Inorganic Chemistry

Prelim Lab 2: Lab Safety

Masil, Toni Justine P.

Ramirez, Roie M.

S.Y. 2021-2022
 Prelim Lab 2: Lab Safety

Abstract
There is a certain element of risk in anything you do, but the potential risks in a
laboratory are greater. Therefore, safety is the primary concern. Having a strong set of overall
laboratory safety rules is essential in avoiding disasters in the lab. Knowing how to respond
in urgent situations is vital as well. This report summarizes the lab simulation done by the
students – in it writes the necessary knowledge in protecting one’s self when working in the
laboratory, among others, are proper attire, laboratory maintenance, storing substance,
responding to emergencies, chemical safety rules, correct usage of instruments, etc. With the
virtual set-up, the simulation allowed the students to experience lab casualties and respond
accordingly to the situation.

Introduction
Working in a lab often means you’re surrounded by chemicals and other hazardous
materials. Lab safety is all about being aware of your surroundings as well as cultivating a
specific skillset that is used to keep you, your peers, and the lab safe. First and foremost,
proper attire. Laboratory dress codes set a clear policy for the clothing employees should
avoid wearing in order to prevent accidents or injuries in the lab. Additionally, lab coats and
gloves should also be worn so as to prevent chemicals from making skin contact. Safety
goggles are also a must to protect your eyes in any case a reaction takes place and splashes
chemicals into the air. Comes next, laboratory maintenance – which encompass the proper
storage for substances and chemicals, cleaning the apparatus after use, maintaining proper
function of instruments, etc. Some substances are extremely volatile and can react to the
slightest change of environment – proper storage ensures safety by keeping substances
dormant. Correct usage of equipment is also an essential practice in securing safety, utilizing
apparatuses properly serves their purpose in protecting the person experimenting. Another,
tidying up properly after an activity will ensure that your future experiments and projects are
accurate and help improve longevity of equipment. Moreover, the ability to respond to
emergencies is crucial in ensuring safety – how the simulation taught the students to execute
first aid and prevent further mishaps, for example, is one reason why appropriate response is
very important in minimizing harm. Lastly, chemical safety rules were also tackled in the
simulation – students had to clean up a corrosive chemical without triggering the acid into
exothermic reaction.
 Prelim Lab 2: Lab Safety

Materials and Methods

Upon wearing the lab coat, goggles, and gloves, the students were presented with a
poorly maintained laboratory. The first task was to recondition the whole room properly. The
students started off by pulling down the glass sash of the fume hood, which was seen left
open by the previous user. Next, the sink filled with dirty glassware was emptied and cleaned
– drying and putting the flasks into their proper cabinets after. The students then noticed the
lab cart blocking the emergency exit, pushing it out of the way to keep the door accessible.
Afterwards, jars of chemicals were seen left on top of boxes in the middle of the room –
students read and stored the jars accordingly. Similarly, the laboratory bench was also left
cluttered and messy. Cleaning the bench was the one that took the longest; firstly, the
students turned off the Bunsen burner left ablaze by previous user; second, personal
belongings were taken off the bench countertop, as well as a bottle of soda; third, the lab dish
containing live microorganisms was disposed properly; fourth, the spilled hazardous
chemical was cleaned with precaution – identifying it as corrosive, the students took some
liquid indicator using a pipette and added it to the spill. Upon turning red, it was
distinguished as a strong acid and was covered with sodium bicarbonate before wiping it off
the bench with an absorbent paper. Before continuing on with the activity, the students
disposed the contaminated gloves and got a new pair. After cleaning the laboratory area, the
simulation subjected the students into a hazardous experiment, pouring a reactive chemical
into a jar of strong acid without proper equipment (safety goggles). The mixture had a strong
reaction and splashed all over – some of the liquid getting into the experimenter’s eye.
Following first aid protocols, the experimenter ran immediately to shower station and rinse
their eyes. Lastly, the students had to remove their lab coats and wash their hands,
respectively, before leaving the laboratory.

Results
The laboratory simulation showed the percentage of progress when it came to gaining
new knowledge, skills, and understanding. Proper management measures and responding to
emergency situations correctly were demonstrated. Creating a hazard-free laboratory was
inculcated as well – handling chemicals accordingly, wearing appropriate attire, maintaining
a clean workspace, and recognizing risks.
 Prelim Lab 2: Lab Safety

Discussion
Safety is the first and most vital priority to be considered in any laboratory.
Laboratory safety is an integral part of any lab experience. If the participants are unkempt or
precarious, they can easily cause a huge accident or even tragedy. When working in the lab,
so many different hazards are faced. The rules of the laboratory are in place to ensure that one
does not hurt themselves, let alone everyone else in the room or even the whole building.
Fatal accidents and infections are bound to happen if safety is not practiced effectively.
Therefore, it is necessary to cooperate and make sure the safety measures are implemented
every time in the lab. Each person needs to be responsible for themselves, while also
watching for potential dangers others may not notice.