Microscope Use Notes - (Lab Safety Notes on Back)

Microscope Use:

  1. Make sure to always hold the microscope with TWO hands, one hand on the base, and one hand on the arm.
  2. After plugging the microscope in and turning it on, make sure to always begin with the lowest-powered (shortest) objective.
  3. Also make sure that your specimen if OVER the hole in the stage so it’s OVER the light source.
  4. Only use the coarse-adjustment knob when you are using the lowest-powered objective.
  5. When you move on to a bigger objective, please only use the fine adjustment knob so you don’t accidentally crack your slide. Broken slides are a safety hazard!
  6. Remember that you see less background as you increase your magnification. (You have a smaller field of vision.)
  7. When you are done with the microscope, you take your slide off, turn the microscope off, unplug it, and push it toward the back of the counter so no one accidentally knocks the microscope off of the counter.

You don’t have to label the parts for this assessment. I’ve included the diagram so the notes above make sense!

Lab Safety Notes:

  1. The fire extinguisher is located in the left-hand corner in the back of the room (if you’re looking toward the back of the classroom - away from my desks and smartboard).
  2. To use the fire extinguisher, pull the door (with a little force), pull the pin, AIM, and press the clamps together.
  3. Only use the fire extinguisher if using it is the only way you can exit the class safely. You are NOT a firefighter. Pull the fire alarm as you exit the building.
  4. We also have a second exit through the adjoining door to the classroom next to mine.
  5. You should ONLY use the safety shower if you are on FIRE and you can’t simply extinguish it, or if you are suffering from chemical burns. Otherwise, we don’t even TOUCH that lever! :)
  6. If you use the eyewash fountain, you must remain there for 15 minutes! Using goggles as you are supposed to reduces the risk of needing the eyewash fountain.
  7. Tie long hair back on lab days.
  8. Wear closed-toe shoes on lab days. (If we’re working with fire, chemicals, glassware, etc.)
  9. WAFT (use your hand to pull odors near your nose) instead of directly smelling substances.
  10. Unused chemicals should be disposed of as directed by your teacher. Do NOT pour chemicals back into their bottles (that would cause cross-contamination) or pour them down the sink (potentially causing an environmental issue)!
  11. Don’t touch any potentially hot glass without protection.
  12. Turn off all hotplates when you are done with them.
  13. Most lab accidents can be avoided by these two measures -
  1. Reading all directions and making sure you understand them.
  2. Letting your teacher know of any problems IMMEDIATELY.