ACCIDENTS IN THE

LABORATORY,PRECAUTIONS
& FIRST AID
Prepared By
Ashitha kormath
Natural science
No:1
Science Laboratory

 A laboratory is a facility that provides controlled conditions in

which scientific or technological research, experiments and
measurements may be performed.

 The laboratory is central to science instruction.

 Here students learn to handle apparatus, think independently

and to draw conclusions based on experiments and
observations.
 Laboratory services are provided in a variety of
settings,physicians,offices,clinics,hospitals and regional and national
reference centers.

 The science learning goals of laboratory experiments include;

1. enhancing mastery of science subject matter
2. developing scientific reasoning abilities,
3. increasing understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical
work
4. developing practical skills
5. increasing understanding of nature of science etc.
Rules to be followed in a laboratory

 Laboratory safety is a positive undertaking which the

science teacher is expected to taken up at the time of
engaging in any activity in the laboratory, in the presence
of his students.

 The sign of good discipline is creating an atmosphere of

healthy work.
Rules & Responsibilities in a Laboratory

 Act responsibly in the science classroom or lab.

 Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully.

 Never work alone.

 Do not touch equipment or chemicals in the lab until your

teacher gives instruction.
 Do not drink from lab containers.

 Reagent bottles should be returned to the shelf immediately after use

and these should not be misplaced.

 Any breakage or injury must be reported to the teacher immediately.

 Minimize all chemical exposures.

 Know locations of laboratory safety showers,eyewash stations and fire

extinguishers.
 Know emergency exit routes.
Laboratory accidents

 Working in the laboratory can be a great way for students

to gain in-depth knowledge of science topics and apply
concepts while working cooperatively.

 The science teachers have a legal and moral responsibility

to see that pupils are safe from the dangers of the
laboratory.

 Some of the most common accidents in the laboratory are:

Fire

 Make sure all

flammable
materials in the lab
are properly sealed
and stored and be
sure to train
students to inspect
burners for any
leaks to prevent
sudden flares.
Heat Burns
 Handling hot items
hastily without the
proper tools can result
in serious burns. Teach
students how to
properly use tongs,
water baths, and other
cooling equipment, and
stress the importance
of never touching hot
surfaces with a bare
hand.
Chemical Burns

 Protective gloves are

essential when handling
chemicals. Instruct
students on the
importance of treating
chemicals with respect
and caution, and advise
them to measure
carefully and use only
approved containers for
transferring and
containing potentially
irritating chemicals
Cuts and scrapes

 When using sharp tools for

dissection, students should receive
instruction in how to safely handle
blades. In addition, when disposing
of sharp items, like broken glass,
needles, or razor blades used for
cutting lab materials, be sure that
students know to carefully wrap
these items before carrying to the
trash.
Contamination

 Wash your hands" may seem

like basic advice, but it's
important that all students
in the lab follow careful
handwashing procedures.
Before and after interacting
with any foreign substances,
students should thoroughly
wash their hands, and also
protect their clothing and
skin with lab aprons, gloves,
and/or glasses as needed.
Leaving the lab with
bacteria, tissue, or other
potentially harmful
substances on their skin or
clothes can result in
contamination of desks or
lunch tables, causing illness
and other complications.
Inhalation
 Accidentally inhaling
gases in a poorly
ventilated space can
cause headaches,
nausea, and even
fainting. Be sure to
teach students the
proper procedures for
opening windows, using
ventilation fans, and
using equipment to
measure the amount of
gas emission in a room
to ensure safety.
Spills and Breaks
 Spilling liquids and
dropping glass beakers
is typically the result of
not following
procedures and rushing.
Emphasize the
importance of carefully
moving through each
step of the lab to avoid
any hasty movements.
Let students know about
the potential dangers
that can come from
spilling chemicals and
breaking glass in the
lab, and teach clear
clean-up policies in the
event that a spill or
break occurs
Precautions &
First Aid
 The purpose of first aid is to make a
patient secure and comfortable until
professional medical assistance is
available.

 The strategies of first aid-diagnosis,

treatment and transport must be
understood by every teacher.

 Every laboratory must be equipped

with a first aid box.

 The contents of the box must be

regularly inspected to ensure
replenishment.
 All teachers should have a knowledge of simple first aid
for all the common ailments possible in a laboratory.

 An accident report book should be maintained giving

details of accidents and treatments given.
1. Test plumbed eyewashes weekly; keep a log.

2. Remove chemical bottles from work area of facilities

personnel working in laboratories.

3. Stock first aid kits with Band-Aids, 4X4 gauze, roller bandages,
and Ace bandages (no creams, ointments, etc.).

4. Report minor injuries to Student Health Services (SHS) after

first aid has been administered.

5. Bypass Student Health Services and call 911 for serious

injuries and true emergencies (fires, explosions, major spills,
etc.).
6 . For Bleeding and Wound Care
 Wear clean gloves
 Cover area with gauze (or clean paper towels).
 Apply pressure to bleeding area — have person sit or lie down.
 If wound is large or person is dizzy or weak, call 911 to
transport person to SHS or Emergency Room.
7 Burns – Heat/Chemical
Heat
 burns: Run cool water over area for 5 minutes, then report to SHS. If

burn area is large, cover with a cool, wet cloth and call 911.

Chemical
 burns (acid or alkaline): Flush with large amounts of cool running

water for 15 minutes. For small area, report to SHS. For larger area or if

person is weak or dizzy, call 911 for transport.

8 Eye Splash Chemical

Flush
 with lukewarm (body temperature) running water; turn head side to

side and have water run across both eyes. Flush

eyes for at least 15 minutes before going for further treatment at SHS or

Emergency Room.
9. Eye – Foreign Body (dust
or metal, paint, wood chips)

 Cover or close eye.

 Report to EHS for
evaluation.
 Do not pour any chemicals
down sink drains or sewer
grates. Call EHS for a
chemical waste pickup.
Conclusion
 Spendingtime on safety rules is a hallmark of a
successful science classroom.

 Make sure you and your team are properly trained

in first aid in case there is an accident in your lab.

 When your whole team of students or employees

know how to react, the lab becomes a safer place
to learn or work.
THANK YOU