Final answer:
Always use protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, to handle hot equipment, broken glass, or chemicals in science labs. Touching these with bare hands can cause burns, injuries, and contamination. Safety protocols are critical for both personal safety and the integrity of experiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
When conducting experiments, particularly those involving heat or chemicals, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. A common lab safety rule is to avoid handling hot equipment like a beaker or a pan divider with bare hands to prevent burns. The same principle applies to avoiding direct contact with sterile equipment, like pipettes, or substances like chemicals and broken glass to prevent contamination and injury.
In any situation where there is a risk of burn or harm from hot materials, such as when handling a beaker of hot water or a pan divider in a dump situation, always use protective gear like gloves. Similarly, broken glass should never be touched with bare hands; instead, use a dust pan and broom for clean-up. This not only ensures safety but also maintains the sterile conditions required for scientific precision.
Moreover, to avoid chemical burns and unintended reactions, never taste or touch chemicals with bare hands, and always use gloves and goggles as instructed. In a lab context, the awareness of possible dangers and adherence to safety protocols is essential for both the integrity of the experiments and the well-being of all individuals present.