Chemistry
Laboratory Safety Rules:
The
experiments in this class have been carefully designed to minimize the
risk of
injury. However, safety is also your responsibility. You
are expected to behave in a way that is consistent with safe laboratory
practices.
You are responsible for knowing and always following these laboratory
safety
rules.
1. Wear safety glasses at
all times when working in the laboratory or when
near someone else who is working in the laboratory. Do not rub your
eyes
because chemicals are easily transferred from your hands to your eyes.
2. Recognize
that all
laboratory procedures involve some degree of risk.
Read and listen to all directions carefully. When in doubt, ask your
teacher.
3. Use
full small-scale
pipettes for the carefully controlled delivery of
liquids, one drop at a time.
4. To
minimize danger,
waste, extra work, and cleanup, always use minimum
amounts of chemicals when performing experiments.
5. Conduct
only the
assigned experiments, and do them only when a teacher
is present and has given you permission to work.
6. Know the location and operation of the
following safety
equipment: fire
extinguisher, emergency shower, eye wash, fire blanket, and emergency
exits.
7. Keep
your work area
orderly and free of personal belongings, such as
coats and backpacks. Keep escape routes and walkways clear of classroom
furniture.
8. Never
taste any
laboratory chemical, including the many food products
you will study in the laboratory. Consider these items to be
contaminated with
unknown toxic chemicals. Keep all food and drink out of the laboratory.
Do not
eat, drink, or chew gum in the laboratory.
9. Report
any accident, no
matter how minor, to your teacher.
10. Keep
electrical
appliances away from sinks and faucets to minimize the
chance of electrical shock, especially in the presence of water. Take
care not
to spill water or other liquids in the vicinity of an electrical
appliance.
11. Do
not handle heated or
broken glass. In case of breakage, notify your
teacher and your neighboring classmates. Do not use chipped or cracked
glassware. Discard broken glassware according to your teacher’s
directions.
12. Protect
your clothing
and hair from chemicals and sources of heat. Tie
back long hair and roll up loose sleeves when working in the
laboratory. Avoid
wearing bulky or loose-fitting clothing. Remove dangling jewelry. Wear
closed-toed shoes in the laboratory at all times.
13. Safety
begins and
continues with a clean laboratory. Report chemical
spills immediately to your teacher. Clean up spills according to your
teacher’s
directions. Warn other students about the identity and location of
spilled
chemicals.
14. Avoid
contamination by
cleaning up in a way that protects you and your
environment. Always follow your teacher’s cleanup and disposal
directions.
Carefully clean your small-scale reaction surface by absorbing the
contents
onto a paper towel, wipe the surface with a damp paper towel, and dry
the
surface completely.
Dispose of the paper towels in the waste bin. Wash your hands
thoroughly with
soap and water.
