Unit 2: Working in the science industry
Merit 1
Communication within the science industry is an essential part of a scientist’s everyday life, and
communication must be effective in the workplace to achieve long-term success. Just like in any job,
often there is a new scientist joining the laboratory. As they are new to the workplace, they will need
to be made aware of all guidelines and rules to strictly follow. The new being will also need training
in correct practises and procedures to inevitably limit the risk of them harming themselves or others.
There are many methods in which these practises and procedures can be learned and taken into
consideration by the new scientist. They will have practises and procedures on almost everything
present within the lab; from any chemicals, equipment, to even the protocol to follow if a fire was to
break out. Without practise and procedures to follow it is highly likely that work carried out may not
be conducted correctly and prone to more errors and mistakes which could initially take a huge toll
on the workplace and give the lab a bad and unprofessional reputation. Laboratory procedures and
practises are followed in a scientific workplace. However, these practises and procedures can be
displayed in different methods.
Firstly, they may have numerous information guides, an example of an information guide is an S.O.P
(standard operating procedure) an S.O.P is a step-by-step instruction that can be viewed as a
guideline for all employees, new and old. Ultimately an S.O. Ps purpose is to state what the
procedure is, what needs to be worn when dealing with it, the potential hazards and safety
procedures, the procedure, material safety data sheets, and the signature of who created the S.O.P
along with the date. It is important to know when the S.O.P was created as there is constantly new
advances being made and things being changed therefore the S.O.P may become outdated and will
not be efficient to use in the lab. An S.O.P needs to be followed in a scientific laboratory as it
describes the necessary activities for the completion of tasks in accordance with the laboratory
regulations, as well as making sure that the tasks carried out will be consistent and predictable, this
limits the chance of mistakes and accidents occurring.
An example of an S.O.P is using three decimal place balance correctly:
Procedure: Using a three decimal place balance correctly
College/laboratory: NPTC Room NB218
S.O.P prepared by: (name)
Version:
(Section 1) protective equipment:
Lab coat
If a harmful chemical substance is being used, then gloves and goggles will both need to be used.
Hair tied back
(Section 2) Potential Hazards & Safety precautions:
Always handle the three decimal place balance with care to limit the risk of damaging or breaking
it, as they are not cheap to replace!
If any substances get spilled onto the balance, ensure it gets cleaned up immediately to avoid the
risk of cross contamination of substances that may react.
Always clean the balance before and after use to avoid the risk of it becoming damaged and to
limit the chance of posing risk to the scientist’s body.
If the balance happens to drop, DO NOT try to catch it. Let it drop, as it may cause injury.
(Section 3) Procedure:
1. Put on protective equipment.
2. Gather equipment needed e.g. balance, weighing boat, product, spatula.
3. Conduct a quick but efficient calibration on the balance to ensure it gives correct and accurate
measurement readings.
Merit 1
Communication within the science industry is an essential part of a scientist’s everyday life, and
communication must be effective in the workplace to achieve long-term success. Just like in any job,
often there is a new scientist joining the laboratory. As they are new to the workplace, they will need
to be made aware of all guidelines and rules to strictly follow. The new being will also need training
in correct practises and procedures to inevitably limit the risk of them harming themselves or others.
There are many methods in which these practises and procedures can be learned and taken into
consideration by the new scientist. They will have practises and procedures on almost everything
present within the lab; from any chemicals, equipment, to even the protocol to follow if a fire was to
break out. Without practise and procedures to follow it is highly likely that work carried out may not
be conducted correctly and prone to more errors and mistakes which could initially take a huge toll
on the workplace and give the lab a bad and unprofessional reputation. Laboratory procedures and
practises are followed in a scientific workplace. However, these practises and procedures can be
displayed in different methods.
Firstly, they may have numerous information guides, an example of an information guide is an S.O.P
(standard operating procedure) an S.O.P is a step-by-step instruction that can be viewed as a
guideline for all employees, new and old. Ultimately an S.O. Ps purpose is to state what the
procedure is, what needs to be worn when dealing with it, the potential hazards and safety
procedures, the procedure, material safety data sheets, and the signature of who created the S.O.P
along with the date. It is important to know when the S.O.P was created as there is constantly new
advances being made and things being changed therefore the S.O.P may become outdated and will
not be efficient to use in the lab. An S.O.P needs to be followed in a scientific laboratory as it
describes the necessary activities for the completion of tasks in accordance with the laboratory
regulations, as well as making sure that the tasks carried out will be consistent and predictable, this
limits the chance of mistakes and accidents occurring.
An example of an S.O.P is using three decimal place balance correctly:
Procedure: Using a three decimal place balance correctly
College/laboratory: NPTC Room NB218
S.O.P prepared by: (name)
Version:
(Section 1) protective equipment:
Lab coat
If a harmful chemical substance is being used, then gloves and goggles will both need to be used.
Hair tied back
(Section 2) Potential Hazards & Safety precautions:
Always handle the three decimal place balance with care to limit the risk of damaging or breaking
it, as they are not cheap to replace!
If any substances get spilled onto the balance, ensure it gets cleaned up immediately to avoid the
risk of cross contamination of substances that may react.
Always clean the balance before and after use to avoid the risk of it becoming damaged and to
limit the chance of posing risk to the scientist’s body.
If the balance happens to drop, DO NOT try to catch it. Let it drop, as it may cause injury.
(Section 3) Procedure:
1. Put on protective equipment.
2. Gather equipment needed e.g. balance, weighing boat, product, spatula.
3. Conduct a quick but efficient calibration on the balance to ensure it gives correct and accurate
measurement readings.
