working safely in science exams

Working Safely in Science Assignments


Contents
Hazards and risks
Hazard warning symbols
Precautions against hazards
Common accidents


Hazards and risks

According the Oxford English Dictionary a hazard is:
· A danger or to put at risk.
Hazards come in three main forms secondary, primary and tertiary. Hazards that may be encountered in a science lab are:
· Spillage
· Combustion
· Toxicity
1. Absorption
2. Inhalation
3. Ingestion
· Explosion
· Corrosion
· Sharp objects
· Moving parts
· Electrocution
· Radiation
· Heat and cold
· Infection (biological)

In science we usually consider a hazard as a material or chemical that can cause harm. Materials that can be involved in hazardous situations are;
· Chemicals
· High voltages
· High temperatures
· Biological materials (toxic organisms)

Injuries in laboratories include heat burns and scalds, electric shocks, chemical burns, breathing fumes or swallowing chemicals. Cuts and damage ...