Dissection Safety

Wear goggles, apron, and latex or nitrile gloves when dissecting.

• Specimens are soaked in a formalin solution that contains a very small percentage of formaldehyde. Wash specimen before using.
• Never ingest specimen parts or remove them from the classroom.
• Sharp instruments, such as scissors and scalpels, will be used to cut tissue.

When working with sharp instruments always do the following:

• Carry the instrument with the tip facing down and away from your body.
• Cut away from your body, never toward you.
• Only grasp sharp instruments by the handles.
• Dispose of the specimen in a separate container according to your teacher’s directions.
• Dispose of razor blades or other cutting blades into a separate container according to your teacher’s directions.
• Wash hands with soap and water after dissecting.

Dissection Safety Questions

1. What kind of tools will you use during dissections?

2. What should you do if you accidentally cut your self?