LAB SAFETY

Type A extinguisher

Used for wood, paper, and clothing fires

Type B extinguishers

flammable materials like petrol and organic solvents like acetone

Type C

for electrical fires

Type ABC

for all three types of fires

·      P - pull the pin                                                                          

·      A - aim at the base of the fire                                              

·      S - squeeze the handle

·      S - sweep from side to side   

Procedure for extinguishers

Fire blankets

Used to put out smaller fires before they have a chance to become larger fires.

·      Stop - (do not run)

·      Drop - (fall to the floor)

·      Roll - (smother the flames)

Once wrapped in the blanket, the person should follow these three steps to extinguish the flame

Eye Wash Station

Used to wash the eye if the chemical or other object gets into the eye.

·      Push the lever to make the water flow

·      Flush the eyes for at least 15 minutes

·      Keep the eyes open and rotate the eyeballs in all directions

·      Seek medical attention immediately

STEPS TO USE THE EYE WASH

Safety Showers

Used if large amounts of a chemical are spilled on a person or if a person’s clothing catches on fire.

• Pull the lever to make the water flow

• Flush the body for at least 15 minutes

• Remove affected clothing, jewelry, and shoes. All students will leave the lab and someone of the same gender will help you

• Seek medical attention immediately    

STEPS TO USE THE SHOWER

Broken glass must be cleaned up and disposed of in the designated cardboard boxes located at the front and back of the lab(Broken glass container).  To help prevent injuries from the broken glass, always use the broom to sweep it up.

What to do if there is a broken glass?

Biohazard materials [materials that have been in contact with human body fluids, such as blood slides, tissues with blood stains, mouth swabs, bacterial swabs, toothpicks, etc.] must be disposed of in the designated biohazard containers located on each lab bench.

Where to dispose biohazard materials?

Fume hood

Sometimes you will need to add strong acids, bases or other chemicals to solutions for testing. To minimize risks, these chemicals will be used in the _________located at the back of the lab

TRUE

True or false

Prescription glasses do not provide enough protection against chemical splashes or small glass fragments.

FALSE

TRUE OR FALSE

It is okay to wear contact lenses as chemical vapours won’t get trapped between the lens and the eye. It is because lenses are built to protect the eye.

true

TRUE OR FALSE

Lab coats protect skin and clothes from chemical spills and splashes.  To make sure the lab coat provides enough protection, it is important to keep it fully buttoned and do not roll the sleeves up.  Hijabs must be tucked inside the coat.  A 100% cotton lab coat is recommended.

TRUE

TRUE OR FALSE

Avoid shorts or skirts that are above the ankle because chemicals or broken glass may come in contact with your skin

False

TRUE OR FALSE

It is not necessary to tie long hairs.

FALSE

TRUE OR FALSE

It is not required to wear gloves when handling harmful chemicals.

TRUE

TRUE OR FALSE

It is important to keep your feet protected from potential spills and possible broken glass. All shoes should be closed toe. Leather shoes are recommended for the best protection.

First aid kit

the ________at the front of the room can be used for basic disinfectants and bandages.

Chemical Spill Kit

It can be used for a minor chemical spill for clean-up