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��Lecture 1

By:

Kazem R. Abdulla

2025 – 2026

Kurdistan Technical Institute(www.kti.edu.krd/ku) - ML Dept.

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Introduction:

  • The chemistry laboratory is an environment of discovery and learning, but it also presents unique hazards that require careful attention and respect. For medical laboratory professionals, understanding and implementing proper safety protocols is not merely a procedural requirement but a fundamental responsibility that protects you, your colleagues, patients, and the integrity of your work. This first laboratory session establishes the foundation for all subsequent work in the chemistry laboratory by introducing essential safety practices, personal protective equipment, common laboratory apparatus, and proper waste management procedures.

Kurdistan Technical Institute(www.kti.edu.krd/ku) - ML Dept.

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Laboratory Safety Hazards and Precautions

  • Types of Laboratory Hazards
    1. Chemical Hazards
    2. Physical Hazards
    3. Biological and Clinical Hazards (Awareness)

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Chemical Hazards

Chemical hazards are among the most common risks in a chemistry laboratory. These include:

  • Corrosive substances (e.g., strong acids like hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, strong bases like sodium hydroxide) that can cause burns to skin and eyes.
  • Toxic chemicals that may cause harm through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
  • Flammable substances such as ethanol, methanol, and acetone, which can ignite easily in the presence of open flames or sparks.
  • Reactive chemicals that may explode or release toxic gases when mixed improperly.

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Precautions

  • Always read labels carefully before using any chemical.
  • Never taste chemicals or directly smell them; use the wafting technique if instructed.
  • Handle acids and bases with caution and always add acid to water, never water to acid.
  • Keep flammable substances away from heat sources.
  • Use fume hoods when working with volatile or toxic chemicals.

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Physical Hazards

  • Physical hazards include:
  • Broken glassware, which can cause cuts and infections.
  • Hot surfaces and flames, such as Bunsen burners and hot plates.
  • Electrical equipment, which can cause shocks if improperly handled.
  • Slips and falls due to spilled liquids or cluttered workspaces.
  • Precautions: - Inspect glassware for cracks before use. - Never pick up broken glass with bare hands. - Tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing. - Keep benches clean and dry. - Turn off equipment when not in use.

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Biological and Clinical Hazards (Awareness)

  • Although this is a general chemistry laboratory, medical laboratory students should be aware of potential biological hazards encountered in advanced courses. These include exposure to blood, body fluids, and microorganisms.
  • Precautions: - Treat all biological samples as potentially infectious. - Follow standard precautions and institutional biosafety guidelines. - Dispose of biological waste in designated containers.

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Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

  • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), provide detailed information about chemical substances. They are essential documents for ensuring safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.

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  • Using MSDS in the Laboratory:
  • Always consult the MSDS before using a new chemical.
  • Know the first-aid measures in case of exposure.
  • Understand storage requirements and incompatibilities.

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Structure of an MSDS

  1. An MSDS typically includes:
  2. Identification of the substance
  3. Hazard identification
  4. Composition and ingredients
  5. First-aid measures
  6. Fire-fighting measures
  7. Accidental release measures
  8. Handling and storage
  9. Exposure controls and PPE
  10. Physical and chemical properties
  11. Stability and reactivity
  12. Toxicological information
  13. Ecological information
  14. Disposal considerations
  15. Transport information
  16. Regulatory information
  17. Other information

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Kurdistan Technical Institute(www.kti.edu.krd/ku) - ML Dept.

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Laboratory Safety Symbol

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LAB EQUIPMENTS

Kurdistan Technical Institute(www.kti.edu.krd/ku) - NU Dept.

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Test tube

Beakers

Erlenmeyer flask, Conical flask

Volumetric flask

Graduated cylinder

Pipette

Graduated pipette

Disposable pipette

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LAB EQUIPMENTS

Kurdistan Technical Institute(www.kti.edu.krd/ku) - NU Dept.

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Burette

Burette clamp

Funnel

Buchner Funnel

Clamp

Test tube brush

Test tube holder

Test tube stand

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LAB EQUIPMENTS

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Bunsen burner

Petri dish

Glass rod

Tongs

Utility clamp

Reagent bottle

Tripod

Wash Bottle

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LAB EQUIPMENTS

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Wire Mesh Gauze (Ceramic Centre)

Spatula

Round-bottom flasks

Glass Condenser

Filter paper

Separatory funnel

Filtering flask

Watch glass

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Kurdistan Technical Institute(www.kti.edu.krd/ku) - NU Dept.

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Fusion tube

Mortar and pestle

Crucible

Litmus and pH paper

Sample containers

Desiccator

Digital pH meter

Mechanical Shaker

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Kurdistan Technical Institute(www.kti.edu.krd/ku) - NU Dept.

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Digital Balance

Magnetic Stirrer

Water bath

Vacuum Pump

Digital Conductometer

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Common Glassware

  • Beaker: Used for mixing, heating, and holding liquids; not for precise measurements.
  • Erlenmeyer flask: Suitable for mixing solutions and minimizing splashing.
  • Volumetric flask: Used for preparing solutions of precise volume.
  • Graduated cylinder: Used for measuring liquid volumes with moderate accuracy.
  • Test tube: Used for small-scale reactions.
  • Burette: Used in titration experiments for accurate delivery of liquids.
  • Pipette (volumetric and graduated): Used for transferring precise volumes of liquids.

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Kurdistan Technical Institute(www.kti.edu.krd/ku) - ML Dept.

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Heating and Support Equipment

  • Bunsen burner: Provides a controllable flame for heating.
  • Hot plate: Used for heating without an open flame.
  • Tripod stand and wire gauze: Support glassware during heating.
  • Ring stand and clamps: Used to hold burettes, flasks, and other apparatus.

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Measuring and Analytical Instruments

  • Analytical balance: Used for precise mass measurements.
  • pH meter: Measures acidity or alkalinity of solutions.
  • Thermometer: Measures temperature.

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