5.1.1Tools
Safety, Ethical and Environmental Issues in Biology — IB Biology SL Revision Notes & Topical Questions
5 min read 5 parts Lesson 2 of 10
Curriculum Equation Key قوانين الرقم الهيدروجيني والاتزان الأيوني - pH & Acid-Base Equilibrium FormulasFast Exam Solution
pH = -log[H⁺] | pOH = -log[OH⁻] | pH + pOH = 14 | [H⁺][OH⁻] = 10⁻¹⁴
Word Equation & Conditions: الرقم الهيدروجيني = -لوغاريتم تركيز أيون الهيدروجين | pH + pOH = 14
Location & Specifications: الاتزان الأيوني، كيمياء 3 ثانوي، التحصيلي، و AP Chemistry.
Section 1 of 5Hazards and Risk
Hazard
- Hazard Anything that could cause harm, such as a corrosive chemical, a hot plate or slippery rocks.
Risk
- Risk The chance that a hazard causes harm combined with how serious the harm would be.
Risk assessment
- Risk assessment It identifies hazards, assesses the likelihood and severity of harm, and plans precautions.
Control measures
- Control measures Precautions such as wearing eye protection, using lower concentrations or walking carefully lower the risk.
| Hazard | Possible harm | Control measure |
|---|---|---|
| Bunsen burner | Burns | Tie back hair, keep flames away from flammables |
| Stain on skin | Irritation | Wear gloves and wash off |
| Slippery rocks | Falls | Go slowly with suitable footwear |
Section 2 of 5Hazard Symbols
Hazard Symbols
Corrosive
- Corrosive Can cause skin burns and serious eye damage.
Flammable
- Flammable May catch fire when heated or near a flame.
Health hazard
- Health hazard Warns of serious long-term damage such as irritation or sensitisation.
Acute toxicity
- Acute toxicity Can cause severe effects, even in small quantities.
Environmental hazard
- Environmental hazard Dangerous to aquatic life and ecosystems.
Oxidising
- Oxidising Can cause or intensify a fire.
Section 3 of 5Ethical Considerations
1
Decide whether an experiment involving animals is necessary or whether another approach can answer the question.
2
If animals are used, the experiment should minimise numbers, stress and pain, using the principle of replace, reduce and refine.
3
Handle organisms carefully and return wild organisms to their habitat after the investigation.
4
When humans are used, obtain consent and avoid putting participants at risk.
5
Keep any personal data about participants confidential and secure.
Section 4 of 5Environmental Considerations
Fieldwork
- Fieldwork Avoid trampling vegetation, take equipment and litter away, and avoid sensitive habitats.
Group size
- Group size Small groups cause less disturbance than large crowds.
Waste disposal
- Waste disposal Chemicals, cultures and biological material have to be disposed of correctly, with cultures sterilised first.
Conservation
- Conservation Do not collect protected species or remove organisms unnecessarily.
Section 5 of 5Exam Checklist & Tips
5.1.1 – Key Points for the Exam
- Hazard A source of potential harm.
- Risk The likelihood and severity of harm from a hazard.
- Risk assessment A process of identifying hazards and planning precautions.
- Ethics Principles about what is morally acceptable in research.
- Informed consent Agreement given by participants after understanding the procedure and risks.
Common Mistakes
- Treating hazard and risk as the same thing.
- Giving 'be careful' as a safety precaution without a specific action.
- Ignoring environmental harm in fieldwork plans.
- Overlooking disposal of used cultures and biological waste.
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