301 Lab Safety Instructions

Most of the plants, tools, and chemicals we work with are pretty harmless, and most situations require only common sense. However, safety regulations do apply to the Biology 301 lab.

These are general instructions. Your TA will have specific instructions for each lab. Always ask your TA or lab coordinator if you are unsure what to do.

–Know the location of the first aid kit, fire extinguisher, eye wash station, and shower The first aid kit is in the cabinet at the end of the lab table nearest the windows. The fire extinguisher, eye wash station, and shower are in the hallway, south of the lab room.

–Know the location of and refer to the Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets for ethanol and Carosafe.

–Do not smoke, eat, drink, fiddle with contact lenses, or apply makeup or lotion in lab.

–Wear closed-toe shoes to all labs.

–Wear eye protection–safety glasses, goggles, or regular eyeglasses–when working with specimens preserved in Carosafe liquid. (We will tell you which these are. Just bring protection each week.)

–Dispose of all Carosafe specimens in the Hazardous Waste container.

–Bring or ask for and wear rubber gloves if you are particularly sensitive to ethanol, Carosafe, or plant sap. (This is uncommon.)

–Exercise caution when using sharp instruments such as dissecting needles and blades.

–Dispose of used blades and broken glass in the appropriate containers.

–Be aware that some plant specimens may have prickles, thorns, irritant sap, or allergenic pollen. We will point out which ones need to be handled with extra caution.

–Wash your hands before eating, after handling fresh or preserved specimens.

–Wear a seat belt in the van.

–Wear closed-toe shoes.

–If you are sensitive to sun, wear sunscreen, a hat, long sleeves, etc. Carry water if you need to.

–Watch for insects and snakes.

–Learn what poison ivy looks like and know how to avoid it.

–Follow any instructions your TA, lab coordinator, or trip guide/host gives you.

–Do not eat anything unless you are specifically instructed to do so.

–Do not wander off.

Lab Safety Instructions for Biology 301–Taxonomy of Flowering Plants