O Level chemistry comprises three components: Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Paper 3 is the practical examination. It has a variable number of questions and has a time duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes. To ace the O Level Chemistry Practical, students must be conscious of the subject content, lab rules, and safety measures.
In this article, we have provided a comprehensive lab safety guide for O Level students.
What do Students get Assessed on During O Level Chemistry Practical
Students should understand the distinct qualities the examiners assess during their O Level Chemistry practical. The student should have the planning skills to help him set up the apparatus needed in the question and outline the procedure to perform a particular experiment.
Candidates should have a keen eye for measurements and be able to record them. Moreover, students should also understand the importance of evaluating their experiment and using their results to provide a stable conclusion.
Safety Measures to Follow
These are particular general lab safety rules that all candidates should adhere to at all times:
- Students should be aware of the emergency exits and evacuation points in your building.
- It is vital to know the locations of emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, and safety showers.
- There should be no eating, drinking, or chewing inside the lab premises.
- While using any glassware inside the lab, students should always check for cracks or chips and notify their supervisors immediately.
- If a lab equipment is damaged or not performing its designated functions, students should immediately report the problem to the supervisors.
- Students should never taste or smell any chemicals.
- It is crucial to report any broken equipment right away.
- Students should never get involved in any pranks or jokes inside the laboratory.
- It is necessary to avoid unauthorized experiments or work during your practical examination.
- Handle needles or other sharp objects carefully.
Planning your Work
These are some noteworthy factors students should know before beginning their practical exam:
- Before starting any experiment, students should always consider all the hazards.
- Students should always have an idea of the things that could go wrong and how to deal with them.
- Electrical equipment should be checked for frayed wires or damaged cords before use.
- Students should be aware of the hazards of the material used, for example, corrosivity or flammability.
Practicing Good Housekeeping and Hygiene
- Students should avoid direct contact with chemicals at all costs.
- They should never pick up broken glass with their bare hands.
- Personal protective equipment, such as coats and gloves, should be removed before leaving the lab premises.
- Before handling items such as door knobs, gloves should be removed.
- Workstations are to be kept clean and uncluttered.
- Students should avoid wearing shorts or skirts inside the laboratory.
- Students should always wear gloves while handling chemicals
- Appropriate clothing, like chemical-resistant lab coats, should be worn inside the lab.
- High heels and open-toed shoes should be avoided during the practical examination.
- Students should always wash their hands after leaving the lab.
- Hair that is longer than chin length should be fastened during experiments.
- Dangling jewelry items should always be adequately secured at all times.
Chemical Safety Rules
- When using chemicals, students should keep their hands away from their body, mouth, and eyes.
- Each chemical should be treated like it’s dangerous.
- Students should read the label at least two times before removing any of the contents from a chemical bottle.
- Students should never put unused chemicals in their original containers.
- If a chemical spills, it should be wiped right away.
- Students shouldn’t heat or mix chemicals in front of their faces.
Helpful Assistance by Peak Tuitions to Understand All About O Level Chemistry Practical
Peak Tuitions provides students with all the details they need to know before their O Level Chemistry practical. Our tutors, Mr. Clement Ong, and Ms. Kydy Yew, are chemistry experts. They aid their students in understanding the procedures and precautions of practicals to help them excel. To secure an excellent grade, enroll at Peak Tuition by filling out this form.
Our professional tutors ensure their students practice experiments regularly to achieve their goals and get their desired grades. They provide students with the essential practice material and resources to attain maximum information and practice. At our institution, we believe in using innovative teaching methods to help our students learn better. To further understand our facilities, register for a trial session.
