Physics Lab Safety Information

(Write this stuff down, you are taking a test over it next class period!)

Never work in the lab unless a teacher is present and aware of what you are doing.

Prepare for the lab activity or experiment by reading it over first. Ask questions about anything that is unclear to you. Note any cautions that are stated.

Dress appropriately for a laboratory. Avoid wearing bulky or loose fitting clothes or dangling jewelry. Pin or tie back long hair and roll up loose sleeves.

Keep the work area free of any books and materials not needed for what you are working on.

Wear safety goggles when working with flames, heated liquids, or glassware.

Never throw anything in the laboratory.

Use the apparatus only as instructed in the manual or by your teacher. If you wish to try an alternate procedure, obtain your teacher’s approval first.

If a thermometer breaks, inform your teacher immediately. Do not touch either the mercury or the glass with your bare skin.

Do not touch anything that may be hot including: burners, hot plates, rings, beakers, electric immersion heaters, and electric bulbs. If you must pick up something that is hot, use a damp paper towel, a pot holder, or some other appropriate holder.

When working with electric circuits, be sure that the current is turned off before making adjustments in the circuit.

Do not connect the terminals of a dry cell or battery to each other with a wire. Such a wire can become dangerously hot.

Report any injuries, accidents, or breakages to your teacher immediately. Also, report anything that you suspect may be malfunctioning.

Work quietly so that you can hear any announcements concerning cautions and safety.

Know the locations of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and the nearest exit.

When you have finished your work, check that the water and gas are turned off and that electric circuits are disconnected. Return all materials to the designated places. Clean the work area.

Situation: Burns

Response: Flush with cold water until the burning sensation subsides.

Situation: CutsIf bleeding is severe,

apply pressure or a compress directly to the cut and get medical attention.

If cut is minor, allow to bleed briefly and wash with soap and water.

Situation: Electric Shock & Fainting

Response: Provide fresh air. Adjust the person’s position so that the head is lower than the rest of the body. If breathing stops, use artificial resuscitation.

Situation: Eye Injury Response:

Flush eye immediately with running water. Remove contact lenses. Do not allow the eye to be rubbed.

Situation: Fire

Response: Turn off all gas outlets and disconnect all electrical circuits. Use a fire blanket or fire extinguisher to smother the fire. Caution: Do not cut off a person’s air supply. Never aim fire extinguisher at a person’s face.

Next time - SAFETY TEST – 100% needed to PASS ALL essay, short answer – NO MC! Multiple attempts okay – separated by >24

hours NO lab work for you until you pass it!