Introduction to laser safety

Dr. Muhammad Umair Hassan Many slides are taken from various trainings and other resources

What is a laser?
The word laser?
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

Amplification of Light energy to extremely high intensity by stimulated emission. Wavelength?

In or near the optical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Q: Whats electromagnetic spectrum range in terms of nm and eV

Working Principle?
Electrons surrounding atoms are excited into higher energy states to create a population inversion. The excited electrons release their energy in the form of photons which can, in turn, collide with other excited electrons and cause them to release an identical photon - this is called stimulated emission. As more energy is put in so more photons are released. By reflecting the photons back and forth in a mirrored system the amount of energy can be increased. Some of the energy is allowed to escape through a partially coated mirror to create a laser beam.

The Types
Gas lasers
including He-Ne and carbon dioxide lasers

Dye lasers Solid state lasers

including neodymium-YAG (Nd:YAG) lasers

Semiconductor lasers
diode lasers

Chemical lasers
Q: who has used these lasers or any of them?

Laser light
Laser light has the following properties:
it is monochromatic it is very intense it has low divergence it is coherent.

Lasers can have different types of beam output

continuous wave (CW), or pulsed.

Laser speckle is caused by scattered laser radiation interfering with incident laser radiation.

Beam hazards
The laser produces an intense, highly directional beam of light. This light will be absorbed by surfaces it is directed at, raising the temperature of that surface. The eyes and skin of the body are vulnerable to this energy. Of greatest concern is laser exposure in the retinal hazard region, but ultraviolet and infra-red light also have an effect.

The Retinal Hazard Region

400-1400nm Affects the retina

Ultraviolet light
UV-C (100-280nm) Cornea surface

UV-A (315-400nm) Affects the lens

UV-B (280-315nm) Absorbed by the cornea

Infra-red Region

Near IR (< 1400nm) Affects the retina

Far IR Affects cornea and aqueous humor

Reflections
There are two principle types of laser reflection:
specular reflection - which occurs from mirror-like surfaces. The incident beam striking a specularly reflecting surface will leave it essentially unchanged. diffuse reflections - which occur from rough surfaces such as paper or matt-painted walls. These reflections bear no relation to the direction of the incident radiation.

Reflections
There are two principle types of laser reflection:
specular reflection - which occurs from mirror-like surfaces. The incident beam striking a specularly reflecting surface will leave it essentially unchanged. diffuse reflections - which occur from rough surfaces such as paper or matt-painted walls. These reflections bear no relation to the direction of the incident radiation.

Non-beam hazards
Non-beam hazards include:
electrical hazards - especially from trailing cables and risk of water spillages fumes - from vaporised target material laser dyes - many of these are carcinogenic optical hazards - arising from the flash lamps used to pump the lasers.

Safety Standards
There are two principle international laser safety standards:
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60825 - this has been adopted in the UK as British Standard BS EN 60825-1:1994 Safety of laser products. Part 1. Equipment classification, requirements and users guide. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136

Both standards share a common classification system for lasers based on their power output, wavelength and pulse duration.

British Standard
BS EN 60825-1:1994 is divided into three sections (General; Manufacturing Requirements; and Users Guide) The objectives of the Standard are to:
protect persons from laser radiation lay down requirements for user and manufacturer to establish procedures ensure adequate warning of hazards reduce possibility of injury, and protect persons from other hazards.

Laser Hazard Classification

Exposure limits have been set for nearly all types of laser radiation. These limits are referred to as Maximum Permissible Exposures (MPEs). MPEs are those levels of radiation to which persons may be exposed without suffering adverse effects. MPEs depend upon the wavelength of the laser and the duration of the exposure. Detailed tables are found in the British Standard.

Class 1
MPE less than 7 microwatts of visible radiation. A Class 1 laser is considered safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation and they present no hazard to the eye or skin. This Class also includes laser systems which cannot emit hazardous levels of laser radiation because of the inherent design of the product. Note that there may be a more hazardous laser system embedded in the product and additional precautions would be necessary if the system is opened up.

Class 1M
Exceed accessible emission limits for Class 1 but, because of the geometrical spread of the emitted radiation, the laser does not cause harmful levels of exposure to the unaided eye. Safe limit can be exceeded, and injury can occur, if magnifying viewing instruments are used, eg binoculars, telescopes, magnifying glasses, microscopes.

Class 2
MPE less than 1 mW of visible radiation. A Class 2 laser or laser system must only emit a visible laser beam. Momentary viewing of a Class 2 laser beam is not considered hazardous since the upper limit for this type of device is less than the MPE for momentary exposures of 0.25 second or less - the so-called blink reflex. Intentional extended viewing is considered hazardous.

Class 2M
Laser products which exceed the permitted accessible limits for Class 2 but, because of the geometric spread of the emitted radiation, protection of the unaided eye is normally afforded by natural aversion responses to bright light. The use of magnifying viewing instruments can give rise to higher levels of exposure and injury can occur. These instruments include: binoculars; telescopes; magnifying lenses; and microscopes.

Class 3R
Laser products having a level of accessible emission up to five times the limits for Class 1 (if invisible) or Class 2 (if visible). The maximum permissible exposure may be exceeded but the risk of injury is low.

Class 3B
Less than 500 mW of visible radiation
note that Class 3B also covers pulsed lasers and invisible radiation. Reference should be made to the MPE limits contained in the British Standard in order to verify classification.

Direct intra-beam viewing is always hazardous. Viewing diffuse reflections from a distance is normally safe provided the exposure duration is less than 10 seconds.

Class 4
Over 500 mW visible radiation
note that Class 4 also covers pulsed lasers and invisible radiation. Reference should be made to the MPE limits contained in the British Standard in order to verify classification.

These lasers are very powerful and may also be a fire hazard. Exposure of the skin to the beam may cause injury. Even diffuse reflections are hazardous. Very stringent control measures are required.

Protect Your Eyes!

In a fraction of a second, your vision can go dark.

Engineering controls
Engineering controls remove the dependence to follow rigorous procedures and the possibility of failure of personal protective equipment. Engineering controls all the safety features built into the design of the laser and its associated equipment. Examples of Engineering Controls include:
key control; remote interlock; beam enclosures; protective filter installations.

Administrative controls
Administrative and Procedural Controls are intended to supplement Engineering Controls to ensure that laser personnel are fully protected from laser hazards. Administrative/Procedural Controls include:
information, instruction and training; signage; protocols arrangements for maintenance; arrangements for servicing.

Signage
Class 1 CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT Class 2 Class 2M

Class 3B

Class 4

LASER RADIATION DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM CLASS 2 LASER PRODUCT LASER RADIATION DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM OR VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS CLASS 2M LASER PRODUCT LASER RADIATION AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM CLASS 3B LASER PRODUCT LASER RADIATION AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION CLASS 4 LASER PRODUCT

Leading Causes of Laser Accidents

Unanticipated eye exposure during alignment Available eye protection not used Equipment malfunction Improper methods for handling high voltage (This type of injury has resulted in death.)

Inadequate training
Failure to follow SOP Failure to provide non-beam hazard protection. Equipment improperly restored following service Incorrect eyewear selection and/or eyewear failure

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment should only be used when the above measures do not provide sufficient control. Personal protective equipment includes:
protective eyewear; and protective clothing.

Laser eye protection

Selection of eyewear should be based on:
wavelength(s) being used radiant exposure; maximum permissible exposure (MPE); optical density of eyewear; visible light transmission requirements; adequate peripheral vision; prescription lenses; and, comfort.

Universitys Procedures
The Unis High Power Laser Safety Policy requires all work with Class 3B and Class 4 lasers to be subject to protocols approved by Heads of Department and to comply with British Standard BS EN 60825. There is a supporting Code of Practice which describes the Unis requirements for:
preparation and approval of protocols; registration of Designated Areas, users and equipment; and, the need for the lowest class of laser to be used.

Protocols
Protocols should be developed and implemented before any use of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Protocols should describe:
the use of the laser; the Designated Area being used the laser(s) being used; the training and competence of the user(s) the use of personal protective equipment; any departure from standard conditions.

Designated Areas
DESIGNATED AREA
CLASS 4 LASER HAZARD
NO ENTRY WHEN WARNING LIGHT IS ON Person Responsible for this area:

Emergency contact numbers: 1) 2)

Departmental Laser Safety Officer:

PERMIT-TO-WORK REQUIRED

Areas where Class 3B and Class 4 lasers are used must be registered with the College Safety Unit. A sign must be affixed near to the entrance of each Designated Area and contain the details of the person responsible for the area, emergency contacts and the name of the Departmental Laser Safety Officer.

Laser equipment registration

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & MEDICINE REGISTRATION OF LASER EQUIPMENT
All lasers, except Class 1, must be registered with the Departmental Laser Supervisor and the College Laser Safety Officer. Supervisor - it is your responsibility to complete this form, keep a copy for your records and return copies to:
(1) Safety Director, 14 Prince' s Gardens (2) Departmental Laser Supervisor (3) Technician Head of Section.
Supervisor Name (Block Capitals): ________________________________________________________________ Laser Details (tick or complete entries, as appropriate): Department: Precise Location (building, room number, location): Laser identification number (issued by the Department): Phone No: ________________________________

Equipment Make: Class 2 Class 3A Class 3B* up to 1mW continuous (visible) up to 5mW continuous (visible) and 25Wm up to 5mW (visible)
-2

Model: Visible or UV or IR Portable or Fixed Continuous or Pulsed

Specification:

Class 3B** up to 500mW Class 4 Class 1E above 500mW fully enclosed

Name of key holder - Classes 3B**, 4 and 1E

Brief description of work:

All lasers must be registered with the Departmental Laser Safety Officer and the College Laser Safety Officer. The form includes a checklist of the precautions required for each class of laser.

The table below indicates the precautions required for each class of laser and is taken from CVCP Notes of Guidance Part 2:1 Lasers (1992). It will be used by the Departmental Laser Supervisor to monitor laser safety. An unshaded block denotes that action is required. Precautions Remote Interlock Key Control Emission Indicator Beam Shutter Beam Stop Beam Level Beam Enclosure Eye Protection Protective Clothing Eye Examinations Training Laser Labels Door Signs Class 2 Class 3A Class 3B* Class 3B** Class 4 Class 1 (E)

Signature of Supervisor: _______________________________________________________________________________ Date: ____/____/_____ Signature of Departmental Laser Supervisor: _____________________________________________________________ Date: ____/____/_____ May 94

Laser user registration

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE REGISTRATION OF LASER USER
All laser users must be authorised by the Head of Department or the Departmental Laser Supervisor. Supervisor - it is your responsibility to ensure completion of this form, keep a copy for your records and return copies to:
(1) Safety Director, 14 Prince' s Gardens (2) Departmental Laser Supervisor (3) Technician Head of Section.

Name of Laser User (Block Capitals): _________________________________________

Phone No: ____________________

Department: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Supervisor Name (Block Capitals): ________________________________________________________________Phone ________________________________ User is (please circle): A. Undergraduate B. Postgraduate C. Research Assistant D. Technician E. Academic No:

Details of laser(s) User is authorised to use: Laser Number Class and Type Laser Number Class and Type

To be completed by the User Have you attended the College Laser Safety Officer' s lecture on laser safety (see Note 2 below)? If "No", have you spoken to the Departmental Laser Supervisor about laser safety? Have you had an eye test - Users of Class 3B** and Class 4 lasers only (see Note 3 below)? Have you read the College Laser Safety Policy and Code of Practice (see Note 4 below)? Notes: 1. 2. Specify Laser Identification Number (issued by the Department), Class and Type (e.g. He - Ne). All new laser users should attend the lecture given by the College Laser Safety Officer. This takes place annually in November. If you wish to start using a laser before that date, or miss the lecture, then you must talk to the Departmental Laser Supervisor about laser safety training before starting work with lasers. All users of lasers classified as 3B** or 4 must have an eye test before starting work with the lasers and on its completion. Long term users should have an eye test every three years. Eye tests must be carried out by an Appointed Optician arranged through the College Health Centre. Copies of the Policy and Code of Practice have been sent to all supervisors of laser work. Date: ____/____/____ Date: ____/____/____ Date: ____/____/____ YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO

All laser users must be authorised and must be registered with the College Laser Safety Officer. Before a user is registered they should have had an eye test and attended the Introduction to Laser Safety course.

3.

4.

Signature of User: ___________________________________________________________________ Signature of Supervisor: ______________________________________________________________ Signature of Departmental Laser Supervisor: ____________________________________________

Eye test
Current arrangements at the College require all users of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers to have a laser eye test before starting work with lasers. A medical examination by a qualified specialist should be carried out immediately after an apparent or suspected injurious ocular exposure.

College Laser Safety Officer

The College Laser Safety Officer monitors departmental arrangements and assists departments by:
providing expert advice; reviewing protocols maintaining central registers of Designated Areas, users and laser equipment; providing training; and, investigating accidents.

Accident Reporting Procedures

All incidents or accidents involving the use of lasers must be reported to the Safety Unit as soon as possible. Any individual who may have been exposed to damaging laser radiation must be referred for assessment of any damage, preferably within 24 hours of the incident. Certain accidents may be reportable to the Health and Safety Executive, including:
an accident involving a student which results in them being taken to hospital for treatment; an accident which causes a specified major injury, which includes temporary or permanent loss of sight.

Legislation
There is no specific legislation in the Pakistan regarding the use of lasers. However, the following regulations do have to be complied with:
Management of Health and Safety at Work do yourself Provision and Use of Work Equipment do yourself Personal Protective Equipment do yourself Control of Substances Hazardous to Health do yourself Electricity at Work do yourself Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences do yourself Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) do yourself

Further training and supervision

Always needed with advancements in the field. This was just a glimpse of what you are potentially going to see in the labs, if not at CIIT, somewhere else for sure!.

Electrical Safety
Basic Principles of Electricity Alternating Current Basic Electric Circuits Safe Working Practices Maintenance

What is electricity ?
A source of Energy Essential to modern life Extremely Dangerous
Cannot be seen or smelt

More than 1000 Fatalities at Work per Year in Pakistan

Electric Current
A flow of electrons ! Certain materials conduct better than others Conductors
Metals such as copper, silver, gold and aluminium. Loose electrons in abundance so charge can be transferred easily Copper very common on cost basis

Ohms Law
French physicist Ohm studied the relationship between Potential difference (V), Amperes, and Resistance. I R V

His findings became known as Ohms Law

Where V = I * R, I = V / R & R = V / I

Sources of power
Battery DC Mains Supply Portable Generators Solar panels

Pakistan Electricity Supply System

Electricity supplied to factories, offices and homes at ~ 220 volts Large factories at 11000 volts or above Supply has alternating current (a.c.) Alternates at (frequency) of 50 cycles per second (50 Hertz or Hz)

Power
When current flows energy is transmitted and usually consumed by a load Examples heaters, lights, motion
Such devices must consume electricity because we have to pay for it!

Power
Power = Volts X Amps (work done) Measured in Watts (W) Example 2300 Watt electric kettle
Also referred to as 2.3 kilowatt (kW)

Summary
Amps, Volts, Ohms Power

Effect of electricity on human body

Burns
Surface Deep tissue

Electric Shock
Muscular Contraction Asphyxia Respiratory Arrest Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular Fibrillation
Factors are Current / Time & Physiological Structure of body Can occur at 30mA (0.03 A) Causes heart to flutter Muscle cannot open / close properly Does not pump Lack of oxygen to brain - DEATH

Electric shock
0.5mA 6mA tingling sensation Threshold of perception. 10mA 16mA muscular contraction sets Threshold of danger 30mA 60mA & above prolonged exposure can be FATAL Death can occur in a fraction of a second

IEC 479 Curves

IEC 479 curves

For info only

IEC 479 curves

Zone 1 - No danger Zone 2 - Usually No effects Zone 3 Reversible damage, no fibrillation, breathing difficulties Zone 4
5% chance of fibrillation C1- C2 50% chance of fibrillation after C3

For info only

Electric Shock - Treatment

Isolate supply immediately Dial 999 If you cannot isolate DO NOT attempt to touch casualty Physically remove victim using non-conducting implements Check for pulse / breathing, give artificial respiration if necessary

Electrical circuits
Consist of
Power Source Connecting cables Electrical equipment (energy converter)

Electrical circuits - Earthing

Very important for safety ! Prevents conducting parts of equipment (ie. metal frames or lids), which do not normally conduct electricity from becoming live during faults.

No earthing of equipment
No bonding Person can receive an electric shock if equipment becomes faulty

Equipment bonded together

All equipment bonded together No potential (voltage) difference between live casing and handrail If case becomes live fuse should blow
Equipotential Bonding

Fuses and RCDs

Fuses
essential for safety, will cut off supply at a certain current level i.e. 13A, 5A, 3A mains supply fuse Fuse has a fuseable wire element which heats up when current flows Excessive current = excessive heat & wire melts preventing current flow

RCDs
Residual current device Compares current in Live & Neutral if different and above a certain value supply switched off

Work on Electrical Equipment

Always ISOLATE supply
Switch off using a device that will create an air gap that should not fail Lock off where possible to prevent inadvertent switching ON whilst work taking place Always test conductors in a reliable way before touching (ie. test the test device before and after use!)

Permit to work may be required for higher voltage or complex installations

Safe values of Voltage

55 VAC systems have not caused anybody to be electrocuted Often referred to as a 110VAC centre tapped earth supply (CTE) yellow coloured equipment Less than 120 VDC considered to be safe

Double Insulation
Lots of portable equipment is Double Insulated Extra layer of insulating material over live conductors to prevent exposure of conductors Can mean that an earth conductor is not required risk reduced by additional insulation.

Electrical Fires / Arcs / Explosions

Fires
Overheating, arcing & sparking

Arcs
Generated during faults / flashover (Lightning) Very high temperatures / causing burns

Explosions
Flammable substances give off vapours Electrical sparks can ignite (ie. domestic light switch)

Electrical equipment selection

Must be suitable for environment
Wet, dusty, flammable gases, mechanical strength, corrosive atmospheres (maggot farms) Must be maintained in good condition Failure to select suitable equipment and maintain it often results in incidents at a later date

Maintenance of Portable Electrical Equipment

Many accidents result from 230 volt portable equipment Pressure Washers / Vacuum Cleaners Resulting from
Incorrect selection Inadequate maintenance / poor repairs

Most important checks are easy to do !

Maintenance of Portable Electrical Equipment

Visual Inspection
Check flexible mains cable for damage to insulation If insulation is damaged REPLACE DO NOT wrap conductors together and tape up So called Electrical Insulation Tape will not provide a sufficient barrier between you and a potentially fatal electric shock as has been proven on many occasions

Maintenance of Portable Electrical Equipment

Plug
Check that only the outer insulation has been clamped / gripped. Clamping inner conductor insulation will potentially lead to exposure of live terminals. Is fuse correct rating (Instructions should advise correct current value DO NOT use a nail) Check that all 3 pins are present and in good condition

Maintenance of Portable Electrical Equipment

Testing
Only by a competent person Earth bond test Insulation test On-load test
Maintaining portable

Guidance HSE HS(G) 107 (5)

and transportable electrical equipment

The Law
Health & Safety at Work etc Electricity at Work Regulations
Require
Safe construction, maintenance & work systems Capability,Environments,Insulation, Earthing, Connections, Fusing, Isolation, Making dead, Live working, Working Space, Competence. Covers ALL aspects at ALL voltages. But its all your responsibility!.......

Radiation

Overview
Radiation Biological Effects of Radiation Radiation Safety Guidelines Use of Geiger counter Campus Emergency Procedures Contact Us

Definitions
Radioactivity
Spontaneous emission of particles and/or electromagnetic radiation from an unstable nucleus.

Ionizing Radiation
Radiation of sufficient energy to strip electrons from the orbit of an atom.

Contamination
Radioactive material in an unwanted location.

Half-Life
The time required for any given radioisotope to decrease to one-half its original quantity After 10 half-lives, the radioactivity is 99.9% gone

Radiation Types
There are 4 main types of radioactive emissions, each of which has different shielding requirements
Alpha
Shielded by air, skin, paper

Beta
Shielded by skin, aluminum, wood, Plexiglas

Gamma/x-rays
Shielded by lead

Neutrons
Shielded by hydrogen-containing materials, water, paraffin

Exposure
There are two ways that an individual can be exposed to radiation
Internal exposure
By mouth, nose, eyes, skin absorption, or any open cut Main concern with alpha and low energy beta

External exposure
Energy is passed through the body and/or absorbed by tissues Main concern with high energy beta, gamma, and neutron radiation

Rules to Reduce Exposure

Time
Reduce time in areas containing radioactive materials.

Distance
Keep your distance from radioactive materialsexposure drops very quickly.

Shielding
Use proper shielding to reduce exposure if shielding is necessary.

Contamination Control
PPE Surveys

Average Annual Background Radiation Exposure in the US (360 mrem)

18% 8% 55%
3, 16%

Man-Made Sources (65 mrem)

1, 5%

8% 11%

Radon Internal Emitters Cosmic Terrestrial Man-Made

Medical X-Rays Consumer Products Nuclear Medicine Other
4, 21% 11, 58%

Biological Effects
Risk of cancer and/or geneti c effects

?
Radiation dose

100 rem

Biological Effects
Effects depend on dose
Can range from no effect (low dose) to death (high dose) with acute doses Damage to DNA considered most significant
Single strand break- repaired easily Double strand break- rare but not repaired easily DNA strands break thousands of times an hour under normal situations and the body repairs it. Increased risk of cancer with radiation can occur when there is an increase of occurrence causing a higher probability that strands do not get fixed
This is only one of several steps required to induce tumors

Biological Effects
Acute (one-time) high level dose
Can cause radiation damage and symptoms quickly Not likely with any sources on campus

Chronic (long-term) low level dose

Effects, if any, appear after 20-30 years Risk of cancer with 1 rem of radiation increases from the normal rate of 20% to 20.03%.

Exposure Limits
Radiation workers can receive a whole body dose of 5000 mrem/yr Pregnant radiation workers can receive 500 mrem/9 month gestation period Minors are limited to 10% of adult doses Public is limited to 100 mrem/year Average dose the public receives is 360 mrem/yr Average dental x-ray- 10 mrem Head/neck x-ray- 20 mrem Cross-country airline flight- 5 mrem

Radiation Safety Guidelines

Warn everyone about presence of radionuclides Label all radioactive materials Lock up radionuclides Wear PPE Conduct surveys Keep records/inventory of radioactive materials (RAM) Contact RSO before moving any materials to a different location

Radiation Safety Guidelines

Make sure special equipment is ordered ahead of time Develop a contingency plan in case of accident Be sure to have proper personnel dosimetry (film badges, finger badges) if applicable
We dont have very harmful sources at CIIT

Radiation Safety Guidelines

Proper monitoring equipment in working condition Proper shielding design Make sure Principal Investigator is approved for specific nuclide and quantity

Emergency Procedures: Injury

Assist injured personnel first, call 911 if serious injury (Medical problems take priority over radiological concerns). Monitor personnel, check for contamination. Control area - inform other workers and keep people out of the area. Notify radiation safety office

Emergency Procedures: Fire

Sound fire alarm. Contact fire department. Inform them of the incident. Turn power off to system if using x-ray or other radiation-producing device, if possible. Evacuate area or use fire extinguisher. Contact firefighting team.

Chemical Safety

Protect Your Eyes

Appropriate eye protection must be worn at all times! Inform your teacher if you wear contact lenses.

International Regulations
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (2002)

Wear appropriate protective clothing

Lab aprons can be used to protect good clothing and you Loose clothing should not be worn because it may dip into chemicals or fall into a flame and catch fire

Wear shoes that cover your feet.

Sandals and opentoed shoes do not protect your feet from broken glass that is frequently found in the lab

Do not apply cosmetics, eat, or drink in the lab.

These activities are ways by which you can accidentally ingest harmful chemicals

Do not taste any chemical!

Pour from large containers to smaller ones.

Always ADD ACID to water

acid

water

Work with volatile chemicals under a fume hood.

Check glassware for stars or cracks.

Heat test tubes at an angle.

Handle hot glassware with gloves or beaker tongs.

First light the match THEN

Turn on the gas!

Do not smell any chemicals directly!

Smell chemicals only if your teacher specifically tells you to do so, then use your hand to fan the vapor to your nose.

Do not pipet solutions by mouth!

Use a rubber suction bulb or other device to fill a pipet.

Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving.

This rule applies even if you have been wearing gloves!

Know the hazards of the materials being used.

Read and reread labels carefully to make sure that you are using the right chemical. Pay attention to the warnings about the chemicals used in the lab.

Tie Back Loose Hair

Dangling hair can fall into the Bunsen burner and catch fire or can fall into a chemical solution

P.S. Burning hair REALLY STINKS!

Know the safety equipment

Eye wash fountain Safety shower Fire extinguisher Emergency exits

Carry out only the experiments assigned by your teacher

Never remove chemicals from the laboratory

This guy put chemicals in his locker!

Never work alone in the lab

In case of a problem, you may need another person to prevent injury or even save your life!

Means have a buddy

Remember that the lab is a place for serious work!

Careless behavior may endanger yourself and others and will not be tolerated!

Demonstrate safe behavior

Obey all safety instructions given by your teacher or found in you experimental procedure. Clean up spills immediately; IF you know how. If you are uncertain how to clean up a spill or if a large spill occurs, notify your teacher immediately.

Demonstrate safe behavior

Before leaving the lab:

Demonstrate safe behavior

Before leaving the lab: Return equipment and chemicals to their proper places

Demonstrate safe behavior

Before leaving the lab: Return equipment and chemicals to their proper places Be sure to replace the lids to all containers

Demonstrate safe behavior

Before leaving the lab: Return equipment and chemicals to their proper places Be sure to replace the lids to all containers Clean up your work area

Know how to dispose of waste

Dispose of all waste materials according to your instructional procedure or your teachers instructions ? ? ? ?

Report any accidents or unsafe conditions immediately!