Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science
Federal University Gusau
BIO 103 (GENERAL BIOLOGY PRACTICAL I) MANUAL
PREPARED BY DR. JABBI A.M. TEAM
(2024/2025 Academic Session)
INTRODUCTION:
This course covered common laboratory hazards. prevention and first aid. measurements in
biology. uses and care of microscope. compound and dissecting microscope. Biological drawings
and illustration, scaling, accuracy and proportion. use of common laboratory apparatus and
laboratory experiments designed to illustrate the topics covered in BIO 101.
COMMON LABORATORY HAZARDS. PREVENTION AND FIRST AID
You may not realize it but a science lab, either in a school or professional setting, is actually very
dangerous without proper safety measures in place. Working with glass equipment, live animals,
chemicals, and even plain water, can lead to accidents including:
• Fires
• Chemical burns
• Slips and falls
• Animal bites
• Cuts from broken glass
• Toxic fume inhalation
These are all possible in locations where safety procedures are not strictly followed. However,
even in the safest labs, accidents can and do still happen. That’s why, in addition to following lab
safety guidelines, you also want to know first aid to treat these injuries and reduce complications
before first responders arrive or professional medical treatment occurs.
Preventing Lab Accidents at School and Work
The most important part of working in a lab is ensuring you are fully aware of what you are
working with and the specifics of the task. Not only is this important in schools, where students
may not be used to working with chemicals or being in a lab, but even in work settings,
professionals also need to be aware of any hazards or risks involved in the project they’re working
on. Any time a new task or procedure needs to be performed, be familiar with the instructions and
the specifics first.
Preparation
Before you start working, you should make sure you’re properly prepared to work. This includes:
a) Inspecting your equipment and containers for any weaknesses, such as cracks or chips.
b) Inspecting electrical equipment for damage, such as frayed cords or exposed wiring.
c) Know where the emergency eyewash stations are.
d) Check your first aid kit to make sure it’s stocked properly.
e) Clean up any clutter and check for trip hazards.
Page 1 of 12
, f) Never work alone in a laboratory.
Clothing
Make sure you dress for safety success by following these clothing and apparel guidelines:
a) Wear properly fitting long sleeves and long pants or skirts so your arms and legs are
protected.
b) Wear closed-toed shoes of a strong material with flat heels. High heels are trip-hazards,
while woven materials and sandals leave your skin exposed.
c) Keep long hair tied back
d) Remove jewelry, especially rings that can get caught or snag gloves.
e) Wear goggles and proper gloves when working with chemicals – use a face shield to protect
your ears and neck if you’re pouring larger quantities.
Prevent Contamination
Working in the lab, whether it’s a medical setting, you’re working with animals, or chemicals, you
need to prevent cross contamination.
a) Never have food or beverages in a lab. Even keep lip balm, lotions, and other cosmetics
out of the lab for safety.
b) Remove gloves and dispose of them properly after use, wash hands immediately after
removing gloves.
c) Handle sharps, including needles and syringes with care and dispose of in an appropriate
container.
d) Contain materials appropriately, especially when transporting them out of the lab.
e) Always wear clean PPE (Personal protective equipment) – a lab coat, goggles, gloves,
mask, if needed.
Care with Chemicals
a) Work in a well-ventilated area and use a chemical fume hood to avoid fumes.
b) Never smell, inhale, or taste chemicals.
c) Never pour chemicals down the drain – instead, know where to store / dispose them.
d) Ensure lids are on tightly and containers are secure when not in use.
First Aid for Lab Accidents
Even when all safety precautions are in place, accidents can still happen, which is why it’s essential
to have a well-stocked first aid kit and know first aid for lab settings.
Bleeding and Wound Care
Labs rely on glass pipettes, beakers, and other containers, and if those break, they can lead to cuts.
If you’re with someone who has a minor cut:
a) Apply pressure to the wound with sterile gauze
b) Wash with soap and water
c) Apply a sterile bandage.
For a more serious cut:
a) Have the person sit down and raise the bleeding part while adding pressure.
b) Continue to add pressure, while transporting them to an urgent care or emergency room. If
the bleeding is severe or the person feels faint or light headed, rush him to nearby hospital
/ clinic.
Page 2 of 12
Faculty of Science
Federal University Gusau
BIO 103 (GENERAL BIOLOGY PRACTICAL I) MANUAL
PREPARED BY DR. JABBI A.M. TEAM
(2024/2025 Academic Session)
INTRODUCTION:
This course covered common laboratory hazards. prevention and first aid. measurements in
biology. uses and care of microscope. compound and dissecting microscope. Biological drawings
and illustration, scaling, accuracy and proportion. use of common laboratory apparatus and
laboratory experiments designed to illustrate the topics covered in BIO 101.
COMMON LABORATORY HAZARDS. PREVENTION AND FIRST AID
You may not realize it but a science lab, either in a school or professional setting, is actually very
dangerous without proper safety measures in place. Working with glass equipment, live animals,
chemicals, and even plain water, can lead to accidents including:
• Fires
• Chemical burns
• Slips and falls
• Animal bites
• Cuts from broken glass
• Toxic fume inhalation
These are all possible in locations where safety procedures are not strictly followed. However,
even in the safest labs, accidents can and do still happen. That’s why, in addition to following lab
safety guidelines, you also want to know first aid to treat these injuries and reduce complications
before first responders arrive or professional medical treatment occurs.
Preventing Lab Accidents at School and Work
The most important part of working in a lab is ensuring you are fully aware of what you are
working with and the specifics of the task. Not only is this important in schools, where students
may not be used to working with chemicals or being in a lab, but even in work settings,
professionals also need to be aware of any hazards or risks involved in the project they’re working
on. Any time a new task or procedure needs to be performed, be familiar with the instructions and
the specifics first.
Preparation
Before you start working, you should make sure you’re properly prepared to work. This includes:
a) Inspecting your equipment and containers for any weaknesses, such as cracks or chips.
b) Inspecting electrical equipment for damage, such as frayed cords or exposed wiring.
c) Know where the emergency eyewash stations are.
d) Check your first aid kit to make sure it’s stocked properly.
e) Clean up any clutter and check for trip hazards.
Page 1 of 12
, f) Never work alone in a laboratory.
Clothing
Make sure you dress for safety success by following these clothing and apparel guidelines:
a) Wear properly fitting long sleeves and long pants or skirts so your arms and legs are
protected.
b) Wear closed-toed shoes of a strong material with flat heels. High heels are trip-hazards,
while woven materials and sandals leave your skin exposed.
c) Keep long hair tied back
d) Remove jewelry, especially rings that can get caught or snag gloves.
e) Wear goggles and proper gloves when working with chemicals – use a face shield to protect
your ears and neck if you’re pouring larger quantities.
Prevent Contamination
Working in the lab, whether it’s a medical setting, you’re working with animals, or chemicals, you
need to prevent cross contamination.
a) Never have food or beverages in a lab. Even keep lip balm, lotions, and other cosmetics
out of the lab for safety.
b) Remove gloves and dispose of them properly after use, wash hands immediately after
removing gloves.
c) Handle sharps, including needles and syringes with care and dispose of in an appropriate
container.
d) Contain materials appropriately, especially when transporting them out of the lab.
e) Always wear clean PPE (Personal protective equipment) – a lab coat, goggles, gloves,
mask, if needed.
Care with Chemicals
a) Work in a well-ventilated area and use a chemical fume hood to avoid fumes.
b) Never smell, inhale, or taste chemicals.
c) Never pour chemicals down the drain – instead, know where to store / dispose them.
d) Ensure lids are on tightly and containers are secure when not in use.
First Aid for Lab Accidents
Even when all safety precautions are in place, accidents can still happen, which is why it’s essential
to have a well-stocked first aid kit and know first aid for lab settings.
Bleeding and Wound Care
Labs rely on glass pipettes, beakers, and other containers, and if those break, they can lead to cuts.
If you’re with someone who has a minor cut:
a) Apply pressure to the wound with sterile gauze
b) Wash with soap and water
c) Apply a sterile bandage.
For a more serious cut:
a) Have the person sit down and raise the bleeding part while adding pressure.
b) Continue to add pressure, while transporting them to an urgent care or emergency room. If
the bleeding is severe or the person feels faint or light headed, rush him to nearby hospital
/ clinic.
Page 2 of 12
