Before we can work in the laboratory and perform some chemical reactions, we need to learn/review a little bit about safety with chemicals.

Safety Chemicals can be hazardous to human health if they are not used safely. Many household products are labelled with Hazardous Household Product Symbols. What are some examples of items in your home that have these symbols on them?

Hazardous Household Product Symbols (HHPS)

Safety in the Workplace: WHMIS The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS for short) is a comprehensive national system for safe management of hazardous chemicals which is legislated by both the federal and provincial jurisdictions. In summary, WHMIS delivers the necessary information by means of: cautionary labels on containers of controlled products the provision of an MSDS for each controlled product a worker education program The ultimate goal is to create a safer workplace by providing workers with the knowledge and tools to enable them to work safely.

WHMIS Symbols

WHMIS label

What is an MSDS? MSDS – Materials Safety Data Sheet Every chemical that arrives in the workplace (or the school, for example) is accompanied by an MSDS, which outlines: - Hazards associated with the chemical - Protective clothing that should be worn when handling the chemical - Steps that should be taken if the chemical is spilled

Let’s look at some rules and guidelines for working in the lab!