent
Scrub sponge
Hand soap (with germicidal action) in a soap case or
antibacterial hand-washing liquid
1 pc. Empty shoe box(mini storage box)
 1. Use A4 bond paper
2. Format: line spacing: double;font type:Arial;font size:12
points
3. Parts of the Written Report
A. TITLE PAGE
i.Number and Title of Experiment
ii. Names of Members
iii.Section and Group Number
B.Group Participation(name/picture/contribution)