PRE-PUBLICA TION EDITION - Nelson Education

1Safe Science1.A. Having a Safe AttitudeScience investigations can be a lot of fun, but certainsafety hazards exist in any laboratory. You shouldknow about them and about the precautions youmust take to reduce the risk of an accident.Why is safety so important? Think about the safetymeasures you already take in your daily life. Yourschool laboratory, like your kitchen, need not bea dangerous place. In any situation, you can avoidaccidents when you understand how to use equipmentand materials and follow proper procedures.For example, you can take a hot pizza out of theoven safely if you take a few common-sense safetyprecautions. Similarly, corrosive acids can be usedsafely if appropriate safety precautions are taken.Safety in the laboratory combines common sensewith the foresight to consider the worst-case scenario.The activities and investigations in this textbook aresafe, as long as you follow proper safety precautions.General laboratory safety rules are outlined below(Table 1). Your teacher may provide you withadditional safety rules for specific tasks.Table 1 Practise Safe Science in the ClassroomBe science ready Follow instructions Act responsibly• Come prepared with your textbook,notebook, pencil, and anything elseyou need.• Tell your teacher about any allergies ormedical problems.• Keep yourself and your work area tidy andclean. Keep aisles clear.• Keep your clothing and hair out of the way.Roll up your sleeves, tuck in loose clothing,and tie back loose hair. Remove any loosejewellery.• Wear closed shoes (not sandals).• Do not wear contact lenses while doinginvestigations.• Read all written instructions carefullybefore you start an activity or investigation.• Do not enter a laboratory unless a teacheris present or you have permission to do so.• Listen to your teacher’s directions. Readwritten instructions. Follow them carefully.• Ask your teacher for directions if you arenot sure what to do.• Wear eye protection or other safetyequipment when instructed by your teacher.• Never change anything, or start an activityor investigation on your own, without yourteacher’s approval.• Get your teacher’s approval before you startan investigation that you have designedyourself.• Pay attention to your own safety andthe safety of others.• Know the location of MSDS (MaterialSafety Data Sheet) information, exits,and all safety equipment, such as thefirst-aid kit, fire blanket, fire extinguisher,and eyewash station.• Alert your teacher immediately if you see asafety hazard, such as broken glass, a spill,or unsafe behaviour.• Stand while handling equipment andmaterials.• Avoid sudden or rapid motion in thelaboratory, especially near chemicalsor sharp instruments.• Never eat, drink, or chew gum in thelaboratory.• Do not taste, touch, or smell any substancein the laboratory unless your teacher asksyou to do so.• Clean up and put away any equipment afteryou are finished.• Wash your hands with soap and water atthe end of each activity or investigation.600 Skills Handbook NEL