Science Lab Safety Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the Flinn Scientific Student Safety Contract rules for biology and chemistry lab environments.

Fume hood

A well-ventilated area used when working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors; students must never place their heads into it.

Chemical Waste Disposal

The process of placing solid chemicals, metals, matches, and filter paper in proper waste containers rather than sink drains.

Fire Drill Procedures

During a laboratory period, containers must be closed, gas valves turned off, fume hoods turned off, and any electrical equipment turned off.

Laboratory Goggles

Protective eyewear that must be worn any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used.

Lab Dress Code

Includes tying back long hair, securing dangling jewelry or loose clothing, and wearing shoes that completely cover the foot (no sandals).

"Code one, Code one"

The phrase yelled out immediately to get the instructor's attention if a student or lab partner is hurt.

Chemical Splash Protocol

Immediately flush the affected eye(s) or skin with running water from the eyewash station or safety shower for at least $20\,minutes$.

Mercury

A substance contained in some thermometers that must not be touched if the thermometer is broken; the instructor must be notified immediately.

Wafting

The proper technique for smelling chemical vapors in the laboratory.

Acid Dilution

The specific procedure where you always add acid to water, swirl or stir the solution, and remain careful of the heat produced.

Pipet Filling

A process that must never be done by mouth suction; instead, use a rubber bulb or pipet pump.

Broken Glass Handling

Never use bare hands; use a brush and dustpan to clean up and place the items in the designated glass disposal container.

Glass Tubing and Stoppers

Always lubricate glassware before insertion, and protect hands with towels or cotton gloves when inserting or removing it.

Electrical Safety

Hands must be completely dry before touching a switch, plug, or outlet, and users must grasp the plug, not the cord.

Heating Test Tubes

The open end of the tube being heated must never be pointed at yourself or anyone else.

Hot and Cold Glass Appearance

Both states have the same visual appearance; one should determine if an object is hot by bringing the back of the hand close to it prior to grasping.