Lab Safety
Niles West STEM Lab
Safety Documents
Read and be familiar with all information related to the chemicals, organisms, and equipment used in your project.
Safety is YOUR, individual responsibility.
Individual Safety
“A moment’s carelessness can have disastrous results.”
ANTICIPATE potential problems/Think ahead
Ask yourself, “What would happen if . . .?”
A Cluttered Lab is unsafe
Biological Organisms
-Create a sterile environment for culture.
�-Kill organisms before disposal.
Hazardous Chemicals
-Protect yourself from exposure to toxins.
-Neutralize chemicals before disposal OR use disposal agency.
Electrical Safety
Must consider possibility of electric shock.
Eye Protection in Lab
Lab glasses-�for biology bench work
Lab goggles- �for large scale chemicals
Sterile technique
Preserve a “clean:” environment for your experiment.
Bio Hood vs. Fume Hood
Biological Disposal
Chemical labeling
“If it’s on your table it gets a label.”
Every chemical, solution, or waste container gets a label.
LABEL: Date, contents, Initials
YOUR chemicals
-Keep track of your chemicals.
-If you place something in the fridge � it should be in a bag or box with your name.
-SMALL bottles easily go missing
-Read labels carefully- and check your order.
Chemical Disposal