Biology laboratory technique best edited by Chala Dandessa

1 Prepared By: Chala Dandessa Debela, JTC November 2013
JIMMA TEACHERS COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY MANUAL OF
BIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNIQUE
SAFETY AND ORGANIZATION OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY
PREPARED BY:
CHALA DANDESSA
JTC November 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Page
1 Importance Of Biology Laboratory............................................................................................................4
2 PHYSICAL FACILITIES OF LABORATORY .......................................................................................5
2.1 LAY OUT FOR A BIOLOGY LAB.......................................................................................................7
3 BIOLOGY LABORATORY APPARATUS AND CHEMICALS ...........................................................8
3.1 KEEPING YOUR LAB FUNCTIONAL................................................................................................9
3.2 LIST OF CONSUMABLE ARTICLES REQUIRED IN BIOLOGY LAB ...........................................9
3.3 LIST OF NON CONSUMABLE ARTICLES WITH PROPOSED LIFE............................................11
3.4 PERMANENT SLIDES........................................................................................................................13
3.5 CHARTS...............................................................................................................................................15
3.6 LIST OF THE APPARATUS TO BE INCLUDED IN ACCOUNTS CODE......................................16
3.7 APPARATUS LIFE FIXED BY YEARS ............................................................................................16
3.8 LIST OF ARTICLES OF BIO LAB TO BE CHANGED FROM NONCONSUMABLE TO
CONSUMABLE.........................................................................................................................................18
4 BIOLOGY LABORATORY MANAGEMENT......................................................................................19
4.1 GENERAL LABORATORY MANAGEMENT RULES ....................................................................19
4.2 ARRANGEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND CHEMICALS ...............................................................20
4.2.1 ARRANGING AND STORING EQUIPMENT................................................................................20
4.2.2 ARRANGING AND STORING CHEMICALS................................................................................22
5 SAFETY RULES IN BIOLOGY LABORATORY ................................................................................24
5.1 SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY .....................................................................................................24
6 LABORATORY SAFETY SYMBOLS AND THEIR DEFINITION ....................................................28
7 CHECKLIST OF NEWLY BUILDING LABORATORY......................................................................43
7.1 New Biology Laboratory Equipment Checklist....................................................................................43

8 PREPARATION OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY EQUIPMENTS FROM LOCALLY AVAILABLE
MATERIALS..............................................................................................................................................49
8.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................................49

Chapter One
1 Importance Of Biology Laboratory
A Biology Lab is a resource site for biology science teachers and students. A well equipped Biology
lab with traditional as well as latest technological devices is an important part of every school.
Biology Lab is a place where different types of experiments and activities concerning all the
disciplines of life sciences take place. Therefore biology lab should have comprehensive range of
latest lab equipments and other facilities where students can work comfortably with maximum
interest pushing forward the boundaries of knowledge. Details of different types of basic physical
facilities, equipments, usability/usage, lists of consumable and non consumable items with their fixed
life, and safety rules essential for Biology Lab are given below.
“Scientific principles and laws do not lie on the surface of nature. They are hidden and must
be wrested from nature by an active and elaborate technique of inquiry.”
John Dewey
Even if we say we are teaching effectively, biology is not complete without the support of laboratory.
The goals of the laboratory are:-
1. Provide the services of a general lab, with basic equipment and chemicals for standard
analytical and biological tests.
2. Ensure access to basic and safe working spaces for all users of the laboratory facility.
3. Provide access to workplace/desk space to researchers that need them.
4. Provide the services of a library.
5. Facilitate the tools and services required by the researchers to do their studies.

CHAPTER TWO
2 PHYSICAL FACILITIES OF LABORATORY
Laboratory is not room is not simply as a class room. Because, it needs some structures and
physical facilities to give function. Some requirements of laboratory.
1 Standard room size /Dimension/
Lab size has to be 12 meter x 6 meter with capacity to accommodate a group of 25 students in a
practical class or as specified by kvs/cbse for classes.
2. Store Must have sufficient no. Of almirahs as per plan of the lab and no. Of
students .
3. Teachers room for biology department teacher to study and keep records and books well equipped
with al mirah and furniture
4. Light Laboratory must receive ample day light in order to make the observation etc. Of the
materials easily visible especially needed for light view microscope.
5. Design of students table
Must be along the 3 sides of lab (leaving space in the centre for lectures/use of lcd projector).
Worktop: acid proof anticorrosive surface. To resist strong acid, alkali scratch fading ageing high
temperature stain resistant free from solvent and non-toxic. Height to be comfortable to manage the
microscope. Attached with small cupboard with easily cleanable sinks and water supply. Ample
space must be free for students to move. Proper drainage with covered
dustbins, proper electric points.
6. Lab stools/stackable chairs
Lab stools atleast 25 Stackable seminar chairs should be of suitable height to provide ample leg space
under the table and should have broad leg area for stability.
7. Floor Floor with non-skid tiling resist strong acid and alkali,but also resist scratch, fading, ageing,
and strain resistant. It is free from solvent and non-toxic.
8. Teacher table and chair

These must be slightly higherin height than routine school furniture for better monitoring and
demonstrations. U shaped/straight . Worktop:marble plate and ceramic plate not only resist strong
acid and alkali but also resist starch,fading, ageing, high temperature(below1200c) and stain
resistant. Attached with drawers and on both sides to keep teaching materials such aschalks, markers,
dusters, cds etc.cupboard on both sides with easily cleanable sinks and water supply. Proper drainage
with covered dustbins below the table with proper electric points, fitted with water supply.
9. Power supply Regular power supply with sufficient no. Of power points around each table for
viewing electricity operated microscopes. separate power supply for fans and tube lights/equipment.
10. Water supply Lab must have atleast four outlets and four wash basins.
11. Fire Extinguisher At least one meant for all types of fires.
12. Exhauts and ventilators
 Exhaust-minimum 2 which can be increased as per volume of lab
 Ventilators-3 of size 1.5ftx3ft.for maximum light.
13. White boards Magnetic white boards located at suitable height to be easily visible By the
students.
14. Mini subject library
Must be maintained so that students may refer to the books of their
taste. Must include reference books, generals, magazines on biology
notices of varios olympiads.
15. Display boards (covered)
Minimum two in number. One fixed outside the lab to display articles related to biology and other
fixed inside the lab to display information related to practicals the number can be increased
depending on availability.
16. First aid kit A first aid kit with burnol mild antiseptic cream.

2.1 LAY OUT FOR A BIOLOGY LAB

CHAPTER THREE
3 BIOLOGY LABORATORY APPARATUS AND CHEMICALS
1 Apparatus
Must have sufficient number of units as per the C.B.S.E syllabus of 10 + 3 practicals /activities/demo
experiments, so that each student gets his/her independent set except in case of museum specimens
and permanent slides . Single units may be procured for demonstration.
2 Personal computer Should be of latest configuration, preferably with internet connection and a
printer.
3 LCD Projector Suitably positioned so that the projection is visible to all and easy to manage by the
teacher.
4 InteractiveBoard/visualiser 1
5 Refrigerator 1 for temperature based experiments
6 Lab museum/display cabinets Laboratory must have lab museum with displayed stuffed animals
and cabinets with specimens.
7 Human torso Human torso with detachable body organs in plastic show case.
8 Human skeleton 1 in show case.
9 Garden 1 small garden, well equipped with plants to study, to collect soil samples, should be near
to the lab orat approachable distance.
10 Display boards To display safety in lab, plan and execution of practical work,
11 Aquarium 1 outside the lab in proper security to study aquatic life and food chain.
12 NCERT kits/ CDs/Books CBSE based
13 Microwave oven/Incubators For conducting experiments requiring heating/ Maintenance of
temperature.
14 rinder/Hand Blender For experiments which need grinding.

3.1 KEEPING YOUR LAB FUNCTIONAL
1 Maintenance of records Display of experiments to be done class wise. Maintenance of records of
experiments conducted month wise, student attendance class wise time table of practical periods.
2 Maintenance of equipment. The equipment must be maintained functional and necessary repair
work whenever needed must be carried out periodically. The microscopes and other equipment
should be checked periodically.
3 Fire extinguisher Must be refilled every year and pressure gauge
should be checked periodically.
4 Electrical maintenance Power points should be checked for any naked wires, non-functionality,
switch failure etc. check the tube lights and exhaust fans regularly.
5 Shock verification Must be regularly done at the year end to have a
check on articles.
6 Condemnation The equipment that becomes non-functional due to routine wear and tear with time
should be condemned yearly.
7 Procurement The equipment condemned / needed as per changes in syllabus must be procured
immediately.
3.2 LIST OF CONSUMABLE ARTICLES REQUIRED IN BIOLOGY LAB
S.NO Materials Functions
1. Formalin
2. Formaldehyde
3. Acetocarmine stain
4. Safranine
5. Methylene Blue
6. Leishman’s stain
7. Haemotaxylin stain
8. Iodine stain
9. Hydrolchloric acid
10. Glacial acetic acid

11. Nitric acid
12. Benedict’s reagent
13. Fehling solution
14. Biuret solution
15. Millon’s reagent
16. Sucrose
17. Boric acid
18. Potassium nitrate
19. Magnesium sulphate
20. Glycerine
21. Soluble starch
22. Sodium chloride
23. Distilled water
24. pH tablets /paper
25. Neutral Litmus solution
26. Universal Indicator
27. Vaseline
28. Diphenylamine solution
29. Ammonium chloride
30. Ammonium hydroxide
31. Methanol
32. Carbon tetrachloride
33. Acetone
34. Petroleum ether
35. Ethanol
36. Calcium carbonate
37. Agar
38. Yeast
39. Sodium bicarbonate
40. Eosine
41. Phenolphthalein
42. Benzene
43. Urea
44. Robert’s Solution
45. Sulphosalycylic acid
46.

47.
48.
49.
50.
3.3 LIST OF NON CONSUMABLE ARTICLES WITH PROPOSED LIFE
1. Liver Wort
2. Moss
3. Pinus
4. Dryopteris
5. Lichen
6. Mushroom
7. Lilliaceae Plant
8. Bryophyllum
9. Water hyacinth
10. Hydrilla
11. Opuntia
12. Agave
13. Utricularia
14. Pisum Sativum
15. Lathyrus
16. Prassiflora
17. Ascaris
18. Earthworm
19. Prawn
20. Snail
21. Starfish
22. Rohu
23. Frog
24. Liverfluke
25. Bat
26. Scoliodon
27. Life history

OfAnophelese/Culex/Silkmoth
28. Development stages
of cockroach
29. Life history
Of Butterfly/Honey Bee
30. Development Stages Of Frog
31. Modifications
Of Root/Stem/Leaf
32. All Inflorescences
33. Tapeworm
34. Octopus
35. Millipede
36. Pearl oyster
37. Sea horse
38. Lizard
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.

3.4 PERMANENT SLIDES
1. 1 Bacteria
2. 2 Paramecium
3. 3 Euglena
4. 4 Chlamydomonas
5. 5 Volvox
6. 6 Entamoeba
7. 7 Budding Of Yeast
8. 8 Rhizopus
9. 9 Spirogyra
10. 10 Oscillatoria
11. 11 Epidermal peel with stomatas
12. 12 Parenchyma
/Collenchymas/Scelerenchyma
13. 13 Xylem/phloem
14. 14 Vessels
15. 15 T.s.dicot root/stem/leaf
16. 16 T.s.monocot root/stem/leaf
17. 17 Pollen germination
18. 18 Pollen germination on stigma
19. 19 T.s. Testis of any mammal
20. 20 T.s.ovary f any mammal
21. 21 T.s.blastula of any mammal
22. 22 T.s.morula/gastrula of any mammal
23. 23 Stages of mitosis
24. 24 Stages of meiosis in onion bud 5 2
25. 25 Cardiac muscles/striated
muscles/smooth muscles
26. 26 W.m. Of nerve cell
27. 27 T.s.bonet.s.cartilage
28. 28 Squamous epithelium
29. 29 Wm.hydra
30. 30 Malarial parasite in blood
31.

32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.

3.5 CHARTS
1 Family-fabaceae/liliaceae/solanaceae
2 Pedigree charts-rolling of tongue /widow’s peek/colourblindness
3 Controlled pollination – emasculation,bagging technique
4 Malarial parasite-life cycle
5 Hiv –life cycle
6 Pollination by different agencies
7 Tyoes of gynoecium/placentation/aestivation
8 Fabricated models with dissectible parts
9 Human skeleton
10 Human torso
11 Heart
12 Kidney
13 Brain
14 Eye
15 Ear
16 Lung
17 Development of ovule of angiosperm
18 Ts.dicot /monocot root /stem
LIST OF APPARATUS (NON CONSUMABLE) REQUIRED FOR BIO LAB
1 Binocular microscope with oil immersion
2 Two way eye pieces
3 Electronic ph meter
4 Microscope olympis
5 Dissection microscope
6 Haemocytometer
7 Autoclave
8 Electric water bath
9 Electronic balance
10 Vaccum dessicator
11 Refrigerator
12 Microwave oven

13 Incubator
14 Testtube stand plastic
15 Brush camel
16 Bunsen burner
17 Ganong’s photometer
18 Slide box
19 Mortar and pestle
20 Blender/mixer
21 Funnel
22 Forceps
23 Needle
24 Measuring cylinder
25 Scissors
26 Scalpel entomological needle
3.6 LIST OF THE APPARATUS TO BE INCLUDED IN ACCOUNTS CODE
Glass apparatus breakable
1 Test tubes borosil
2 Measuring cylinder 10ml./20ml Borosil
3 Beakers 50ml/100ml/250/ml/500ml
4 Conical flask250ml/100ml
5 Round bottom flask250ml.
6 Funnel
7 Cover slips blue star
8 Slides
9 Slide with blood counting
10 Cavity slides
11 Bent tubes
12 Petri dishes
13 Glass rod
3.7 APPARATUS LIFE FIXED BY YEARS
1 Digital balance

2 Test tube brushes
3 Test tube holder
4 Test tube stand
5 Wire guage
6 Cork borer
7 Thermometers
8 Measuring cylinders-plastic*and glass
9 Dessicator
10 Tripod stand
11 Spirit lamp (glass), (brass)
12 Water bath (copper)
13 Microwave oven
14 Refrigerator
15 Herbarium press
16 Staining rack
17 Wash bottle
18 Foreceps

3.8 LIST OF ARTICLES OF BIO LAB TO BE CHANGED FROM NONCONSUMABLE TO CONSUMABLE
S.NO Materials Function
1. Petridish
2. Plain Slides
3. Watch Glass
4. Cover Slips
5. Beakers
6. Test Tubes
7. Droppers
8. Needles
9.

CHAPTER FOUR
4 BIOLOGY LABORATORY MANAGEMENT
The Science Laboratory is a place where classroom teaching is further strengthened. The new
facts and ideas lectured in the class will be confirmed in the laboratory through the use of
equipment, chemicals and specimens. It provides an opportunity to study organisms closely and
to examine the various structures, processes, relationships, etc. which are characteristics of these
organisms. It is here, therefore, that students develop skills, abilities and attitudes through the
practical activities they carry out. Therefore, all laboratory facility should have to be managed
to strengthen the classroom teaching.
The science teacher should make certain that the theoretical lesson is supplemented with the
necessary practical work. Otherwise, the work is considered to be done partially, because the
knowledge students are expected to gain along with the development of the required skills and
abilities cannot be materialized. So the teacher must not consider laboratory activities as
something additional that could be omitted, but as an integral part of the subject matter.
Some schools have separate laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics. Others have two
labs for the three subjects. And there are still others that have only one laboratory. Variations
also exist in water and electricity services, material distribution and storage facilities. This is
partly because the schools have been constructed and equipped under different projects, public
contribution and government budget. Being aware of these differences, which could only be
solved step by step in the process of development, teachers have to put much effort and be
creative enough to effectively use the resources at hand.
4.1 GENERAL LABORATORY MANAGEMENT RULES
1. Environmental protection is one objective of the labs. For this reason, a complete
treatment of chemical wastes and biological wastes are required when possible. The
Lab manager/assistant should know about chemical management, disposal and storage.
Fungal and bacterial cultures should be autoclaved before they are disposed.
2. Turn off the lights and equipments when they are not in use including the extractor
hoods.
3. When working in the lab, goggles and lab coats must be used. Gloves and masks
appropriate for procedure must be used when necessary (i.e. Acid resistant gloves or
asbestos gloves for hot objects).Vapor hoods, with the air extraction on, are to be used
when working with hazardous volatile materials with the fume shield partially closed to

protect against splashes. Safety goggles must always be used when working in the vapor
hood. All safety materials (goggles and masks) should be provided for the Lab.
4. Classify your garbage (glass, paper, plastic bottles and aluminum cans) and put it in the
proper containers located outside the lab.
5. All solutions and samples should be labeled with the identification of their nature.
6. Balances, pH-meters are calibrated every day by the lab assistants.
7. Refrigerator and freezer space is provided to store solutions or samples. All solutions and
samples must be properly labeled. Solutions must be stored in their own containers, not
in lab glassware. Stored material that is not properly labeled can be discarded without
warning.
4.2 ARRANGEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND CHEMICALS
Laboratory equipment and chemicals are sent to schools in accordance with the curriculum
demand. They are part of the essentials to fulfill the specific objectives of each portion in the
course. Hence, they have to be used at the right time. The timely use of these materials however,
can only be possible if there is a systematic approach to their arrangement and storage in the
laboratory. Keeping materials according to their use and nature is time saving and is essential for
safety and guarantees their prolonged use.
4.2.1 ARRANGING AND STORING EQUIPMENT
 Materials having similar and related functions are kept together or in adjacent shelves.
For example, Microscopes, Microscopic Slides, Cavity Slides, Cover Slides and
Magnifying lenses should be placed together or should take adjacent shelves. Similarly,
materials used for dissection such as scissors, needles, forceps, razors, etc. should have
their own separate places.
 It is always preferable to have closed storage space. When equipment and supplies are
stored in closed cabinets, they are not exposed to dust, fumes or fluctuations in humidity
and temperature.
 Microscopes can be stored and easily counted in a cabinet made up of individual sections.
This type of storage cabinet reduces the change for tumbling or knocking of the
microscopes.
 The wooden slide box, which is available in most of the schools, has to be effectively
used for storing prepared slides. All the slides contained in the sections of the slide box
should be indicated by writing on the corresponding serially arranged lines, printed on the
inner surface of the slide box covering.

 Once equipment is arranged, the specific place for each item should be indicated by
labeling. If the materials are kept in cabinets and shelves with glass covers, the printed
labels could be attached to the inner surface of the glass cover. However, if the containers
have opaque covering, the printed labels should be placed on the outer surface of the
covering and may be protected by a layer of transparent plastic sheeting.
 After moving equipment from its place for actual use, return it immediately to its
specific (labeled) place. Do not leave apparatus out after use!
 Manage and use the Laboratory instruments and equipment according to their nature.
 Analytical Equipment: The Laboratory has basic lab equipment such as scales,
microscopes, magnetic stirrers, centrifuges, water baths, etc. The user must know the
equipment function, operation, care and maintenance. If not, the user must request help
from the Lab Assistant.
 Any equipment or instrument used should be returned clean and in good shape.
 Some instruments such as the gas chromatographs, the lyophylizer, and the
spectrophotometer, are of limited use and are to be used only by persons who have
previous experience with them.
 Refrigerators and freezers:
 The refrigerators and freezers are used to store samples and reagents. They are not
allowed for food storage.
 The user should ask the Lab Assistant for assigning space in them.
 If the refrigerators and freezers are intended to be used only during the researcher’s
stay at the Station, any stored material must be clearly labeled with the following
information:-
 Researcher’s name
 Project name
 Content (Name of the reagent, sample, etc.)
 Preparation date
 Expiration date (if applicable)
 Date in which it will be taken out of the refrigerator or freezer

 If anybody needs to keep things in refrigerators and freezers after leaving the
station, the Lab Assistant must be informed.
 Regularly, the lab personnel will review the contents of refrigerators and freezers.
If there objects that do not contain the above information, if the owner is not at the
station any more, or if the storing date has expired, they will be disposed.
 When using an oven, temperature should be checked periodically as a safety measure
for fire.After using it, the oven should be turned off and cleaned.
 The laboratory maintains basic glassware available for researcher use. After using
glassware, it must be cleaned and dried. Any broken material must be reported to the Lab
Assistant and disposed off in the appropriate container.
4.2.2 ARRANGING AND STORING CHEMICALS
 The arrangement and storage of chemicals should be done based on the nature of the
substances.
 Certain chemicals react when placed close to each other. Glycerin and nitric acid,
potassium chloride and organic compounds, cyanides and acids, etc. are among such
chemicals.
 Combustible and dangerous materials such as poisons should be securely locked in metal
cabinets.
 Acids, strong bases and substances like chloroform, ether, iodine and hormones should be
stored in facilities, which can be locked.
 Large storage bottles of acids, alkalies and other dangerous chemicals, if on shelves, are
to be no more than two feet above the floor. If possible, they should be kept on the
floor.
 If there are metallic sodium, potassium, and calcium and calcium carbide in the lab, they
should not be kept near or above containers containing water or water solution. Metallic
sodium and potassium, after the original container has been opened, must thereafter be
kept under kerosene.
 The containers of chemicals that absorb moisture and change their chemical nature
should never be left open. For example, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Carbonate and
Sodium bicarbonate are hygroscopic. They absorb water from the atmosphere; as a
result, their volume increases. The nature of the chemicals also changes.
i. ARRANGEMENTS AND STORAGE OF OTHER
TEACHING AIDS: Pictures and

Charts
 A drawer or filing cabinet filled with unclassified picture is practically worthless
(valueless). To be effective, pictures must be put into some kind of order classification
may be by topic, process, activity, or any other meaningful system.
 Pictures may be mounted for longer use. When mounted they should be laminated
between plastic sheets to ensure a longer life and to give a better appearance.
 Many charts can be stored conveniently, and they are not exposed to wear and tear, when
stored in hanging position. Each chart can be wired at one end and hooked on to the
sliding arms of the cabinet. If each arm holds the charts dealing with a given topic in
biology, teachers or students can find the charts quickly when they are needed. The
teacher may hang the charts according to his filing system.
 Models, skeletons, jar mounts and other specimens may be stored in cabinets that many
drawers (if the school is equipped with such cabinets). They may also be kept in a
storage cabinet that has a glass cover. The later also serves as a display case. If you are
using open shelf storage space, you may cover it with transparent plastic sheeting to
avoid the accumulation of dust.
 If cabinets are not available, specimens and models can be stored and found most easily if
they are kept in some uniform kind of container. Plastic boxes, polythene bags, match
and shoe boxes, tin lids, plates, etc. may be used. There is no rule. You can choose what
you get cheaply and easily in your area. However, classification should be done.
 When arranging models, skeleton and other specimens in cabinets, similarity and
relations regarding structure and function should be considered. Finally, the materials
should be properly labeled for identification.
 Sometimes, to avoid smearing, printed labels can be placed inside a jar-containing
specimen preserved in alcohol. The procedure is as follows:-
 Print labels with India ink and set aside to dry until the ink no longer
glistens.
 Dip them into a jar containing 5 to 10% glacial acetic acid (use forceps).
 Then drain the labels on blotting paper and insert into the specimen jars
containing 70% ethyl alcohol.
NB. Strong paper should be used for labels because glacial acetic acid tends to soften the paper.
b. USEFUL RULE

A. Your responsibility includes keeping your workstation properly. You will use equipment
and parts stored in trays or drawers in an orderly fashion. Keep it in that order, for your
own convenience.
B. Keep your work area uncluttered (organized). Store all instruments and components not
actively in use in their proper place, away from your work area, or in the specials storage
cabinets.
C. You may need other equipment and components stored in a different area from your
workstation, perhaps in drawers or bins, or on shelves in the stockroom. Return these to
their proper place immediately when you have finished with them.
D. Do not make unauthorized modifications to the equipment.
CHAPTER FIVE
5 SAFETY RULES IN BIOLOGY LABORATORY
5.1 SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY
In laboratory
 No smoking
 No eating

 No drinking
 Good washing facilities
 Good disposal facilities
 No taste any chemicals or substances you are working with
 Don’t use your mouth for pipetting substances
 Don’t handle broken glass with bare hands
 Don’t pour chemicals down the drain without permission
 Don’t operate lab equipment without permission
 Don’t perform your own experiment unless given permission
 Don’t leave any heated materials unattended
 Don’t place flammable substances near heat
 Not engage in childish antics such as horseplay or pranks
 Microscopes should not be kept at the edges of the table
 Do not play with sharp edges instruments like needles, blades, cutter, scissors
a. RESPONSIBILITIES
The laboratory supervisor/manager must ensure that:
 The laboratory is a safe working environment.
 Equipment is safe.
 All technicians are aware of the dangers.
 All technicians are properly trained to do their work.
 Be responsible for chemicals.
Technicians are responsible for:
 Keeping laboratory suitable for activities
 Assisting instructor
 Assisting the learner (students)
 Proper storage of glass wares
 Storing chemicals in proper places (cupboards, stores).

 Maintaining equipment.
 Bringing any problems or potential problems to the attention of the supervisor.
b. CLOTHING
 Technicians must always wear the right kind of protective clothing. Laboratory coats
should be worn (if the room temperature is high this may prove to be impractical).
 Face masks must be worn when dealing with dusts.
 Gloves must be worn when handling chemicals.
c. CHEMICALS
ALWAYS read the label on the container.
 Orange background with black cross: harmful.
 Orange background with black skull and crossbones: toxic.
 Orange background with black fire: flammable.
 Orange background with black Bar or hand being eaten away: corrosive.
There may be written warnings, but they are often only in one language. Harmful solid! Target
organ: Nerves! Possible teratogen*! ALWAYS keep a list of chemicals and the dangers
associated with them. NEVER store chemicals in anything other than their original container,
with the correct label. ALWAYS keep flammable and toxic chemicals in a securely locked
cupboard.
d. BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
The entomopathogenic fungi used for locust control are very safe, BUT they may cause allergic
reactions if they are inhaled. Some common contaminants e.g. Aspergillus spp. Are harmful.
Technicians must learn to recognise and dispose of contaminants safely. ALWAYS keep
benches, equipment and protective clothing clean.
e. FIRST AID

ALWAYS keep a first aid box in a secure place, in full view and check it regularly. Write all
injuries in an accident book which should be kept next to the first aid box. It is ESSENTIAL that
at least on a person in a laboratory is trained.
1) Have a Good Experience:
Biology lab is an important aspect of any biology course. In order to have a good lab experience,
make sure that you follow these biology lab safety rules and any instruction given to you by your lab
instructor.
2) Be Neat:
When working in a biology lab, make sure you keep your area neat and organized. If you happen to
spill something, ask for assistance when cleaning it up. Also remember to clean your work area and
wash your hands when you are finished.
3) Be Careful:
An important biology lab safety rule is to be careful. You may be working with glass or sharp
objects, so you don’t want to handle them carelessly.
4) Wear Proper Clothing:
Accidents do happen in biology lab. Some chemicals have the potential to damage clothing. With
that in mind, you want to make sure that the clothing you wear is something you could do without if
it becomes damaged. As a precaution, wearing a apron or lab coat is a good idea. You will also want
to wear proper shoes that can protect your feet in case something gets broken. Sandals or any type of
open – toed shoes are not recommended.
5) Be Cautious with needles, blades, cutter, and scissors
6) Be Cautious with Chemicals:

The best way to remain safe when dealing with chemicals is to assume that any chemical you handle
is dangerous. Be sure you understand what type of chemicals you are using and how they should be
properly handled. If any chemical comes in contact with your skin, wash immediately with water and
inform your lab instructor. Wear protective eyewear when handling chemicals.
7) Locate Safety Equipments:
Where to find all safety equipment in the biology lab.
This includes such items like fire extinguisher, first aid kit, broken glass receptacles, and chemical
waste containers. Also be sure you know where all the emergency exists are located and which exit
route to take in case of an emergency.
Chapter Six
6 LABORATORY SAFETY SYMBOLS AND THEIR DEFINITION
Safety symbols are very important in operating any materials and chemicals in
laboratory. The following content provides the symbols and their definition are
mostly important in biology laboratory and also in others.

1. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/K/7/electrical.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Electrical Hazard
 This symbol indicates the area or materials which can cause electric shock.
2. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/J/7/combustible.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Combustible Materials

 This symbol indicates material or chemical (may be solid, liquid or gas)
which can be combustible in fire.
3. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/I/7/noflame.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
No Open Flames
 This is the symbol which express a material which cannot create flame.

4. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/H/7/corrosive.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Corrosive Materials
 Indicates materials which are contaminated with corrosive chemicals and which
can be affect human if contacted with skin.
5. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/G/7/flam.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET or

INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/2/7/flammable.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Flammable Symbol
 Chemicals (solid, liquid or gas) and materials which can be flammable if burnt.

6. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/F/7/extinguisher.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Fire Extinguisher
 This is the symbol of fire extinguisher which has to be posted on fire extinguisher.
7. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/D/7/toxic.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Toxic Chemical

 Indicates chemicals which can be toxic to human body.
8. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/9/7/nonpotable.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Non-potable water
 Indicates water pipe which cannot give function.
9. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/8/7/envhazard.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Environment Hazard
 Chemicals which can affect environment if exposed or etc…

10. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/7/7/eyewash.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Eyewash Sign
 Indicates the position of eye wash where to wash eye while the contamination of
eye with chemicals occurred.

11. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/4/7/poison.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Toxic Materials Sign
 Indicates the materials which can be toxic because of chemicals or etc…

12. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/1/7/radiation.jpg" *
MERGEFORMATINET
Radioactive Sign

13.
Biohazard Sign
 Biohazards are microorganisms which can potentially harm or even kill living
organisms.
14.
Chemistry Hazard Label

15.
Sharp object
16.
Harmful to respiratory

17.
Hot Surface
18.
Very cold temperature!

19.
Eye and face precaution
 This tells us to use eye and face protecting safety. Egg. Goggle

20.
 Glassware safety
21.
 Dangerous plant

CHAPTER SEVEN
7 CHECKLIST OF NEWLY BUILDING LABORATORY
To checkup the standard of a given biology laboratory we can use the following checklist of
apparatus.
7.1 New Biology Laboratory Equipment Checklist
A. For Cell Biology
No. Items Advantages
1. Biological safety cabinets
2. Benchtop centrifuge
3. Shakers/rockers
4. Roller bottle apparatus
5. Laminar flow hoods
6. Microcentrifuges
7. Incubator shakers
8. Laboratory glassware
9. Liquid handling
10. (Pipettes)
11. Water purification systems
12. CO2 and reach in
13. Incubators
14. Automatic cell counters
15.

B. Molecular Biology lab
No. Items Advantage
1. Gel documentation system/imaging
system/
2.
Fluorometers
3. Luminescene microplate readers
4. UV/visible spectrometers/
5. Abs microplate readers
6. Microplate washers
7. Electrophoresis equipment
8. PCR machines
9. Liquid chromatography systems
10.

C. Refrigerators and Freezers
No. Items Advantage
1. Ultra-low freezers(-85C and -40C)
2. +4C Glass/solid door refrigerator/
3. Liquid nitrogen tanks
4. Under-counter +4C and -20C
5. Freezer rack inventory systems
-20C general purpose freezers
6. Pharmacy refrigerators
7. Explosion proof +4C and -20C
8.
9.
10.

D. General Lab Apparatus
No. Items Advantage
1. Ovens
2. Safety storage cabinets
3. Remote alarm systems
4. Autoclaves
5. Water baths
6. Hot plate stirrers
7. Scale/balances
8. Homogenizers
9. Sonicators

E. Animal Handling/New Constraction/
No. Items Advantage
1. Biological safety cabinets
2. Cage and rack washers necropsy equipment
3. Bio-decon equipment
4. Environmental rooms
5. Animal surgical equipment
6. Ventilated caging
7. Autoclaves
8. Class III glove boxes
9. Gloves, gowns (PPE)
10. Auto CO2 delivery cage systems
11. Flooring, ceiling wall systems
12. Aquatic systems
13. Glassware washers
14. Cage changing stations
15. Tissue digestors
16. Bio-decontamination equipment
17.
18. Sani mister misting tunnel

F. Lab Furniture and Casework
No. Items Advantage
1. Flexible laboratory casework
2. Solid and wire shelving
Custom laboratory benches
Laboratory chairs
3.
4.

CHAPTER EIGHT
8 PREPARATION OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY
EQUIPMENTS FROM LOCALLY AVAILABLE
MATERIALS
8.1 Introduction
1. Microscope
2. Beaker
3. Lung models
4. Fish models
5.

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