GTC Laboratory Safety Guidelines

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Learn the safety regulations in the lab.
• Be able to safely complete lab exercises.
• Be able to locate and properly use safety equipment.

NOTICE: Please go to Blackboard and find the Lab folder. Click on the Lab video link and
watch the short video which uses this information to help you learn of our safety
expectations in lab exercises. Complete this assignment, including the post-lab questions,
and submit the lab safety contract to your instructor during the first week of class. Be
sure to sign and date the contract and remove it from your lab manual (pages 5 & 6 are
needed for submission as an assignment).

INTRODUC TION
An important part of your study of biology will be working in a laboratory where you and
your classmates will learn biology by actively conducting and observing experiments.
Working in the biology laboratory can be interesting, exciting, and rewarding. Interacting
directly with living things will provide opportunities for you to better understand the
principles of biology discussed in your textbook or discussed in class.

Most of the laboratory work you will do is quite safe. However, it can sometimes become
dangerous if you are not serious and alert and if proper safety precautions are not taken at all
times. Some laboratory equipment, chemicals, and specimens can be dangerous if handled
improperly.
Laboratory accidents do not just happen. They are caused by carelessness, improper
handling of equipment and specimens, or inappropriate behavior. In this exercise, you
will learn proper
laboratory procedure and how to work safely in a laboratory. You will review some safety
guidelines and become acquainted with the location and proper use of safety equipment in
your classroom laboratory.

You are responsible for maintaining an enjoyable, instructional, and safe environment in the
biology laboratory. Unsafe practices endanger not only you, but the people around you as well.
Read the following information about safety in the biology laboratory carefully. Review
applicable safety information before you begin each Laboratory Investigation. If you have any
questions about safety or laboratory procedures, be sure to ask your laboratory instructor.

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G E N E R AL L A B O R A T ORY S A F E T Y G U I D E L I N E S
1. Turn cell phones off.
2. Never eat or taste anything or apply cosmetics in the laboratory. This includes food, drinks,
candy, gum, and chemicals. Wash your hands before and after performing every
investigation.
3. Be serious and alert when working in the laboratory.
4. Tie back long hair and remove excessively large jewelry.
5. Wear closed-toed shoes and casual clothes to the lab. Wear gloves and safety
goggles when instructed.
6. Be prepared to work when you arrive in the laboratory. Familiarize yourself with the
exercises by reading through them before coming to lab. Be sure that you understand
the procedure to be employed in any laboratory investigation and the possible hazards
associated with it. This will help ensure that you are able to complete the exercise
efficiently and get the most out of the lab exercise.
7. When performing an exercise, read all directions for an investigation several times. Follow
the directions exactly as they are written. If you are in doubt about any part of the
investigation, ask your lab instructor for assistance.
8. Pay attention while the lab instructor reviews the basic content ideas and the specific
procedures for the day’s lab. Make note of any procedural changes or additional directions
announced by the lab instructor. Only perform activities authorized by the lab instructor.
Focus only on the assigned exercises.
9. When working with blood, body fluids, of other biohazardous wastes, dispose all
materials that come in contact with waste (i.e., gloves, slides, coverslips, toothpicks,
etc.) in the biohazard waste container.
10. Any glassware or apparatus that has come into contact with biohazardous waste
must be washed with 10% bleach solution or placed in a location indicated by the
instructor for sterilization later.
11. If glass is broken, do not pick it up. Notify the lab’s instructor who will locate a dust
pan and broom for cleanup. Never work with chipped or cracked glassware, discard
these in broken glassware disposal container.
12. Never handle any equipment unless you have specific permission. If unsure how to use a
piece of equipment, ask your lab instructor for assistance.
13. Never touch a hot plate in order to determine if it is heated. Never leave a hot plate
unattended. Unplug a hot plate when you are through using it.
14. When heating a test tube, make sure it is pointed away from yourself and those around
you. Always use test tube holders, tongs, or padded gloves when handling hot glassware.
Transport tubes with a test tube rack.
15. Use the proper techniques and protection when handling chemicals. Dispose of all
chemicals as instructed by the lab instructor. Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles if
handling chemicals.

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 16. Take extreme care not to spill any material in the laboratory. If a spill occurs, ask your
instructor immediately about the proper cleanup procedure. Never pour chemicals or other
substances into the sink or trash container. In case of fire, leave the lab immediately in a
cautious manner.
17. Know the location and proper use of safety equipment, such as the fire extinguisher, fire
blanket, first-aid kit, safety shower, and eyewash station.
18. Notify your teacher of any medical problems, and/or disabilities you may have, such as
allergies, asthma, etc.
19. Keep your laboratory area clean and free of clutter at all times. Store your coats and book
bags out of the walkways.
20. Thoroughly clean all glassware and equipment at the end of the lab. After cleaning, rinse all
glassware in water and leave to air dry. Disinfect all counter and table tops. Return all
equipment to where it was found. Unplug all electrical equipment.
21. Always wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the lab.
22. Report all accidents, no matter how minor, to the lab instructor immediately!

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LOC ATION OF SAFET Y EQUIPMENT
Since biology labs are performed in several different lab rooms on several different satellite
campuses, each student needs to pay close attention to locating the following safety equipment
in your particular classroom. Each instructor will show all students the location of each of the
following safety tools in each classroom which may be different from the safety video that all
students are required to watch before engaging in lab activities.

1. Eyewash station
If any chemicals or fluids splash onto your face or into your eye, immediately inform your
lab partner and proceed to the eyewash station. Do not wait or hesitate; let your lab
partner summon the lab instructor.

2. Safety shower
Immediately inform the lab instructor if any chemicals splash on your skin. The instructor
will then determine if use of the safety shower is needed.

3. Fire alarm and fire extinguisher

4. Fire blanket
Pay attention to the location of the fire blanket and how it is used. Do not
hesitate and calmly proceed to this equipment if your clothing should catch on
fire.

5. First-aid kit
Immediately inform the lab instructor of minor burns and cuts. If the injury requires more
attention than the simple first-aid kit, the instructor will notify the appropriate person(s) or
student health services.

6. Broken glass container, sharps, and biohazardous waste containers

Lab safety is your responsibility! Be aware of and follow the safety guidelines at
all times. Protect yourself and all those around you.

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 POST LAB Questions
Complete these questions using the computer – do not hand write your answers. After completing these
questions, be sure to adjust the spacing, if necessary, to keep this document one page.

NAME: DATE :

I N S T R U C TOR: SEC T I O N :
1. Why is eating or drinking in the laboratory potentially dangerous?

2. How can reading through the entire investigation before beginning the procedure help
prevent accidents?

3. What type of shoes are required in all laboratory rooms?

4. What is the proper procedure if you identify a cracked or chipped test tube, beaker,
or other lab glassware?

5. Report any accident, spill, breakage, or injury to ?

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 SAFET Y CONTR AC T
I, , have read and agree to follow all of the safety
(Print Name)
rules set forth in the “Rules for Proper Laboratory Safety.” I realize that I must obey these rules to
ensure my own safety, and that of my fellow students and instructors. I will cooperate to the fullest
extent with my instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe lab environment, which also means
that I will not text on my phone because it distracts my attention. I am aware that any violation of this
safety contract that results in unsafe conduct may result in my dismissal from the laboratory.

Student Name:

Date:

Bio 101 –(Section Number)

After reviewing the online video for Lab Safety in the Labs folder on Blackboard, please
complete the contract on this page and submit both page 5 and 6 on Blackboard as an
assignment in the Assignments folder.