Welcome to GattPrep!
Hello, future lab expert! 🧑🏽🔬👩🏽🔬
Before you mix chemicals or light a Bunsen burner, there’s something even more important you must learn—lab safety. Just like you wear a seatbelt in a car, you must follow safety rules in the science lab.
Why? Because science experiments deal with heat, sharp objects, glass, chemicals, and even electricity. One careless move can cause injury—or damage important equipment. This lesson will help you stay safe, smart, and confidentduring practical science work.
To protect you from accidents.
To protect your classmates and teacher.
To avoid wasting chemicals, time, and materials.
To protect equipment and avoid fire or chemical spills.
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 🥼 Wear protective clothing | Always wear lab coats, safety goggles, and gloves when handling chemicals. |
| 🧪 Never taste or directly smell chemicals | Use the wafting method to smell gases—never inhale directly. |
| 🔥 Keep flammable materials away from fire | Tie back long hair, keep papers and alcohol away from flames. |
| 💧 Clean spills immediately | Tell your teacher and clean with proper materials. Don’t wipe chemicals with bare hands. |
| 💡 Know your safety equipment | Know where to find the fire extinguisher, eyewash station, first-aid box, and safety shower. |
| 🔌 Handle electrical equipment with care | Dry your hands and avoid overloading sockets. |
| 🧹 Clean up after experiments | Wash glassware, wipe surfaces, and dispose of waste properly. |
| 🚫 No eating or drinking in the lab | Food can be contaminated with harmful substances. |
| 📢 Report all accidents immediately | Even small cuts, burns, or spills should be reported to the teacher. |
Leaving a gas tap open after use.
Running or playing in the lab.
Mixing unknown chemicals.
Pouring leftover chemicals back into bottles.
These actions can cause fire, explosions, or poison exposure!
Ama is working in the lab and accidentally knocks over a beaker with acid. She panics and wipes it with her sleeve.
🔎 What went wrong?
She should have told the teacher immediately.
She should never touch chemicals with bare hands or clothing.
Proper cleanup equipment (gloves, neutralizing agent) should have been used.
💡 Lesson: Stay calm and follow safety procedures. Your health matters more than anything else in the experiment!
During a practical class, you’re heating a liquid in a test tube. Suddenly, it starts to bubble quickly. What should you do?
✅ Step-by-Step Safety Response:
Turn off the flame or remove the test tube from heat immediately.
Point the test tube away from yourself and others.
If any liquid spills, notify your teacher and follow cleanup rules.
Let the test tube cool down before touching or moving it.
Check that your workstation is clean and dry before continuing.
✔️ Conclusion:
Quick thinking and calm behavior prevent accidents. Always know where the fire blanket, safety goggles, and sink are.
(a) You should never smell a chemical directly. Instead, use the _______ method.
(b) Always wear a _______ and _______ when handling chemicals.
Answers:
(a) wafting
(b) lab coat, gloves
(a) It’s okay to taste a chemical if you’re not sure what it is.
(b) Clean glassware and surfaces before and after experiments.
(c) If you spill something, clean it up without telling the teacher.
(d) Always tie back long hair in the lab.
Answers:
(a) False
(b) True
(c) False
(d) True
Question:
Your classmate spills alcohol near a Bunsen burner and walks away. What are two safe actions you should take?
Sample Answer:
Turn off the Bunsen burner immediately.
Inform the teacher and help clean up the spill safely.
Today, we learned:
Lab safety protects people, equipment, and the environment.
Always wear protective gear and handle equipment carefully.
Know your lab’s emergency equipment and exits.
Stay calm and alert, and always report accidents or spills.
Think about this:
You’re given a chance to design your own science lab at school. What 3 safety features would you include first—and why?
Write your ideas in your science journal or share them with a classmate!
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