It’s inevitable - accidents will happen in the laboratory.
Accidents, by definition, are unforeseen.
But your knowledge of lab safety will help minimize the likelihood of accidents.
And in this lesson, we’ll talk about safety equipment found in the lab.
These items may help you save a life - if and when - an accident occurs.
When working in a lab for the first time, look around and identify the location of the
safety equipment.
Every lab must contain a safety shower and eyewash station.
Both should be tested weekly to ensure they’re working properly and the water is clean.
If a chemical or flame exposure has occurred, yell for help and immediately move to the
nearest safety shower.
Remove the saturated clothing and thoroughly drench the affected skin under the shower.
If your clothes or skin are exposed to flame, then drench your entire body.
And have someone call 9-1-1.
The eyewash station is used for rinsing your eyes if they’re exposed to hazardous chemicals.
Hold your eyes open and thoroughly rinse for at least 10 minutes.
The next piece of safety equipment is the fire extinguisher.
There are 4 types of fires.
Class A fires consist of ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper.
These fires can be extinguished by water or general purpose extinguishers.
Class B fires include organic solvents and flammable liquids, and class C fires involve
electrical equipment.
Class B and C fires must be smothered with chemical foam extinguishers.
Putting water on these fires will only make matters worse.
Water will actually cause the fire to spread and you can even electrocute yourself.
Class D fires involve combustible metals which aren’t very common in the lab.
That’s why most labs contain dry chemical fire extinguishers which are installed close
to exits.
Dry chemical extinguishers are effective against class A, B, and C fires.
If a fire occurs, and it’s too large for you to extinguish, evacuate all personnel
immediately and call 911.
Don’t attempt to use a fire extinguisher unless you have been trained to do so by certified
trainers such as the local fire department.
A fire blanket can be used to extinguish small fires on work benches and floors.
And it can also be used to help a person whose clothing is on fire.
Never wrap a person while they’re standing.
This can force flames upward toward their head and neck area.
Instead, help the person to the floor, wrap the fire blanket around them and help them
roll until the fire is out.
Each lab should have a first aid kit that contains bandages and antiseptic for minor
injuries.
Evacuation routes should be posted near the exits.
It’s important that you know multiple evacuation routes in case one is blocked.
Another helpful piece of safety equipment is the chemical fume hood.
It’s a ventilated, enclosed work area that protects you from toxic vapors.
Turn on the exhaust fan.
Make sure the hood is venting properly.
The opening is covered by a window, called a sash, which can be raised and lowered.
For most applications, the sash should be opened to either 8 or 16 inches.
Never store chemicals under the hood and always clean and remove materials when you’re finished
working.
Test your safety equipment regularly to make sure each item is ready in case there’s
an emergency.
In our next lesson, we’ll examine how your behavior in the lab can help keep you and
your co-workers safe.