Short Laboratory Hand Book MANIK

Laboratory Hand Books
Prepared By: Md Imran Nur Manik, Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy, NUB
Prepared & Designed by:
Md. Imran Nur Manik
Lecturer
Department of Pharmacy

Prepared By: Md Imran Nur Manik, Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy, NUB Page 1
Available at: Essential Pharma Documents
Table of Contents
The Four Principles of Safety .......................................................................................................3
Rules to Avoid Contamination......................................................................................................3
Causes of laboratory accidents....................................................................................................4
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS ............................................................................................................4
Students’ Discipline in the Laboratory......................................................................................4
Precautions to be taken by All Laboratory Users .........................................................................5
Housekeeping safety rules.......................................................................................................6
Dress code safety rules ............................................................................................................6
Personal protection safety rules ...............................................................................................7
Chemical Safety Precautions .......................................................................................................8
Electrical safety rules...............................................................................................................9
A List of Chemistry Laboratory Apparatus and Their Uses .........................................................10
Beaker ...................................................................................................................................11
Pipette ...................................................................................................................................11
Burette (buret) .......................................................................................................................11
Conical flask (AKA Erlenmeyer flask) ....................................................................................12
Florence flasks, (AKA boiling flasks)......................................................................................12
Test tubes ..............................................................................................................................12
Watch glasses ........................................................................................................................12
Crucibles ...............................................................................................................................12
Graduated cylinders ..............................................................................................................13
Volumetric flasks ...................................................................................................................13
Droppers ...............................................................................................................................13
Tongs and forceps..................................................................................................................13
Bunsen burner .......................................................................................................................14
Pipette Filler Instructions...........................................................................................................14
What method of measuring should you use? ..........................................................................15
HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS IN THE LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS ..................................16
Accidents Common in Science Laboratories..............................................................................17
Cuts .......................................................................................................................................17
Heat Burns/Scalds ..................................................................................................................18
Chemicals on Skin..................................................................................................................18
Chemical Spillage..................................................................................................................19
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Imran
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Manik

Eye Accidents ........................................................................................................................19
Substances Catching Fire.......................................................................................................19
Discomfort arising from Inhalation of Gases ...........................................................................20
Bites by Animals.....................................................................................................................20
Others....................................................................................................................................20
Laboratory First AID Tips...........................................................................................................21
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik

The Four Principles of Safety
Recognize the hazards of chemicals, equipment, and
procedures, requires that you know and recognize the hazards of
the chemicals that you are using. What does “flammable” mean?
What is “toxic” or “corrosive”? And, how will you know if a
chemical has any of these properties?
Assess risks of hazards associated with exposures and
procedures, is perhaps the most important of all the principles. Is
this reaction exothermic (releasing energy) in a way that might
lead to a fire or explosion? Are there any flammable chemicals
involved that might pose a fire hazard? What is the chance of
some exposure to a toxic chemical?
Minimize risks, requires careful attention to both the design and
execution of an experiment. This requires that you take whatever
reasonable steps are necessary to minimize, manage, or eliminate
your exposure to a hazard by using good laboratory safety
practices.
Prepare for them finally, despite efforts to prevent incidents
(accidents) and exposure in the laboratory, it is prudent to
prepare for them.
Rules to Avoid Contamination
Contamination or other problems, (e.g. Wrong ionic strength or pH) can affect more experiments in the
lab if the same materials are shared. Please adhere to the following rules with regard to this issue.
“Use your own stock solutions”
The lab members should not share buffers and other stock solutions
(exceptions: proteins and DNA). Each member should prepare and manage
his/her own stock solutions.
“Use your own pipettes and pipette-pumps”
The lab members should not share pipettes / pipette-pumps. An exception is
for the common pipettes and pumps in the bacterial area, which usually
does not require a high precision in volume.
“Do not return an extra material to the original bottle”
When you weigh materials and take a particular amount, please do not return an extra to the original
bottle, even if you used a weighing dish or paper. Just dispose the extra.
“Do not insert your pipettes deep into reagent bottles” Pipettes are very common media for
contamination, particularly because they can touch inner surfaces of reagent bottles.
Md.
Imran
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Manik

Causes of laboratory accidents
1. Thoughtless, ignorant or hurried behaviour may lead to an accident and possible harm to themselves
or to others.
2. Reluctance of what is going on around the lab and lack of awareness of the possible dangers arising
from the work of others as well as from own experiments.
3. Attempts to obtain results in too great a hurry.
4. Unattended operations and working alone
5. Unnecessary distraction of others.
6. Students’ mischievous behaviour of pouring chemicals on others. E.g. Concentrated sulphuric acid,
phenol and sodium hydroxide are the most common harmful chemicals involved.
7. Carelessness in handling hot objects (e.g. Tripods, glassware, metal rods/plates, crucibles or
combustion spoons), hot liquids, Bunsen flame or lighted matches.
8. Students unintentionally rubbing of their eyes with hands contaminated with chemicals. E.g. The
chemicals commonly involved are Copper (II) Sulphate, dilute acids and alkalis.
Summary
• Lack of “working understanding” of hazards.
• Improper or unintended use of equipment or reagents.
• Inexperienced scientist.
• Distractions, lack/loss of attention to task.
• Broken, damaged glassware or equipment.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
The following are some general precautions concerning laboratory safety.
Students’ Discipline in the Laboratory
1. Students should strictly follow the instructions given by the teacher.
2. Students should not enter the laboratory unless a teacher is present.
3. Students should not remove anything from the laboratory without permission.
4. Students should not rush around or play in the laboratory.
5. Experiments under way should not be left unattended.
6.Laboratory reagents and chemicals should be returned to the appropriate places
immediately after use, with their labels facing the front.
7. Students should immediately report all accidents and breakages to their teacher.
Md.
Imran
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Manik

Precautions to be taken by All Laboratory Users
1. Always work in properly-ventilated areas.
2. Eating (chewing gum), drinking and smoking are strictly forbidden in the laboratory and
preparation room.
3. Laboratory glassware should never be utilized as food or beverage containers.
4. Never smell or taste chemicals.
5. Long hair, loose ties or other loose clothing items must be properly secured.
6. It is not recommended that students wear contact lenses in the laboratory areas.
Gases and vapours can be concentrated under the contact lenses and cause permanent eye damage.
Furthermore, in the event of a chemical splash into an eye, it is often nearly impossible to remove the contact
lens to irrigate the eye because of involuntary spasm of the eyelid.
7. Special care is needed when handling chemicals. It is important to foresee the potential hazards
in each case and to take the proper precautions.
8. To avoid the possibility of allergy, extra care should be taken when handling pollen and fur.
9. Pipette fillers should always be used to help transfer liquid chemicals.
10. Mouth pipetting is strictly forbidden.
11. If syringes are used for measuring or transferring liquid, needles should not be used, if possible.
If needles are used, special precautions should be taken to prevent injury.
12. Heavy objects should be lifted with correct posture. Ask others for assistance whenever
necessary. When carrying heavy objects, especially large bottles containing dangerous
substances, an appropriate carrier or trolley should be used as far as possible.
13. Each time you use glassware, be sure to check it for chips and cracks. Notify your lab supervisor
of any damaged glassware so it can be properly disposed of.
14. Never use lab equipment that you are not approved or trained by your supervisor to operate.
15. If an instrument or piece of equipment fails during use, or isn't operating properly, report the
issue to a technician right away. Never try to repair an equipment problem on your own.
16. Do not work alone in the lab.
17. Never leave an on-going experiment unattended.
18. Never lift any glassware, solutions, or other types of apparatus above eye level.
19. If you have been injured, yell out immediately and as loud as you can to ensure you get help.
20. Wash hands after experiments, especially those involving the use of chemicals, living organisms
and radioactive substances.
21. If you notice any unsafe conditions in the lab, let your supervisor know as soon as possible.
Md.
Imran
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Manik

Housekeeping safety rules
Laboratory housekeeping rules also apply to most facilities and deal with the basic upkeep, tidiness, and
maintenance of a safe laboratory.
1. Always keep your work area(s) tidy and clean.
3. Only materials you require for your work should be kept in your work area. Everything else should
be stored safely out of the way.
4. Only lightweight items should be stored on top of cabinets; heavier items should always be kept at
the bottom.
5. Solids should always be kept out of the laboratory sink.
6. Any equipment that requires air flow or ventilation to prevent overheating should always be kept
clear.
Dress code safety rules
Laboratory dresses are needed to avoid or prevent accidents or
injuries in the lab. For example skirts and shorts might be nice for
enjoying the warm weather outside, but quickly become a liability in
the lab where skin can be exposed to heat or dangerous chemicals.
1. Always tie back hair that is chin-length or longer.
2. Make sure that loose clothing or dangling jewelry is secured,
or avoid wearing it in the first place.
3. Never wear sandals or other open-toed shoes in the lab.
4. Footwear should always cover the foot completely.
5. Never wear shorts or skirts in the lab.
6. When working with Bunsen burners, lighted splints,
matches, etc., acrylic nails are not allowed.
Md.
Imran
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Manik

Personal protection safety rules
Rules for personal protection are needed to avoid any sort of contamination.
1. When working with equipment, hazardous materials, glassware, heat, and/or chemicals, always
wear face shields or safety glasses.
2. When handling any toxic or hazardous agent, always wear the appropriate gloves.
3. When performing laboratory experiments, you should always wear a smock or lab coat.
4. Before leaving the lab or eating, always wash your hands.
5. After performing an experiment, you should always wash your hands with soap and water.
6. When using lab equipment and chemicals, be sure to keep your hands away from your body,
mouth, eyes, and face.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik

Chemical Safety Precautions
1. Do not allow any solvent to come into contact with your skin.
2. All chemicals should always be clearly labelled with the name of the substance, its concentration, the
date it was received, and the name of the person responsible for it.
3. Before removing any of the contents from a chemical bottle, read the label twice.
4. Never take more chemicals from a bottle than you need for your work.
5. Do not put unused chemicals back into their original container.
6. Chemicals or other materials should never be taken out of the laboratory.
7. Chemicals should never be mixed, measured, or heated in front of your face.
8. Safety glasses are to be worn whenever working with acids, bases.
9. Flammable and volatile chemicals should only be used in a fume hood.
10. Use pipet fillers whenever pipetting any fluid. Do not carry pipets with fluid across the room.
11. When diluting acids, pour the acid into the water, NOT water into acid as this may cause spattering
of the acid. When acid is mixed with another reagent, an exothermic reaction may occur which heats up the
container, This is natural, so do not panic and spill contents.
12. All volatile materials must be handled in a hood with the exhaust fan on. When refluxing any
solutions, perform this operation under a hood, and use boiling beads in the reflux vessel to prevent
any excessive "bumping" and possible glass breakage.
13. Use heat-resistant gloves and/or tongs when handling hot glassware, chinaware, etc.
14. Do not store basic solutions in glass containers with glass stoppers, use plastic or rubber stoppers.
15. Clean all spatulas, glassware, and dishes after use and before storage to prevent contamination.
16. Return all chemicals you are using to their proper storage space.
17. Be familiar with the use of the eye-wash, the laboratory shower (if equipped), and the first-aid kit if
they are needed at any time.
18. Let the instructor know immediately about any glassware breakage or chemical spills that may occur
so that proper cleanup procedures can be instituted.
19. Dispose of all used solutions in an approved manner as directed by the instructor.
20. Empty all used inoculated bacteriological media from test tubes or dishes into a designated container
so that it may be sterilized before disposal.
21. Before leaving, turn off all power and heat to the apparatus you have used, or place in the standby
mode.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik

Electrical safety rules
Like almost every other workplace, laboratories contain electronic
equipment. Electrical safety rules help prevent the misuse of electronic
instruments, electric shocks and other injuries, and ensure that any
damaged equipment, cords, or plugs are reported to the appropriate
authorities so they can be repaired or replaced.
1. Before using any high voltage equipment (voltages above 50Vrms
ac and 50V dc), make sure you get permission from your lab
supervisor.
2. High voltage equipment should never be changed or modified in
any way.
3. Always turn off a high voltage power supply when you are
attaching it.
4. Use only one hand if you need to adjust any high voltage equipment. It's safest to place your other
hand either behind your back or in a pocket.
5. Make sure all electrical panels are
unobstructed and easily accessible.
6. Whenever you can, avoid using extension
cords.
Md.
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Manik

A List of Chemistry Laboratory Apparatus and Their Uses
Md.
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Glassware General Description
Beaker
A beaker is a common container in most labs. A beaker is a glass container with a flat
bottom and a small spout for pouring. They also commonly have lips around their rims
and markings to measure the volume they contain, although they are not a precise way
to measure liquids. Beakers come in a wide range of sizes and are shaped like a
cylinder.
Because of the lip that runs around the rim, a lid for a beaker does not exist. However,
a watch glass (discussed below) can be used to cover the opening to prevent
contamination or splashing.
In titration it is used to store solution from the volumetric flask, preventing
contamination of solution in volumetric flask.
Use Rinsed
with
Reason
It is used for mixing,
stirring, and heating
chemicals. Most beakers
have spouts on their rims
to aid in pouring.
Solution
to be
used.
Rinsing with solvent, e.g. water would dilute
the solution so its concentration would no
longer be known accurately. Rinsing with
solution to be used ensures removal of any
moisture adhering to glass.
Pipette
General Description: A narrow glass tube used to transfer liquids from one place to
another. There are a large variety of pipettes designed to accomplish specific goals.
However, they are all Pipettes sometimes are used for measurement.
Use Rinsed with Reason
For measuring an exact
volume of liquid and placing it
into another container. E.g.
To deliver an accurate volume
(aliquot) of solution from the
beaker.
Solution
to be
used.
Rinsing with solvent, e.g. water would
dilute the solution so its concentration
would no longer be known accurately.
Rinsing with solution to be used ensures
removal of any moisture adhering to
glass.
Burette
(buret)
These are usually attached with a clamp to a ring stand, as shown in the pictur.
A buret is a glass tube that is open at the top and comes to a narrow pointed opening at
the bottom.
Right above the bottom opening is a stopcock that can be turned to control the
amount of liquid being released. There are markings along the length of the tube that
indicate the volume of liquid present.
A buret is used for extremely accurate addition of liquid. By adjusting the
stopcock, the amount of liquid that is released can be slowed to a drop every few
seconds. Burets are one of the most accurate tools in the lab.
Burets are set up by using a buret clamp in combination with a ring stand.
To determine how much liquid is added, write down how much is initially in the buret. Then when
you're finished adding, write down how much is left. Subtract the final amount from the initial
amount and you have the volume of liquid added.
Again, remember to measure from the bottom of the meniscus!
To deliver an
accurate
volume (titre)
of solution.
Solution to
be used.
Rinsing with solvent, e.g. water would dilute the
solution so its concentration would no longer be known
accurately.
Rinsing with solution to be used ensures removal of any
moisture adhering to glass.
Md.
Imran
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Manik

Conical
flask
(AKA
Erlenmeyer
flask)
General Description: The Erlenmeyer flask was named after its inventor in 1861.
This is a type of chemistry flask with a conical shaped body, a cylindrically shaped
neck, and a flat bottom. It generally has measurement marks on the side. It is similar to
a beaker, but has the cone shaped body.
It has a narrow neck and expands toward its base. This allows easy mixing and swirling
of the flask without too much risk of spilling. The narrow opening also allows for the
use of a rubber or glass stopper.
It can easily be clamped to a ring stand (discussed below) as well as heated or shaken
mechanically.
Once again, the marks on the side are meant primarily for estimation rather than
precision.
An important safety tip here is to never heat this flask while it is capped. This could cause a
pressure build-up that could result in explosion.
To
contain
the
reaction
mixture.
Solvent
(e.g.
water)
Rinsing with the solution to be added from the pipette would
increase the moles of substance used in the reaction, so the titre
volume would be greater than it should be.
Rinsing with the solution from the burette (buret) would cause
some of the titrant to react before the volume of the titre is
recorded so the value of the titre would be less than it should be.
Florence
flasks,
(AKA
boiling
flasks)
Also known as a boiling flask, the Florence flask has a round bottom and a long neck.
It is used to hold liquids and can be easily swirled and heated. It can also easily be
capped by rubber or glass stoppers.
Once again, safety dictates that this flask never be heated when capped.
Pressure build-up and explosions can and do occur.
Test tubes
A test tube is a glass or plastic tube with one end open and the other end closed.
The closed end is rounded. Test tubes are used for holding, mixing, and heating
small quantities of liquid chemicals. They are primarily used for qualitative
assessment and comparison. They are also easily capped with a rubber or glass stopper.
They come in a variety of sizes.
They are generally held in a test tube rack specifically designed for the purpose. If the test
tubes become unsafe to touch with bare hands (whether due to heat or another reason),
test-tube tongs can be used to move them.
Never heat a capped test tube.
Watch
glasses
A watch glass is just a round piece of glass that is slightly concave/convex (think of a
lens). It can hold a small amount of liquid or solid. They can be used for evaporation
purposes and also can function as a lid for a beaker.
Crucibles
A crucible is a small clay cup made of a material such as porcelain, nickel, and alumina
that can withstand extreme temperatures. They are used for heating substances to
very high temperatures and come with lids.
Funnels
A funnel is a pipe with a wide mouth and can be made of plastic or glass and can have
either a short stem or a long stem, depending on what they are needed for.
There are several sizes.
Funnel helps to pour substances into a container without spilling.
In a chemistry lab, funnels are often used together with filters to separate a mixture.
Md.
Imran
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Manik

Graduated
cylinders
A tall skinny cylinder used to measure the volume of a liquid. There are several
markings up and down the length of the container with specific increments.
Graduated cylinders come in many sizes. It is generally a more accurate way to
measure volume than a typical beaker or flask. The smaller they are in diameter, the
more specific the volume measurements will be.
When reading the volume from a graduated cylinder, you will notice that the liquid seems
to have an indentation. The liquid around the edges will be higher than the liquid in the
centre, sloping down like the sides of a trampoline when someone is standing in the
middle.
This is called the meniscus. Line the lowest point of the meniscus up with the nearest
marking, keeping the cylinder level to properly read the volume.
Volumetric
flasks
A volumetric flask is a round flask with a long neck and flat bottom. It is used to
measure an exact volume of liquid. There is a small line on the neck that indicates
how far to fill the bottle (use the bottom of the meniscus). They come with special caps
that will not let anything in or out.
Remember that temperature affects volume; therefore avoid using liquids that will
fluctuate in temperature (hot water that will cool, for example).
Droppers
These are small glass tubes with narrow tips on one end and a rubber bulb on the other.
They suck up liquid that can then be squeezed out in small drops. These can be used to
add an indicator to a solution about to be titrated.
Ring Stands,
Rings, and
Clamps
Stirring rod
The ring stand is used to suspend burets, beakers, flasks, crucibles, etc. above other
containers or, in some cases, a heat source (such as a Bunsen burner, discussed
below).
Stirring rod - A skinny solid glass rod used in chemistry to mix chemicals and
liquids. A stirring rod is typically about the length of a long straw and has rounded
ends.
Always make sure everything is clamped to the stand tightly. When clamping glass, be
careful not to shatter the glass. Only tighten until snug.
When using a ring on the stand, there are usually other pieces necessary to accomplish the
goal. Wire mesh is laid across the ring to distribute evenly heat and support the beaker.
A clay triangle with an open centre is used to suspend crucibles. Make sure everything is
balanced! Do not let the whole setup tip over.
Tongs and
forceps
Tongs and forceps are for grabbing things that should not be touched by hand.
Some tongs are specially made to hold beakers, others to hold test tubes, and so on.
There are also general tongs.
Forceps are used to grab small things like solid chemicals that are broken into
chunks, so they can be safely handled and added to containers.
Spatulas and
scoopula
Spatulas and scoopulas (a metal spatula-type utensil) are used for scooping solid
chemicals. They are typically used to scoop a chemical out of its original container
onto a weigh boat so that it can be weighed on a balance.
Thermometers
A laboratory thermometer is used for measuring the temperature of liquids. It can be
made of glass or it can be a thermocouple made of different metals.
Md.
Imran
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Manik

Bunsen
burner
A Bunsen burner is a mechanical apparatus that is connected to a flammable gas
source. There is a knob to adjust the amount of gas flow and a rotating collar that
controls airflow. These both must be adjusted to get an ideal flame for heating
purposes. The burner is lit with a striker.
It is used in the lab for heating and sterilizing. The Bunsen burner is named after
German chemist Robert Bunsen.
Pipette Filler Instructions
Use this rubber bulb pipette filler to safely fill glass and plastic pipettes. The three‐valve design allows
you to release air, draw liquid into the pipette, and accurately release liquid. It works with all sizes of
Mohrs, serological, or volumetric pipettes, except for 1ml and smaller plastic pipettes.
1. Release air from the pipette filler by squeezing valve “A” on the top of the pipette filler while
simultaneously squeezing the bulb. The amount of air you release is dependent on the size of the
pipette you are using release more air for larger volume pipettes. Release control pad (A); bulb
remains depressed.
2. Insert the tip of the pipette into the liquid to be dispensed. Siphon liquid into the pipette to the
desired level by squeezing valve “S” on the bottom of the pipette filler. This uses the vacuum
created in the bulb to draw liquid into the pipette. Be careful not to draw liquid into the pipette
filler.
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3. Empty the pipette by squeezing valve “E” on the side‐tube. This allows you to release liquid at
the desired rate and to the desired level.
4. To dispense under pressure, squeeze pad (A), allowing the bulb to re-inflate, then press pad (S)
while squeezing bulb to dispense.
5. It works best to fill the pipette past the zero mark on step 2(valve “S”) and then draw the level
down to the zero mark on step 3 (valve “E”). Once the pipette is filled to the level desired the contents
can be dispensed using valve “E”.
Balances
A balance is used to weigh chemicals.
1. Do not to move a balance during measurement.
2. Close these doors whenever the balance is in use.
3. First put the empty container that the chemical will be in on the balance.
4. Once you have a reading, press the "tare" or "zero" button on the balance.
5. Remove the container from the balance and add the chemical (never add chemicals to a container
while it is on the balance).
6. Reweigh after adding the chemical to find the weight of only the chemical.
7. It is important to keep the balance clean.
What method of measuring should you use?
Method Typical volumes Accuracy
Pasteur pipette 1-5 mL Low
Beaker / flask 25-5000 mL Very Low
Measuring cylinder 5-2000 mL Medium
Volumetric flask 5-2000 mL high
Burette 1-100 mL high
Glass pipette 1-100 mL high
Weighing ---------- Very high
Md.
Imran
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Manik

HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS IN THE LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS
Dear students, here is some key points hope to be helpful for your effort to get best
outcomes during your laboratory experiments.
Before commencement of the lab, [go through the lab manual to] get a clear1.
understanding of each and every step of the experiment(s).
After complete understanding of the theory, start your experiment(s) step2.
wise, as per the laboratory manual.
Always take notes of your findings.3.
Get help from your instructor while interpreting your findings4.
Calculate the amount of chemical(s), required to make reagent solution(s)5.
with great accuracy and precision.
Prepare all types of solution with great nicety.6.
Always use clean and dry apparatus, both for the preparation of reagent7.
solutions and experimental purpose.
Always label each reagent (bottles/ containers), after preparation.8.
Labelling must contain :9.
i. Name
ii. Concentration
iii.Date of preparation
Use permanent marker or Paper (PAPER must be attached with adhesive to the bottle)10.
for labelling.
Conscientiously add all types of reagents throughout the experiments.11.
Always use separate dropper for separate reagents.12.
Do not mix droppers.
Never use single dropper for all types of reagents. If requires so, then clean
thoroughly before using for every new reagents.
Always filter the reagents as well as sample solution if it is turbid. Remember,13.
clear solutions (sample/Reagent) will undergo the reaction only.
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Take Data During Lab: Always record information during a lab and not after lab; (on the14.
assumption that it will be neater.). Put data directly in your lab book rather than
transcribing from another source (i.e.: notebook or lab partner).
Always Follow the Instructions: Your instructor and lab manuals are your best resources15.
when setting up.
a. Always listen and read carefully.
b. Don't start a lab until you know all of the steps, from start to finish.
c. If you have questions about any part of a procedure, get the answer before starting.
Don't Play Mad Scientist: Don't haphazardly mix chemicals! Pay attention to the order in16.
which chemicals are to be added to each other and do not deviate from the instructions.
Even chemicals that mix to produce seemingly safe products should be handled carefully.
For example, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide will give you salt water, but the reaction
could break your glassware or splash the reactants onto you if you aren't careful!
Accidents Common in Science Laboratories
Cuts
Nature/Causes: Small cuts caused by broken glass apparatus (e.g. test tubes, or glass tubing),
tools (e.g. dissecting instruments, cork borer or cutter) or sharp edges.
Safety Precautions:
 Unwanted razor blades and mounting needles should be properly wrapped up before
disposal.
 Glassware showing signs of cracking or those with broken edges should not be used for
experiments.
 Students should know the correct way of handling glass apparatus (e.g. fitting pipette
filler to a pipette).
 Broken pieces of glass should be disposed of properly in a metal or plastic container
assigned for such purpose and never into a general rubbish container.
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Heat Burns/Scalds
Nature/Causes: Carelessness in handling hot objects e.g. tripods,
glassware, metal rods/plates, crucibles or combustion spoons as well as hot
liquids, Bunsen flame or lighted matches.
Safety Precautions:
 Do not touch or hold hot objects with bare hands.
 Crucible tongs or heat-resistant gloves should be used when picking up hot objects.
Place them on a heat-resistant mat, not directly on the bench, for cooling.
 Burners, wire gauzes and tripods remain hot for some time after use. They should also be
handled with care.
 Burner tubings should be secured to gas taps and burners by hose clips. They should
also be regularly inspected for defects and replaced at least every three years.
 Care should be exercised to ensure that the gas tap to be turned on is the one connected
to the burner. Turn off Bunsen burners that will not be used for some time.
 Arms or any parts of the body should not be stretched over lighted burners.
 Long hair should be tied up and loose-fit clothings avoided.
 Do not apply ointments or any other chemicals to the injured area of heat burn.
Chemicals on Skin
Nature/Causes:
 Spillage of chemicals during transfer or heating of chemical
liquids, washing up of apparatus containing chemical mixtures,
opening the container of chemical or breakage of glass
containers.
 Students' mischievous behavior of pouring chemicals to others.
 Concentrated sulphuric acid, phenol and sodium hydroxide were
the most common harmful chemicals involved.

Safety Precautions:
 Chemicals should always be handled with great care.
 The correct ways of handling chemicals should be used, e.g.
avoid direct skin contact when transferring chemicals.
 Protective gloves should be worn when highly corrosive chemicals are handled.
 Proper laboratory spatula, instead of narrow stem plastic teaspoon, should be used for
handling chemical solids.
 All chemicals should never be tasted.
 Wash hands after handling chemicals and before leaving the laboratory.
 Use the minimum amount and lowest concentration of chemicals in doing experiments,
and use safer alternatives to replace hazardous chemicals or dangerous procedures
whenever possible.
 To reduce the possibility of a liquid spurting from the test tube while heating, fill no more
than 1/3 of the test tube with the liquid and heat gently while shaking. Boiling tubes are
preferable to test tubes for boiling liquids. Vigorous boiling can normally be prevented
by adding anti-bumping granules. The mouths of test tubes should never be pointed
towards oneself or others.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik

Chemical Spillage
Nature/Causes:
 Small-scale spillage of chemicals during transfer.
 Spillage of mercury from broken mercury thermometers or from its
container.
 Incorrect techniques exercised by students in using apparatus such as separating funnel.
Safety Precautions:
 Spilled chemicals should be contained and removed following proper procedures.
 Telfon coated mercury thermometers may be used to reduce the problems of durability
and spill cleanup. In the event of breakage the Telfon coating can contain the mercury.
Eye Accidents
Causes/Nature:
 Chemical liquids or solids which splashed onto the eyes, giving
rise to slight irritation or discomfort.
 Students unintentionally rubbed their eyes with hands
contaminated with chemicals.
 The chemicals commonly involved were copper(II) sulphate,
dilute acids and alkalis.
 Students looked at bright light through a magnifying glass.
Safety Precautions:
 Eye injuries can be very damaging and hence for accidents involving the eyes, medical
advice should be sought immediately.
 Safety spectacles should be used by every student whenever there is any risk of eye
injury. This will include activities involving heating chemicals, handling acids, alkalis and
other corrosive chemicals, working with glass apparatus under pressure, carrying out
potentially violent or exothermic reactions.
 Other protective equipment like safety screens should be used where appropriate to
safeguard against injuries.
 Whenever safety spectacles are required, they should be continually worn by all until
everyone has finished the activity.
 Students should also be asked to wear safety spectacles even when observing science
experiments demonstrated by the teacher and washing up laboratory apparatus.
Substances Catching Fire
Nature/Causes:
 Accidental ignition of flammable liquids (e.g. ethanol or ethyl ethanoate).
 Ignition of gas coming out from defective burner tubings or from opened gas tap not
connected to Bunsen burner.
 Ignition of blackout curtain by focused sunlight from optical instrument.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik

Safety Precautions:
 For flammable chemicals, heating should always be done using a hot water or oil bath
with no naked flame nearby.
 The quantity of flammable chemicals used by students during experiments should be
kept to a minimum.
 In testing for flammability of liquids, care should be taken not to add additional liquid to
the burning fraction.
Discomfort arising from Inhalation of Gases
Nature/Causes: Discomfort after inhaling a small amount of gas/vapour (e.g.
sulphur dioxide, bromine or ammonia) from reaction mixtures or town gas
from leaking gas taps.
Safety Precautions:
 Experiments involing harmful gases/vapour should be done on a small
scale and inside a fume cupboard.
 Microscale chemistry apparatus can also be used to reduce the generation of harmful
gases/vapour.
 Good ventilation of the laboratory should always be maintained by opening the windows,
switching on the ceiling fans and exhaust fans as appropriate. It is helpful to leave the fan
of the fume cupboard operating during the whole practical lesson when these
experiments are being done.
 When testing for the odour of a gas, students should be trained to fan the gas gently to
the nose but not smell it directly over the container.
 Do not allow asthmatics to smell harmful or irritating gases/vapour.
Bites by Animals
Causes/Nature: Rats biting students and laboratory staff during experiments or when
preparing for dissection experiments.
Safety Precautions:
 Living rats should only be handled by teachers or laboratory technicians but not by
students.
 When living rats have to be kept for a short period of time in the school, they should be
placed at locations not accessible to students.
 In handling living animals, leather gloves specifically designed for such purpose should
be worn.
Others
Nature/Causes:
 Accidents of various natures also include accidental breakage of glassware or damage of
equipment.
 Hurting while knocking on floor, stools, benches, or cupboards.
 Tasting of chemicals (e.g. copper(II) sulphate) by students.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik

Safety Precautions:
 All glass items should be handled with care.
 A reasonably good control of class discipline should be maintained during practical
lessons.
 Students should not engage in horseplay inside the laboratory and they should follow
instructions given by the teacher.
Laboratory First AID Tips
1. Remove chemical bottles from work area of Facilities personnel working in laboratories.
2. Bypass Student Health Services and call 999 for serious injuries and true emergencies
(fires, explosions, major spills, etc.).
3. For Bleeding and Wound Care
o Wear clean gloves.
o Cover area with gauze (or clean paper towels).
o Apply pressure to bleeding area — have person sit or lie down.
4. Burns – Heat/Chemical
o Heat burns:
o Run cool water over area for 5 minutes. If burn area is large, cover with a cool, wet
cloth and call for emergency
o Chemical burns (acid or alkaline):
o Flush with large amounts of cool running water for 15 minutes.
o Caution! Never apply acid or alkali to neutralize the corrosive liquid on the skin.
Due to heat of reaction matters can get even more complicated.
o
5. Eye Splash Chemical
o Flush with lukewarm (body temperature) running water; using an eye fountain or
eye wash bottle
o Turn head side to side and have water run across both eyes.
o Flush eyes for at least 15 minutes before going for further treatment.
6. Eye – Foreign Body (dust or metal, paint, wood chips)
o Cover or close eye.
o Take to medical for further evaluation.
o
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik

Short Laboratory Hand Book MANIK

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