Research Designs

The study design is the plan adopted by the researcher in the conduct of a study. It is important
that the researcher selects the appropriate study design to minimize errors and avoid reaching
wrong conclusions.
A research design – is the “blue print” of the study.

 It guides the collection, measurement and analysis of data (Cooper and Schindler, 2001).

 It is a plan or course of action which the research follows in order to answer the research
question/s or solve the research problem (Sanchez, et.al, 1996).

 It is considered a master plan that specifies the methods and procedures for collecting and
analyzing the needed information in a research study.

Three major categories:

1) Experimental research

2) Field research

3) Observational research varying from internal and external validity.

In doing your Science Investigatory Project (SIP), an experimental research design is usually used.
Experimental research design is concerned with the examination of the effect of
the independent variable on the dependent variable, where the independent variable is manipulated
through treatment or intervention(s), and the effect of those interventions is observed on the
dependent variable.

An experimental research design is unique in two essential aspects:

(a) It is the only type of research that attempts to influence a particular variable; (b) It is the type of
research for testing hypotheses about cause-and-effect relationships. It considers the independent
variable (treatment) and dependent variable (outcome) as such.
Like any other field, there are basic principles to be followed in choosing your research design. These
principles create a valid test of significance possible. Each of them is described briefly below:

Randomization

 This is the process by which the participants have a fair chance of being assigned to the
experimental group or assigning them on a random basis.

 Through this process, chances of bias can be eliminated.

  To eliminate the effect of confounding variables on dependent variables and minimize the threat
of internal validity, randomization is utilized for true experimental research design.

 Using randomization, the experimental and control groups on an average basis has similarities in
the characteristics of their participants. Through dispersing the variability of the participants’
characteristics equally in both groups eliminates the influence of the confounding variables on
the dependent variables.

Replication
 It refers to the repetition of the basic experiment done to provide an estimate variation among
observations on units treated alike, assessing the significance of observed differences.

 It makes the test of significance possible.

 The number of replicates needed is based on the degree of precision required,

degree of homogeneity of the sample, and the number of the treatment in the study.

Local Control

 It is defined as the utilization of a control group and controlling the effects of confounding
variables on the dependent variable that interests the researcher/s.

 The participants in the control and experimental groups are similar in characteristics and
number, but the subject in the control group does not receive an experimental treatment or any
intervention at all.

 The planned intervention or treatment will be given to the experimental group wherein its
observed effect will then be compared to the control group.

Experimental Design
An experimental design is a major plan on how to distribute each sample to the treatments
(independent variable) in a random or randomized manner. This plan deals with how samples are to be
selected for the experimental and control groups, the ways through which the variables are to be
manipulated and controlled, how extraneous variables are to be controlled, how observations are to be
made, and the type of statistical analysis to be employed.
There are two basic types of experimental designs; Complete Randomized Design & Randomized
Complete Block Design.
Complete Randomized Design (CRD)
In this type of design, the samples are distributed to specific treatments (independent variables). This is
usually used when the experimental samples are homogenous, which means that the samples are sharing
similar characteristics such as age, gender, weight, type of species, and the type of management of

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samples. Homogeneity of samples will ensure that the results are mainly caused by the experimental
treatment (independent variable) and not by some other factors. Consider the investigation of Maria
Paula about the green peas plants. Maria Paula used 4-replicates and distributed samples in 5 treatments
(0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%).The statistical tool to be used to compare the difference of growth in
terms of height is One-Way Analysis of Variance since there are four treatments in the experiment. If
there are two means from the two treatments, a t-test should be used. The table shows the advantages
and disadvantages of CRD.
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)
This type of design groups samples into blocks because of known variations in the sample or in the
condition of the area where the experiment is to be conducted. For example, in field studies such as the
application of fertilizer in the field, there are a lot of extraneous variables that might affect the
experiment such as the condition of the soil, animal feces, in some parts of the area where the
experiment will be conducted. Another variation is in the part of the samples in terms of age, size, and
gender.
If the variation is in the samples, the best way is to distribute these variations into groups called blocks
where each sample in block represents a variation. Therefore, this design can give results that are due to
the differences in the treatments and not because of the variations. Treatments (independent variables)
are assigned at random within each block of adjacent samples; each treatment is given once per sample
in each block.

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3
Population
-the totality of individuals or objects that are the focus of the study. The members of a population
usually have similar, binding characteristics if researchers wanted to study the efficacy of the X- Brand
COVID-19 vaccine, then the population includes all people that will receive the vaccine throughout the
globe.
There are two groups of population – the target population and the accessible population.

Target population
-consists of the entire group of people or objects that the researcher/s used to generalize the conclusion
of the study. In the above- mentioned example, the researchers generalize the conclusion using a target
population.

Accessible population
-a part of the population by which the researcher has reasonable access or a subset of a target
population. This might be limited to a country, region, state, institution, or a specific area where the
researcher has easy access. So, if the researchers study the efficacy of the X- Brand COVID-19 vaccine
and are living in Oxford (UK), then their participants will be all the people living in Oxford that will be
receiving the vaccine.

Usually, a population is too broad to handle. Thus, a group may be chosen to represent the population.
This group is known to be a sample, a subset of the population chosen to participate in a study. It serves
as a basis for concluding the target population. Those chosen are known as the subjects or respondents
of the study. However, to make sure that the group to be selected is the representation of the target
population, a sampling frame is constructed.

sampling frame
-lists all individuals or objects included in the target population. In constructing a sampling frame, care
must be taken. It must be organized systematically, updated, and contains an accurate list of all elements
of the population, including the contact details. An example of a sampling frame is a listing of all
people living in Oxford collated by the Oxford Register Office to draw from it the needed sample
(participants).

III. Activity Proper

Activity 1, Sample vs. Population
Objective: Differentiate a sample from a population.
Directions: Determine whether the given is a sample or a population. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Number of people with hypertension

2. Number of Filipinos who died of COVID-19
3. Number of university students at UP-Diliman
4. Number of tourist arrival in the Philippines in 2015

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 5. Number of selected non-smokers in Metro Manila
6. Number of public school teachers in a municipality
7. Number of people randomly selected to be vaccinated
8. Number of Science 8 books in the library of your school
9. Number of students in your school with dogs as their pets
10. Number of Grade 12 male students who enjoy reading books

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 o Sampling is the process of choosing participants or respondents from a target population for
your study.

o A sampling technique is a process of selecting samples from a target population (Uy et.al.,
2016).

In statistics, there are two types of sampling techniques: probability and non- probability sampling:

Probability sampling
-is the method of drawing samples where every member of the target population has an equal chance of
being selected. It requires the presence of a complete list of members of the target population.

Non-probability sampling
-does not ensure that every member of the target population is given an equal chance of being selected.
Thus, the non- probability sampling is less precise. It is usually used when just approximation is
required.

Types of Probability Sampling Techniques

Simple random sampling

-each member has an equal chance of being selected

Systematic Sampling

-K value is computed by dividing the population size by the desired sample size and is used to determine
the kth (sample) element to be taken from the population.

Stratified sampling

-the target population is first divided into strata (groups) according to certain predefined characteristics

-for each stratum, samples are then drawn either randomly or according to a systematic approach

Cluster sampling

-requires a larger sample to be as efficient.

Types of Non-Probability Sampling Techniques

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Purposeful Sampling

-the process of selecting a sample with a specific ‘purpose’ in mind

Quota sampling.

-make sure that the representative characteristics are well defined.

Snowball sampling

-for topics that are highly sensitive that couldn’t be easily brought up.

Census sampling

-usually used if the population of the study is heterogeneous (mixed).

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 An experiment is a set of procedures that are used by the investigator to be able to collect the
necessary information that is needed to verify or test the truthfulness of the hypothesis or to answer
the research questions.

In an experiment, all the essential conditions are controlled so that the results can only be attributed to
the independent variable (Lahorra, 2020).Experiments are done under controlled conditions so that the
results can be achieved. Important concepts must be considered in learning about designing and
conducting experiments.

Set-up of the
Experiment

Experimental Control + Control -

Controlled variables are factors Kind of tomato Kind of tomato plant Kind of tomato
that are maintained in the plant plant
Type of soil
experiment. This is done to
Type of soil Type of soil
avoid other factors intervening Amount of water
in the results. Amount of water Amount of water
Amount of sunlight
Amount of sunlight Amount of sunlight

A dependent variable is a factor Growth of pechay Growth of pechay Growth of pechay

or condition that might be plants in terms of plants in terms of plants in terms of
altered. The effect could be height (cm) height (cm) height (cm)
observed and measured.

An independent variable is a Organic fertilizer Commercial fertilizer Without fertilizer

factor or condition that might
be affected. The effect could be
observed and measured.

Experimental unit refers to the If a researcher wants to find out the growth rate of pechay plants
subject or object which is after three weeks wherein they will receive different treatments
introduced with a stimulus and (with organic fertilizer and without fertilizer). Therefore, the pechay
is then measured. plants are the experimental unit.

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Treatment is the stimulus Using the same example on the experimental unit, the treatments
introduced to the experimental introduced are – (a) adding organic fertilizer on the soil and (b)
subjects. without adding fertilizer on the soil.

Repeated measurements are
the measurements that are made
on each subject over several
periods in some experiments.
Take for example if researchers wanted to test a certain medication
on patients with Diabetes II, they will be first tested to measure their
glucose level before they are given a specific treatment. After
the treatment has been implemented, patients will be tested again
and they might undergo nutritional counseling as well.

Repeated measurement design Using the same example above, the measurement design to be used
refers to the design which is a crossover design – “two-period, two-treatment” which means
includes repeated the research participants are randomly assigned to receive two
measurements on research different treatments: either A then B, or B then A.
where a single treatment is
Then also applicable to research studies that may involve multiple
administered to a subject or it
factors affecting the results gathered from it.
involves designs of treatment
that are modified before each
measurement.

The purpose of the control group or control treatment is for comparison. The results from the
experimental treatment will be compared to the results of the control group. This helps in making valid
conclusions about how organic fertilizer showed its effects on the growth of the plants. There are two
types of control groups in experiments: negative and positive control groups. A negative control group
receives a negative control treatment (this is without treatment or a treatment that will not give an
effect). A positive control group receives a positive control treatment, a treatment that is already
known for a particular effect.

LABORATORY TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

laboratory

“a room or building with scientific equipment for doing scientific tests for teaching Science, or a
place where chemicals or medicines are produced.”

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laboratory techniques are procedures and practices that are required in utilizing various equipment
inside the laboratory.

Here are some of the laboratory techniques and methods that you need to learn as you conduct your
research study:

A. Microbiological Techniques

In microbiology, microorganisms like archaea, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, etc. are being studied.

The common microbiological techniques are discussed in detail below:

Sterilization

Microbiological media, a medium for growing bacteria or any other microorganisms,

must be sterilized by heating it in an autoclave (like a pressure cooker) at 121°C for 15 minutes. This
will kill all living organisms, i.e., spores.

Aseptic Techniques

This is done to lessen the chance of bacterial contamination. Furthermore, this also involves disinfecting
working area exposed to microbiological media to minimize the possible contact by bacteria from the air
and use flames to kill bacteria that might enter the vessels after opening them.

Inoculation

This is the process by which bacteria are introduced to a media in various means. For example
(bacteria), from a drop in a heat-sterilized loop are dispersed on the surface of the agar. This is the same
with broth cultures. For bacteria in a liquid, a sterile pipette is introduced to a Petri dish before the agar
is poured on the top (“pour plates”).

Incubation

This is the process of maintaining favorable conditions for growth and development, i.e.,
microbiological culture. The Petri dishes that contain the agar or tubes contain broth are incubated, for
example, a special apparatus is placed in a room with a fixed temperature (usually at 37 °C, for
pathogens, while for bacteria is 35 °C from the environment). In school, incubation temperatures are set
lower to minimize the growth of potential pathogens.

measures light. On the other hand, a photometer consists of a photoelectric detector that measures the
intensity of light.

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5) Extraction

This is the conversion of compound/s from a solid or liquid state into another phase or state.

Step 1: Air Drying of Samples. After collecting the adequate amount of plant samples, wash with clean
water and dry5at room temperature. The efficiency of extracting crude compounds can be achieved
when the plant samples are air- dried.

Step 2: Grinding the Dried Samples into Powder. The purpose of this step is to turn samples into small
pieces (powder) using a Wiley Mill or if you do not have one, you can use a pair of scissors.
Compounds can easily dissolve in the solvent when the plant sample is powdered.

Step 3: Soaking the Ground Plant Samples in a Solvent. Soaking the ground samples in a specific
solvent will make the compounds go to the solvent or will dissolve in the solvent. This is already the
start of the extraction process. The kind of solvent you want to use depends on your study particularly
on the specific compound you want to extract from the plants. Most commonly used are ethanol,
acetone, petroleum ether, and hexane.

Step 4: Collecting the filtrate. The dissolved compounds from the plant samples can be found in the
filtrate, the liquid mixture. Filter the mixture using a filter paper (usually Whatman #1 filter paper or as
required by the procedure).

Step 5: Evaporating the solvent. This is the last step in preparing the crude compounds of crude extract
from the plant sample. You can evaporate the solvent using a Rotatory Evaporator (Rotavap) or you
can simplify by evaporating the solvent by heating using an alcohol lamp. The crude extract should be
in semi-solid form.

Step 6: Recover the extract from the rotary evaporator container. The extract should be semi-solid or
sticky in appearance to ensure that the solvent ethanol or other solvent chemicals are thoroughly
removed.

3) Titration

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This is the process of determining the concentration of a solution. Medwick & Kirschner (2010) defined
titration as “a common laboratory method of quantitativechemical analysis that used to determine the
unknown concentration of an identified analyte.” The common types of titration are acid-base
titration and redox titration. An acid-base titration depends on the neutralization between an acid and
a base when mixed in a solution. When there is a change in color in the acid-base indicator signals the
endpoint of the titration.

C. Physical

Aeration

This is the interchange of various gases (CO2 & O2) between the atmosphere and soil and the various
reactions that either consume or produce gases in the soil.

For example, the oxygen gas (O2) moves from the atmosphere to soil and is consumed by plant roots
and microorganisms. While carbon dioxide (CO2) moves from soil, where it is produced by the plant
and microbial respiration, to the atmosphere.

Centrifugation

This is the process of separating substances applying centrifugal force through the use of a centrifuge. A
centrifuge is a device used to separate particles or macromolecules (i.e., cells, nucleic acids, proteins,
and sub-cellular components).

Chromatography

The word chromatography means “color writing”, which chemists used to test liquid mixtures. This is
the process of separating organic and inorganic compounds used by scientists to analyze and study these
compounds.

There are four main types of chromatography: Gas Chromatography, Liquid Chromatography, Paper
Chromatography, and Thin-layer Chromatography

The table below presents a detailed comparison of these types.

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Types of Chromatography Description Application(s)

a) Gas Chromatography - Used to analyze volatile Detects bombs in airports

gases.
Identifies and quantifies drugs, i.e., in
alcohols

(Forensics) Compares fibers found on a

victim

b) Liquid Chromatography Used to analyze the metal Detects pollution by testing water
ions and organic compounds samples
in solutions.

uses liquids that may

incorporate hydrophilic,
insoluble molecules

c) Paper Chromatography common type of Separates amino acids and anions

chromatography
RNA fingerprinting
paper is the stationary phase
Separates and tests histamines and
uses capillary action to pull antibiotics
the solutes up through the
paper and separate the solutes

d) Thin-layer Chromatography - simple and quick method to Detects pesticide or insecticide

check the purity of the residuesin food
organic compounds
Analyzes the dye composition of fibers
(forensics)

Distillation

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This is the process by which organic com7pounds (contain carbon) are purified. This is advantageous in
the sense that two different compounds have different boiling points. Take, for example, two different
liquids are present in a homogeneous mixture (completely miscible, e.g., H2O & alcohol). If these
compounds have different boiling points, one of the compounds will evaporate first (volatile) before
the other will.

Drying

This is defined as the process of vaporizing and removing water or other liquids in a certain material
to form a dry solid. Physiochemical transformations result from the simultaneous heat and mass
transfer (which are critical factors in the drying process).

Grinding

This is the process of turning a material into small pieces from fine to coarse using a certain device,
i.e., Wiley Mill or a grinding wheel.

pH measurement

A pH is a measurement of how weak and strong a particular acidic or basic substance. A substance with
a pH of 7 is neutral, i.e., H2O. A pH lower than 7 means acidic, i.e., acetic acid found in vinegar. A pH
higher than 7 is a base, i.e., sodium hypochlorite found in bleaching products. In many studies, pH is an
important parameter or variable.

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15
 Research ethics are established standards that regulate the manner of conducting and disseminating scientific and
other researches at research institutions, i.e., schools, colleges, universities, etc.

Ethical Standards in Doing Research

The purpose of research should be clearly defined to the participants and should not give false promises to entice
the participants to join. The purpose of the study should be clear to the potential participants so they could freely
decide whether to join or not. Transparency is important to be able to conduct the study ethically.

here are six broad ethical areas related to participants that need to be considered in your research. These include:

1. voluntary participation
2. informed consent
3. confidentiality and anonymity
4. the potential for harm
5. communicating results,
6. more/other ethical issues.

Table 1. Possible Ethical Issues Relating to Researchers

Ethical Issues Right Violated Compensation Available

a) Preserving participants’ Right to privacy

anonymity

b) Exposing participants; stress Right to safety Right to be heard Right to redress

c) Use of special equipment and techniques Right to privacy Right Right to redress
to choose

d) Involving participants in research without their Right to be informed Right to redress

knowledge Right to privacy

e) Use of deception Right to be informed Right to be heard Right to redress

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f) Use of coercion Right to choose

g) Selling under the guise of research Right to be informed

h) Causing embarrassment, hindrance, or offense Right to respect Right to redress

1. Voluntary Participation

 research subjects voluntarily participate in the conduct of your study and not by coercion or deception

 subjects do not have any obligation towards you, it is an invitation that you sent them, either they would accept
or reject it

 no consequences should be done if they would reject it

 signing a confidentiality agreement protects you and your respondents of any conflicts that might arise in the
future

2. Confidentiality and Anonymity

 Confidentiality is an active effort to eliminate from the research records any

elements that might reveal the subject’s identities

 Anonymity means that the subjects remain nameless

 responses given by the respondents should be kept confidential

 researchers should employ a systematic way of changing the subject’s real name
to a pseudonym or case number as they report data

 signing of a statement of confidentiality indicating the sensitivity of the nature of the research and the
information obtained from the study must not be disclosed to anybody is necessary

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 3. Informed Consent

 researcher should devise a consent form to inform participants of the advantages, intent, threats, and other aspects
of the study

 participants should not be exposed to potential hazards in whatever form, whether it be a physical, emotional,
economic, legal, or professional injury

 additional protection must be given to pregnant women, human fetuses, newborn babies, children, and prisoners

4. Potential Harm

 There are various means by which participants can be harmed:

Financial harm – this is possible for researches done at a firm especially when you are researching unethical
behavior. This might give the management information of the individual that may result in getting fired. Anything
that involves financial issues in a certain field that might unintentionally harm the employees or the firm itself.

Psychological harm – this is usually observed for research topics that are too sensitive, i.e., AIDS, STDs, third
sexes, etc. that might offend the participants involved.

Social harm – looking at how someone’s lifestyle affects consumption might unintentionally disclose a person’s
sexual orientation especially when that person prefers it to be confidential. The aforementioned ethical harms that
you might encounter along the way must be first identified before you conduct your research study. You must
ensure that your research has minimal or no harm at all that may arise. For a research student like you, this is one
of the most ethical issues that are difficult to address speculating that no harm might arise as you conduct your
study. Failing to conduct research ethically might end your research career. Thus, you must assure that a consent
form and ethical considerations must be identified before taking up action in conducting your research.

5. Communicating Results

There are three major terms that you need to remember when communicating your results:

1) Plagiarism
2) academic fraud
3) misinterpreting results.

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In your previous learning activity, you have learned that plagiarism is copying someone else’s work as you own.
On the other hand, academic fraud involves the misinterpretation of what has been done already. This involves
manipulating data or making up conclusions that are not accurate. This usually happens when the researchers have
difficulty in accessing the research participants needed to provide them with the necessary data. The last issue is
misinterpreting results. This is a normal scenario especially for students' research for they may have less
experience or knowledge concerning the conduct of their study. Even renowned academics may have
misinterpreted their results as well. But this must not become a habit to ensure the trustworthiness and credibility
of your study.

6. Others/More Specific Ethical Issues

The above-mentioned ethical issues are usually applied to a wide range of research projects. But there are ethical
issues that may arise in a specific situation or the use of a specific research technique. These include:

Conflict of Interest

This arises when your interest as a researcher is opposite to that of your chosen participants. For example,
discovering a certain medication of an unknown disease and you wanted to test its efficacy on a group of patients.
To market the said medicine, you must also include the possible side-effects of using them. But when a member
of your research team does not inform the possible users about this especially when the competition is a meddling
factor, possible conflict may arise. So, to avoid this scenario, do not put yourself in such a dilemma. Try to avoid
competition with one another for your study to succeed.

Deception

This usually happens especially when researchers do not want their respondents to change their responses once
they know the real intent of their study. Take for example, topics that are too sensitive like alcoholism, AIDS,
STDs, etc. Letting the participants think that way would minimize bias but deceit should be avoided at all times.
Respondents must know the possible harm or threat accompanied in participating in the study. This will ensure
that you gather the necessary information you need without harming anybody.

Permission from the Organization/Location

This one of the ethical issues that students failed to comply with before research

is being undertaken. It’s a crucial process to ask permission from the person with authority before using the
location or asking respondents in a certain organization

to participate in your undertaking. This will ensure the safety and liability of conducting your study at a
certain location or organization as well as the individuals involved in it.

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listed in Table 1 are some of the important considerations that you need to follow for the
most commonly used equipment in the laboratory:

Activities

Preparation
 Make sure the room is well-lighted

 Inspect air grilles for hindrances and switch on the

blower.

 Purify the air at your workspace for 5 minutes.

Disinfection Disinfect all the surfaces inside the laboratory using a
disinfectant like a germicide.

Preparation of the  Plan and prepare the materials needed for the entire
Materials procedure.

 Separate materials to make sure clean a contaminated

items do not mix up.

 Put contaminated items in a container at the right

position.
Preliminary  Purify the air inside before any activity is to be done using
Sanitation a blower or any ventilating machine if your lab has it. If
not, you may open the windows for ventilation.

 Record the static pressure on a sheet of paper.

Personal preparation Wear protective gears like gloves, face masks, etc. appropriate to
the experiment you are going to perform.

Post Sanitation Purify the air inside after using the laboratory done through a
blower or any ventilating machine if your lab has it. If not, you
may open the windows for ventilation.

Post Disinfection Use new pair of gloves and disinfect all the materials and

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 surfaces utilized in the conduct of your experiment.

Aftercare  Make sure to check if the amount of disinfectant left and

change the waste bag with an empty and clean bag.

 Turn off the lights and plug out any electrical devices
before leaving the laboratory.
In a laboratory, safety symbols and rules keep instruments safe from breakage and
most especially to avoid health and physical harm to the person working in the
laboratory. To ensure safety when working in the laboratory, students should be
familiar with the safety symbols and apply the laboratory safety rules and guidelines.

Table 2. General Hazards Symbols

Symbol Hazard Hazard/ Accident Safety Measures

Name

Electrical The danger implied Do not handle the plugs with wet
Hazard in the symbol is hands. Check the outlet if it’s not
electrocution. broken before use.

Ionizing Ionizing radiation Avoid such area or material when you

radiation can destroy human see the symbol.
cells upon exposure

Non-ionizing This radiation is low- Example of non- ionizing radiation are

radiation energy. This can only UV rays, infrared ray, radio waves
be dangerous in very
long exposure.

Biohazard This means the Avoid the area and materials with this
materials can cause kind of symbol. Only specialists can
diseases to humans, handle such materials.
e.g., viruses,
pathogens,
biochemical

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 weapons.

LASER LASERS are Avoid areas with the symbol,

harmful. Even the especially if you are not trained to
infrared laser light work in that particular area.
can permanently
damage your eyes.
Other types are
harmful.

Toxic/Poison These substances Follow the proper way of handling

harm your body or chemicals with this symbol. Wear
cause death. complete safety gear when working
with the chemicals.

Hot Surface Skin burns may be Wear hand gloves when working with
acquired. hot surfaces or hot instruments to
avoid burns. Follow procedures in
using the instrument.

Very Low Materials with very Use proper laboratory safety

Temperature low temperatures are equipment such as goggles, face
also dangerous (e.g. masks, hand gloves, tongs, and
liquid nitrogen). holders to avoid getting injuries.

Table 3. Globally Harmonized System for Classifying Hazardous Chemicals

Symbol Name Hazard Safety Measures

Acute Toxicity These refer to Handle these chemicals

poisonous chemicals or in a fume hood. Wear a
toxic chemicals that face mask and hand
can cause major gloves.
injuries and death.

Compressed Compressed gas can Store in a cold area.

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 Gas explode when heated.
The lock and pins can
Avoid exposure to sun
cause injuries when
and heat. Make sure
pressured gas
the containers are new
explodes.
and locked.

Corrosive There are a lot of Wear goggles, a face

corrosive chemicals in
mask, a laboratory
the laboratory like
gown, and hand gloves.
HCL, H2SO4, NaOH.
Use a fume hood.
Most acids are
corrosive.

Explosives These are chemicals Store these kinds of

that can explode when chemicals according to

exposed to heat the safety of their
(ammonium nitrate). materials data. Do not
expose them to heat or
fire.

Flammable These are chemicals Avoid exposing these

that can explode when chemicals to fire, heat,

exposing to heat or electrical
(ammonium nitrate). instruments to avoid
fire and burns.

Harmful or Most chemicals irritate Wear goggles, hand

Irritant skin and eyes when gloves, and a face mask
taken accidentally, e.g.,
volatile and acidic
substances.

Hazardous to Many chemicals cause Avoid disposing of

damage to the aquatic
Aquatic chemicals like these
environment.

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 Environment in the waterways,
rivers, and oceans.

Respiratory Volatile chemicals such Do not sniff them

Hazard as hydrochloric acid, directly from the
ammonia, acetic acid, container. Wear a face
acetone, and gasoline mask when working
cause respiratory tract with these chemicals or
injuries. work in a fume hood.

Laboratory Safety Rules

To be safe in the laboratory while working on your research experiments, some

rules must be followed at all times. Always remember these rules to avoid injury,
save money, property, time, and most importantly your life.

1 Study first the procedures and materials for your experiment before
conducting it in the laboratory.

2 List down chemicals, hazardous instruments, possible risks,

and safety measures to be done to avoid accidents.

3 Always wear personal protective equipment (ppe) like googles, face

mask, hand gloves, and laboratory gown.

4 Do not work in the laboratory without the supervision of your teacher.

5 Do not play in the laboratory. Laboratory is not your playground.

6 Know the fire exits. In case of fire, do not panic and go to the fire exit.

7 Do not eat or drink in the laboratory. The air and surfaces are
contaminated with chemical particles and microorganisms that are
harmful.

8 When splashed with chemicals, shower immediately with water only.

Then go to the nearest clinic/hospital.

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 9 Label all the chemicals properly. Labels are not just for safety but
proper storage as well.

10 Maintain cleanliness in your working area during and after the

experiments.

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