In a biology laboratory, it is very essential to follow safety rules while doing experiments using various
biology laboratory equipments. Following these rules will help in protecting you from any kind of unforeseen mishaps when experimenting. Some lab equipments and chemicals used in a biology laboratory can be very harmful if not handled properly. Let us check the biology lab safety rules: - the basic rules that should be followed when in a biology lab.
Biology Laboratory Safety
Prepare yourself before entering a biology lab
All biology labs have their own safety rules which are usually seen at the entrance of the room. You should carefully read those instructions and follow them when you enter the lab. Besides this, you should also knoe before hand what lab experiment or lab exercise you are going to perform. Read your lab manual. Go through your biology notes. Study the relevant sections before your experiment begins. You should be clear about all procedures and purposes. Incase if you have any problem, clarify your doubts with your instructor so that you know exactly what you will be doing. This will also help in getting your thoughts well organized to write your lab report properly.
Neatness to be followed
You should alway keep the work area neat , clean and organized when working in a biology laboratory.
If there is a spill while working, get it cleaned immediately. Also, when your experiment gets over, clean your work area and wash your hands.
Be careful when you work
An important biology lab safety rule, or for that matter, a common safety rule is to be careful. Handle the objects carefully. You may be working with glass or sharp objects. Careless handling of these products is dangerous.
Be careful with chemicals/acids
Whether the chemical is safe or not, flammable or not, you should always think that the chemicals that you are using are very dangerous. With this thought in your mind, you proceed with your experiment. This way you are more careful while handling chemicals or acids. You should know before hand which chemical you are using and how it should be properly handled. Wash your hands immediately if any chemical comes in contact with your skin.
Wear proper dress
Another safety rule is to wear proper clothing. Proper clothing implies that the clothing you wear is something you could do without if it becomes damaged because there is every chance that while working , chemicals spilling may damage your clothing. As a precautionary step, it is always advisable to wear an apron or lab coat. Similarly protect your feet by wearing proper shoes because you never know when some glass bottles might break and hurt your feet.
Wear safety eye wear
Wear protective eye wear when handling chemicals. Safety goggles used in a laboratory are not stylish and might look awkward in your face. But they should always be worn when you are working in a biology laboratory using chemicals or any type of heating apparatus.
Find the place where safety equipments are kept
This is very important. Once you enter the biology laboratory, you should first of all locate where the
safety equipments like the first aid kit, fire extinguisher, chemical waste containers, wash station are kept. Incase of emergency, you can very well handle the situation. Also find the exit door so that you do not panic at emergency.
Don't s in Biology Laboratory
There are several things in a biology laboratory that you must avoid such as follows:
- Do not eat or drink in the lab.
- Do not taste any chemicals or substances you are working with.
- Do not use your mouth for pipetting substances.
- Do not handle broken glass with bare hands.
- Do not pour chemicals down the drain without permission.
- Do not operate lab equipment without permission.
- Do not leave any heated materials unattended.
- Do not perform your own experiments unless given permission.
- Do not engage in childish pranks.
- Do not place flammable substances near heat.
