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Form 4 · Science · iSchool.myChapter 1: Theme 1 •Chapter 1: SafetyMeasures in the Laboratory1.1 PersonalProtective Equipment(PPE): goggles, mask, gloves, lab coat, closed shoes–Goggles → protect eyesfrom acid, bromine, ammonia, reactive metalsFace mask → protectsnose and mouth from pungent vapour, volatile chemicals, dustRubber gloves → protecthands from acids, alkalis and toxic/corrosive chemicalsLab coat → protectsclothing; easy to remove during emergencyClosed shoes/safetyshoes → protect feet from spills and glass splintersLaboratory PPEequipment: safetyshower, eyewash station, fume chamber, laminar flow cabinet–Safety shower → rinsebody/clothing exposed to chemicalsEyewash station → rinseeyes splashed by chemicals immediatelyFume chamber →volatile, flammable, poisonous, corrosive or pungent substancesLaminar flow cabinet →prevents contamination in microbiological work1.2 Waste disposal: sinkonly for neutral / weakacid / weak alkali / low concentration–Can go into sink:neutral, weak acid, weak alkali, low concentration, non-hazardousCannot go into sink:solid waste, pH < 5 or pH > 9, solvents, toxic chemicals, heavy metalsCannot go into sink:microbes/carcasses, radioactive, volatile, reactive, grease and oilExample: dilute saltsolution → sink; mercury spill → never sink, report immediatelyBiological waste SOP:A sharps, B non-sharpsolids, C carcasses/organs, D liquid–Category A → sharps:syringe, needle, scalpel → sharps bin, not autoclavedCategory B → gloves,tissue, culture medium → biohazard bag + autoclave 121°C, 15 psi, 20 minCategory C →carcasses/organs → wrap, biohazard bag, freeze before disposalCategory D →blood/serum → autoclave then dispose through sewage systemAccident handling:chemical spill vsmercury spill–Chemical spill steps:inform teacher → restrict area → sand boundary → scoop → dispose safelyMercury spill steps:inform teacher → call Fire Department → sprinkle sulphur powder → restrict areaExample: brokenthermometer → do not touch mercury with bare hands1.3 Fire extinguishers +PASS = Pull, Aim,Squeeze, Sweep–Water (red): Class Asolids only — wood, paper, clothFoam (cream): Class Aand B — solids and flammable liquidsCO₂ (black): Class B, C,E, F — liquids/gas/electrical/fatsDry powder (blue):Class A, B, C, D, E, F — most versatilePASS example: Pull pin→ Aim base 2.0–2.5 m → Squeeze handle → Sweep side to side