Physics Lab Safety

Lisa Maddox
1
Image retrieved from https://theconversation.com/physics-is-taught-badly-because-teachers-struggle-with-basic-concepts-86083
The Amoeba Sisters Video

2
 Be Careful!

• No eating or drinking
• No horseplay
• Do not stand on ladders, chairs, or desks
• Keep aisles clear
• Wash hands after lab
• Know where safety equipment is
• Fire extinguisher/blanket
• Eyewash/safety shower
• Disposal containers

3
Image retrieved https://www.123rf.com/clipart-vector/experiments.html?sti=mjbzxlxnpn09ym6clu|
 Clothing/Dress
• Wear closed-toe shoes
• Tie back long hair
• Wear a lab coat/long pants
• Remove dangling jewelry
• Wear your safety goggles
• Use gloves
• Latex-free gloves are available
4
Image retrieved from https://www.chemistry.msu.edu/safety/teaching-laboratory-safety/proper-lab-dress/
 Electrical Safety

• Make sure there are no nearby liquids

• Check sockets, wires, and devices
• Make sure they are undamaged
• No loose wires, broken devices
• Ensure the surrounding area is clear
• No flammable items nearby
• Know how to use the equipment properly
• Carry large items with two hands
5
Image retrieved from https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32872728376.html
 Chemical Safety
• Do not get your face close to chemicals
• Do not taste or smell chemicals
• Don’t use your mouth for suction
• Follow instructions carefully
• Use exact specified quantities
• Close chemical container after use
• Review MSDS Sheets
• Use tools properly as instructed
• Glassware
• Burners
• Prongs
• Keep area around chemicals or flame clear
• Point test tubes away from you
• Properly dispose of chemicals
• Do not pour excess back in container
6
• Use specified disposal methods Image retrieved from https://cleanlivingguide.com/journal/taking-toxic-out-of-beauty-chemicals-in-fragrance/
 Mechanical Safety

• Use proper lifting technique

• Keep aware of your surroundings
• Follow the instructions
• Clear the area where objects will fall/roll
• Protect fingers, hands, and feet

7
Image retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEXqAVfoTEU
 If Case Of….Fire
• Be honest - Tell your teacher immediately!
• Pull the fire alarm
• Know what type of fire it is
• Grab correct type of fire extinguisher
• PASS
• Pull the pin
• Aim the nozzle
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep from side to side
• Evacuate if the fire
• Spreads quickly
• Blocks your exit
8
• Is too large, smoky, hot, or you can’t see Image retrieved from https://lifesafetymanagement.com/laboratories-using-chemicals-required-certain-fire-extinguishers/
 In Case of…Broken Glass

• Be honest - Tell your teacher immediately!

• Don’t use chipped glassware
• Don’t pick up broken glass with your hands
• Use a broom and dustpan
• Dispose in designated broken glass container

9
Image retrieved from https://ehs.osu.edu/sites/default/files/waste-disposal_glass.pdf
 In Case of…Injury

• Be honest - Tell your teacher immediately!

• Something in eye
• Wash generously in eye wash station
• Something on your body
• Stand under safety shower
• Cut or scratch
• Use first aid kit
• Place pressure on wound
• Sprain or broken bone
• Immobilize
10
Image retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Wall-Mounted-Emergency-Eyewash-Mounted/dp/B07FCFXDQQ
BE SAFE!

11