Physics Laboratory Safety Flashcards

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering the safety rules, symbols, and emergency procedures for the physics laboratory.

Lab Apron and Safety Goggles

Equipment that must be worn at all times whenever a student is in the laboratory.

Personal Apparel Restrictions

Clothing requirements that prohibit long necklaces, dangling bracelets, bulky jewelry, loose-fitting clothing, and open toe shoes or sandals; long hair must be tied back.

Supervision Requirement

A rule stating students must NEVER work alone in the laboratory and must only work under the supervision of a teacher.

Fire Procedure

The specific protocol to WALK to the safety shower, stand under it, and turn it on if clothing catches on fire, while calling for the teacher.

Inquiry Investigations

Student-designed investigations that must be approved by the teacher before being attempted.

Horseplay

A type of behavior that is strictly prohibited in the laboratory because it is very dangerous.

Heating Device Safety

Precautions requiring that hot plates or burners never be left unattended and that all equipment be cooled before storing.

Falling or Flying Objects

The most prevalent safety hazard in the physics lab, which includes items like marbles, glass, balls, clay, and foam darts.

Waste Disposal (Glass)

Broken glass or ceramics must be picked up with a dustpan, brush, and heavy gloves and placed in a container specifically provided for this purpose.

Electrical Safety (Circuits)

The rule that a circuit must never be closed until it has been approved by the teacher, and elements of a closed circuit must not be rewired or adjusted.

Meter Off Scale

A condition where the pointer on any kind of meter moves past its limit, requiring the circuit to be opened immediately by the switch.

Radioactive Materials Safety

A protocol prohibiting these materials from being poured down a drain or contacting skin, hair, or clothing due to the risk of serious illness.

Eye Protection (Light)

A caution to avoid looking directly at a light source to prevent permanent eye damage.

Hand Safety (Hot Equipment)

The use of a hot mitt to handle resistors, light sources, and other equipment that may be hot.

Glassware Integrity

The requirement to notify the teacher immediately if a thermometer breaks or if glassware contains cracks or chips.

Post-Investigation Hygiene

The practice of thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after the conclusion of every lab activities.