Topic Zero (1.0): Safety

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

  • describe what hazard means and how we can reduce or eliminate hazards in a laboratory;
  • describe what risk means and know some measures to reduce risks when carrying out scientific investigations.

You might also be able to:

  • know the meaning of some common hazard labels.

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

This Topic Zero (zero because it isn't found in the coursebook) is an introduction to safety when carrying out scientific investigations. You will be carrying some out at home so will need to do these safely but we will also look at safety in the laboratory.

Interact Icon.png Activities

  • First of all let's think about some hazards in your home. Hang on! First we need to know what we mean by hazard.
  • A hazard is something that can cause harm or hurt you or someone else (or even a pet). What sort of hazards are there in your kitchen?
    • I am guessing there are some hot things that could burn, and some electrical items that if faulty or broken could give an electric shock or even cause a fire.
    • What else? What if there was something on the floor like a toy or bag? That would be a hazard as you might trip.
    • Lastly what hazards do you have on you when you are cooking (for instance)? You might have long hair, a scarf or a necklace that could catch on fire or get caught in something.
  • Now when we do an experiment we can get rid of some of the hazards. We can make sure there is nothing on the floor we could trip over. We can tie up long hair, and not wear loose clothing - we could wear a done up lab coat or an apron covering our clothes.
  • However some hazards we have to use. In Chemistry we might use chemicals that are harmful or corrosive (can burn) or a Bunsen burner which might cause something to catch on fire. In Biology we can use ethanol (flammable) or bacteria. In Physics we might use electrical circuits and other electrical equipment.
  • Click on the + signs to read what the safety concerns are:

DOWNLOAD & READ - Safety in the Laboratory (twinkl) - [Not available on sample course]

  • If we can't remove all the hazards we have to make sure the risk of that hazard hurting someone is reduced.
  • A risk is the chance, high or low, that any hazard will actually cause somebody harm.
  • To reduce the risk we have rules and ways of working in the laboratory and also protective equipment (like goggles and gloves).
  • Have a look at how Kevin the minion is dressed for safety (scroll past the cartoon and answers):

EXPLORE - Lab Safety (PhysicsScotland.co.uk) Links to an external site.

  • We also have hazard labels that warn us of the hazard associated with certain things in the laboratory:

DOWNLOAD & KEEP - Hazard Labels (twinkl) - [Not available on sample course]

Review Icon.png Review

Can you spot at least 12 hazards in the laboratory shown in the cartoon:

EXPLORE - Lab Safety (PhysicsScotland.co.uk) Links to an external site.

COMPLETE - Hazard Symbols Match and Draw (twinkl) - [Not available on sample course]

Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

Can you find out what the hazard labels for biohazard and radioactivity look like - what colour are they?

Download Icon.png Check your answers

CHECK- Hazard Symbols Match and Draw Answers (twinkl) - [Not available on sample course]