Chemistry Lab Safety by Gayle Hayes

Flammable Materials Flammable materials, like types of alcohol, should never be dispensed or used near an open flame by Gayle Hayes

What if there is a fire? If a laboratory fire erupts, immediately notify your instructor. A fire extinguisher and fire blanket are located on the wall near the entry door. If instructed to leave the lab, leave immediately through the nearest exit door (there are three in our lab). by Gayle Hayes

Eye Protection - Goggles Approved eye protection devices (such as splash goggles) are worn in the laboratory any time chemicals, heat or glassware are used. by Gayle Hayes

Contact Lenses If you wear contact lenses in the school laboratory, advise your science instructor that you wear contact lenses. by Gayle Hayes

Make Sure You Understand If you do not understand a direction or part of a lab procedure, ask the instructor before proceeding. Do not begin the lab until the instructor advises you to do so, and never when the instructor is out of the room. by Gayle Hayes

No unauthorized experiments are allowed. Disposal of Chemicals After completing an experiment, all chemical wastes should be disposed of according to your instructor’s directions. No unauthorized experiments are allowed. by Gayle Hayes

What if I Don't Finish My Experiment? If a lab experiment is not completed, you should discuss the issue with your instructor. by Gayle Hayes

Heating in a Test Tube You are heating a substance in a test tube. Always point the open end of the tube away from all people. by Gayle Hayes

Hot Glassware Looks Like Cold Glassware You are heating a piece of glass and now want to pick it up. You should use tongs. If glassware breaks, stop what you are doing and tell your instructor immediately. Do not clean up broken glass yourself. by Gayle Hayes

You should tell the science instructor at once! Injuries in the Lab You have been injured in the laboratory (cut, burn, etc.). Don't just ignore it... You should tell the science instructor at once! by Gayle Hayes

Before You Use Glassware... When gathering glassware and equipment for an experiment, you should... read all directions carefully to know what equipment is necessary. examine all glassware to check for chips or cracks. clean any glassware that appears dirty. by Gayle Hayes

Inserting a Glass Tube in a Stopper You want to place a piece of glass tubing into a rubber stopper after the tubing has been fire polished and cooled. This is best done by... lubricating the tubing with water or glycerin and twisting the tubing and stopper carefully and using a towel or cotton gloves for protection. . by Gayle Hayes

Why Can't I Just Wear My Eyeglasses? Personal eyeglasses do not provide as much protection as goggles, especially from splashes or shattered glass. by Gayle Hayes

Pull Back Long Hair Long hair in the laboratory must be tied back or kept entirely out of the way with a hair tie. by Gayle Hayes

Proper Attire Loose clothing, open-toe shoes, dangling jewelry are all potential hazards in the lab, and should not be worn. You have access to an apron to protect your clothing in labs that require one. Aprons are not required for every lab. NO! NO! by Gayle Hayes

Horseplay or practical jokes in the laboratory are No Horsing Around Horseplay or practical jokes in the laboratory are always against the rules and can result in suspension of lab privileges. by Gayle Hayes

Faulty Equipment If a piece of equipment is not working properly, stop, turn it off, and tell the science instructor. by Gayle Hayes

Acid on Your Skin If an acid is splashed on your skin, wash at once plenty of plain water (not soap). by Gayle Hayes

Never leave a lit flame unattended. EVER. Using Flames Properly Never leave a lit flame unattended. EVER. by Gayle Hayes

All Substances are Assumed Dangerous Even if a reagent is a food item, never eat, drink, taste or directly smell a substance used in the lab. NO!! by Gayle Hayes

After the Lab... When you finish working with chemicals and other lab substances, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Do NOT return unused chemicals to their original containers unless instructed to do so. Clean up your area, including wiping down your table. by Gayle Hayes