TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS - FORM 1
Introduction: Physics is a branch of science that deals with matter in relation to energy and fundamental
laws that govern the behavior of the physical universe.
Sub-Topic 1.1 (Safety Rules) Laboratory Safety
Key Terms
➢ Safety rules are guidelines and regulations that ensure a safe working environment and prevent
accidents and injuries.
➢ Laboratory safety refers to the practices and procedures that ensure a safe working environment
in a laboratory setting.
➢ Laboratory rules are guidelines, regulations and protocols established to ensure safe, healthy
and efficient working environment in the laboratory.
1.1.1 Importance of Laboratory Safety
1. Prevents accidents and injuries
2. Minimizes risks and hazards
3. Ensures a safe working environment
4. Protects people, property, and the environment
1.1.2 Laboratory Safety Tools and Equipment
1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, face shields
2. Safety Equipment: fume hoods, bio-safety cabinets, safety showers, fire extinguishers, first aid
kits
3. Safety Signs: warnings, caution, biohazard signs, chemical labels
4. Emergency Response Equipment: fire alarms, emergency phones, escape routes
1.1.3 Laboratory Safety Protocols
➢ Safety protocols are systematic procedures and guidelines designed to ensure a safe and
healthy environment, prevent accidents and injuries, and minimise risks.
General Safety
✓ Wear protective gear: Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a lab coat to protect yourself from
chemicals, electrical shocks, and other hazards.
✓ Read instructions carefully: Before starting an experiment, read the instructions carefully and
understand the procedures and potential hazards.
✓ Follow proper procedures: Follow the procedures outlined in the experiment, and do not take
shortcuts or deviate from the instructions.
✓ Use equipment correctly: Use laboratory equipment correctly and safely, and do not touch
electrical equipment with wet hands.
✓ Handle chemicals with care: Handle chemicals with care, and avoid inhaling fumes or getting
chemicals on your skin.
✓ Keep the lab clean and organized: Keep the laboratory clean and organized, and dispose of waste
properly.
✓ Avoid distractions: Avoid distractions while working in the laboratory, such as using your phone
or talking to others.
✓ Report accidents and incidents: Report any accidents or incidents to your instructor or laboratory
supervisor immediately.
Electrical Safety
✓ Avoid electrical shocks: Avoid electrical shocks by keeping electrical equipment away from water
and not touching electrical equipment with wet hands.
✓ Use fuses and circuit breakers: Use fuses and circuit breakers to prevent electrical overloads and
shocks.
✓ Keep electrical cords organized: Keep electrical cords organized and avoid overloading outlets.
Chemical Safety
✓ Handle chemicals with care: Handle chemicals with care, and avoid inhaling fumes or getting
chemicals on your skin.
✓ Wear protective gear: Wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when handling
chemicals.
✓ Follow proper disposal procedures: Follow proper disposal procedures for chemicals and other
hazardous materials.
Read Safety Signs
Common laboratory safety sign symbols and their names:
✓ 1. Biohazard Symbol
✓ 2. Radioactive Symbol
✓ 3. Warning Symbol
✓ 4. Prohibition Symbol
✓ 5. Mandatory Symbol
✓ 6. Emergency Exit Symbol
✓ 7. Fire Extinguisher Symbol
✓ 8. First Aid Symbol
✓ 9. Safety Shower Symbol
✓ 10. Caution Symbol
Emergency Procedures
✓ Know the location of emergency equipment: Know the location of emergency equipment, such as
fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
✓ Know what to do in case of an emergency: Know what to do in case of an emergency, such as
evacuating the laboratory or calling for help.
✓ Follow emergency procedures: Follow emergency procedures, such as alerting your instructor or
laboratory supervisor.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
Remember the PASS Method
1. P - Pull the safety pin or ring to release the lock.
2. A - Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, not at the flames.
3. S - Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
4. S - Sweep the nozzle or hose back and forth, covering the entire area of the fire with the extinguishing
agent.
First Aid Kit
Contents:
1. Bandages
2. Antiseptic wipes
3. Gloves
4. Medical tape
5. Scissors
Basic First Aid Procedures:
1. Cuts: Clean with antiseptic wipes and cover with a bandage.
2. Chemical spills: Flush with water and seek medical attention.
3. Burns: Cool with water and seek medical attention.
Remember:
1. Wash your hands before treating an injury.
2. Wear gloves to protect yourself from bodily fluids.
3. Call for help if the injury is severe or you are unsure of what to do.
Hazards and Risks in the Laboratory
➢ Hazards are situations, conditions, or objects that have the potential to cause harm, injury,
illness, or damage to people, property or the environment.
1. Chemical Hazards: toxic, corrosive, flammable, explosive chemicals
2. Physical Hazards: sharp objects, electrical equipment, heavy machinery
3. Biological Hazards: pathogens, viruses, bacteria
1.1.4 Consequences of Neglecting Laboratory Safety
1. Injuries and Illnesses: accidents, explosions, chemical exposure
2. Damage to Property: equipment damage, laboratory damage
3. Environmental Harm: chemical spills, waste disposal
Sample questions
Chemical Safety
1. Chemical Spill: A learner accidentally knocks over a container of sulphuric acid, spilling
it on the counter. What should they do?
Answer: Immediately alert the teacher, put on gloves and safety goggles, and carefully clean up the
spill with a neutralizing agent.
2. Chemical Storage: A learner is asked to store a new shipment of chemicals in the
laboratory. What should they consider?
Answer: They should check the labels for compatibility, store chemicals in their designated areas,
and ensure that the storage area is well-ventilated and away from heat sources.
Electrical Safety
1. Electrical Equipment: A learner needs to use a hot plate to heat a solution. What should they
check before turning it on?
Answer: They should check that the hot plate is in good working condition, that the cord is not
damaged, and that the plate is placed on a heat-resistant surface.
2. Electrical Shock: A learner notices that a piece of electrical equipment is malfunctioning and
sparking. What should they do?
Answer: They should immediately turn off the equipment, unplug it, and alert the teacher or
laboratory supervisor.
Fire Safety
1. Fire Extinguisher: A small fire breaks out in the laboratory. What should a learner do?
Answer: They should alert others, turn off any electrical equipment, and use a fire extinguisher rated
for the type of fire (e.g., Class B for flammable liquids).
2. Flammable Materials: A learner is working with flammable materials, such as ethanol or
acetone. What precautions should they take?
Answer: They should work in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, and use a fume hood or
other ventilation system if necessary.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
1. Gloves: A learner is handling a chemical that can cause skin irritation. What should they
wear?
Answer: They should wear gloves made of a material resistant to the chemical, such as nitrile or
latex.
2. Goggles: A learner is working with a chemical that can splash or spray. What should they
wear?
Answer: They should wear goggles or safety glasses with a splash guard to protect their eyes.
General Laboratory Safety
1. Cleanliness: A student notices that the laboratory is cluttered and messy. What should they
do?
Answer: They should clean up their workspace, dispose of waste properly, and alert the teacher or
laboratory supervisor if the mess is hazardous.
2. Emergency Procedures: A student is unsure of what to do in case of an emergency. What
should they do?
Answer: They should familiarize themselves with the laboratory’s emergency procedures, such as the
location of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency exits.
