Safety Practices in the Forensic Laboratory
Forensic Science Laboratory
Syracuse University Chemistry 113
Introduction
Safety in the forensic laboratory depends on knowing basic safety for a chemistry
laboratory. The type of characterization a forensic scientist undergoes will predominately
include the use of a chemical, whether in preparation, analysis, or protection of evidence. The
evidence itself may have strong ties to biology, earth science or physics, but the site tests and in
house tests performed will involve knowledge of chemicals and chemical safety.
The safety information presented here applies to any chemistry laboratory and you should
be thoroughly familiar with it. The importance of experimentation cannot be overlooked:
I never guess. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has
data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead
of theories to suit facts.
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Yet experimentation can only be done correctly when you are aware of the safety behind
the steps. Many of the experiments to be followed will contain additional warnings about steps
that may be considered dangerous. For this reason you should always read your experiments
ahead of time, come to lab with any questions you have to be answered before starting the
experiment, and be aware of any special hazards for that day.
Objectives
To obtain a working knowledge of basic safety in a forensics/chemistry laboratory.
Background
An accident in a chemistry laboratory can cause serious injury or death. However,
potential hazards can usually be anticipated, thus preventing most accidents. Special note should
be taken of specific instructions concerning potential hazards. In general, the following three
rules should be remembered:
1) Read the experiment before coming to the laboratory, taking note of any
chemicals the background information or procedures warn you about. Read
through the procedures, making sure you understand each and every step, that
you recognize all lab equipment and techniques discussed, and that you ask
questions before starting the lab if you have them.
2) Use common sense when working with laboratory materials and apparatus.
i. If working with glass, applying great force WILL break it.
ii. If you have just heated something up and placed it aside to cool,
1 minute is NOT enough time, it is still hot, it will burn you.
iii. Leaving your goggles sitting on the top of your head WILL NOT
protect your eyes.
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Copyright James T. Spencer 2004
3) If something should happen in a laboratory, know who to get help from, where
the safety equipment is located in the lab, and then ASK and USE them.
Here are a set of simple rules widely accepted and carefully practiced by chemists of all levels.
1) Wear splash-proof goggles or glasses at all times when in a chemistry
laboratory.
a. There is never a good excuse for an eye injury in a lab! If you wear
contact lenses, it is NOT a good idea to wear contact lenses to a
laboratory. There is a possibility that a chemical may flow under the
edge of a lens and be held against the eye causing permanent damage.
Lenses can make it more difficult to wash out a chemical, and fumes
can adhere to the surface of a lens when they would otherwise leave
the eye alone.
2) Know the exact location and operation of all safety equipment.
a. On the data sheet provided, in the blank area, draw a rough sketch of
the lab, and the location of all identified safety equipment:
i. The eyewash fountain
ii. Safety shower
iii. Fire alarm
iv. Fire blanket
v. Fire extinguisher
vi. Nearest emergency exit
3) Never work alone in the laboratory
a. A laboratory instructor will always be present during the assigned lab
period. The instructor will have prior knowledge of the day’s
expectations and is there as the main source of guidance. If you
encounter any difficulties, ASK your instructor.
4) Do only the experiment assigned by your laboratory instructor.
a. Never perform unauthorized experiments in a laboratory. Your safety
depends on the people around you knowing what the procedures you
are performing are.
5) Wear lab appropriate clothing.
a. Lab appropriate clothing is defined as clothing that maximizes
coverage of your body without being too loose which is a chemical or firehazard.
i. Closed toed shoes only.
ii. Safety apron is used to protect clothing.
iii. Loose clothing and hair must be tied back away from
chemicals and open flames.
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6) Place backpacks and other personal items away from your working area.
a. Only authorized materials, the instructions, a notebook, and a pen or
pencil, should be on your lab bench.
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7) Never eat, drink, smoke, chew, or apply makeup of any kind in the laboratorysetting.
a. Lab benches can become contaminated during previous lab work, andsetting an item of food or drink down can allow contamination to leakonto or into the item.
b. Chewing gum is NEVER recommended, airborne contaminants maybe about and you are chewing them into a piece of gum, allowing the contamination level to increase the longer you chew that gum.
8) Dispose of ALL waste materials as directed by your instructor.
9) Help keep the laboratory clean at all times.
10) Use good judgment and care when working in the laboratory stations.
Record ALL Miscellaneous Tips below:
Proper disposal of broken glass:
Detecting Odors:
Handling of HOT objects:
MSDS:
In case of ACCIDENTS:
Chemical Spills:
Fire:
Cuts:
SAFETY INFORMATION
The safety information presented here applies to ALL chemistry laboratories. Therefore,
you should become very familiar with it. Many experiments contain additional warnings
concerning procedure or the correct handling of a chemical or apparatus. Pay special attention to
these extras, and if you are unsure ALWAYS ask your lab instructor.
To become especially aware of the location of all safety equipment in this laboratory,
find each of the following pieces of safety equipment or facilities, recording the location of each
below. Also record the emergency phone numbers appropriate for this laboratory. In an
emergency, this information could save you the necessary moments needed to prevent serious
damage or injury. When completed, have your lab instructor sign and date and keep for your
future records.
Shower:
Fire exits:
Eyewash fountains:
Fire extinguishers:
First Aid Station:
Fire blanket:
Material Safety Data Sheets:
Telephone:
Emergency Numbers:
______
Lab Instructor’s Signature
Safety in the Forensics Laboratory
______
Date
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Safety Agreement
Forensic Science Laboratory
Syracuse University Chemistry 113
Anytime I am working in, or visiting, the laboratory, I will follow the laboratory
safety practices recommended in this module and take the following precautions:
1. Wear splashproof goggles or glasses at all times.
2. Know the exact location and operation of all safety equipment.
3. Never work alone in the laboratory.
4. Do only the experiment assigned by my laboratory instructor.
5. Wear clothing that will provide the maximum possibleprotection.
6. Place such things as purses, backpacks, sweaters, coats,scarves, and extra books in designated areas, preferably outsidethe laboratory.
7. Never eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or apply lipstick in thelaboratory.
8. Dispose of waste materials according to the directions of mylaboratory instructor.
9. Help keep the laboratory clean at all times.
10. Use a fume hood when directed to do so.
11. Use good judgment and care when working in the laboratory.
12. Avoid touching hot objects.
13. Read the labels on reagent bottles and containers to makecertain that they contain the appropriate chemicals for theexperiment.
14. Wash hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory.
15. Immediately report all physical and chemical injuries to mylaboratory instructor, no matter how minor the injury seems.
I have carefully read the discussion of the laboratory safety practices and theprecautions listed above. I understand their importance in preserving the safety ofeveryone in the laboratory. I recognize my responsibility to follow these practicesand precautions while I am present in the laboratory.
______
Student’s signature
______
Date
______
Instructor’s signature
______
Date
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