2. Heating glassware and liquids

a. Test tubes: Never heat the bottom of a test tube.

The liquid inside might sputter. Heat the middle

of the tube, shaking gently. The mouth of the tube

should be facing away from the worker and any

other person, towards an empty space or a sink.

b. Ordinary glass and Pyrex: Only Pyrex glassware

and porcelain receptacles can be heated over a

Bunsen flame. Ordinary glass will break.

c. Inflammable liquids: Only small quantities of inflammable liquids such as ether, ethanol, acetone,

benzene, toluene and carbon disulfide should be

kept in the laboratory.

 Warning: Ether will ignite at a distance of several

meters from a flame. Never place a bottle of ether

on a workbench where there is an open flame

(Bunsen burner, spirit lamp, etc.). Carbon disulfide is even more dangerous.

d. Butane gas: When lighting a gas burner, always

light the match and hold it to the burner before

turning on the gas tap. Turn off the main valves of

all butane gas cylinders every evening. Replace

the rubber connecting pipes once a year.

3. Do not use broken, cracked or chipped laboratory

glassware.

4. Put clear labels on poisons. Keep them in a locked

cupboard.

5. Do not use nylon clothes while working as these are

easily inflammable. Always use a laboratory apron.

6. Always ensure that electrical wiring and electrical

appliances are in good condition.

Suggested List of First Aid Equipment for

Laboratory

1. 5% aqueous sodium carbonate

2. 2% aqueous sodium bicarbonate in an eye drop bottle

3. 5% acetic acid

4. Saturated solution of boric acid in an eye drop bottle

5. Soap powder solution (5 g per liter of water)

6. Acriflavine ointment

7. Mercurochrome 2%

8. Antiseptic lotion

9. Cotton wool

10. Gauze

11. Roller bandage

12. Adhesive tape

13. Scissors.

Contamination from Infective Material

If contamination has occurred, then:

1. Disinfect the part with the disinfectant available in the

laboratory. Thoroughly clean the affected area with a

stream of running water.

2. Sucking the contaminated material: Spit out all that

has been sucked. Use a disinfectant liquid (e.g. diluted

dettol) for mouth washing. If the infected material has

been swallowed accidentally, forced vomiting to be

done, ascertain the kind of infection and take advise

from a medical person.

3. If skin is infected by highly virulent organisms, touch