Chemistry - Laboratory Safety Rules
Chemistry - Regents
Laboratory Safety
Mr. Dombrowski
An important part of your study of Chemistry will be working in laboratory. In the laboratory you and your classmates will learn by actively observing and conducting experiments.
Most of the laboratory work you will do is quite safe. Some laboratory equipment and chemicals can be dangerous if handled improperly. Laboratory accidents do not just happen, they are caused by carelessness, improper handling of equipment and chemicals, or inappropriate behavior. In this sheet you will learn how to prevent accidents and work safely in a laboratory setting. You will review some safety guidelines and become acquainted with the location and proper use of safety equipment. By signing the agreement at the end, the student agrees to follow these safety requirements or be excluded from laboratory exercises.
A) General Considerations
1) Lab work requires seriousness and nothing less will be tolerated.
2) Always read directions and follow instructions.
3) Never attempt unauthorized experiments. No laboratory work may be carried out without the instructor’s permission.
4) Wear safety goggles and lab aprons when ever working with chemicals or open flames.
5) Open toed footwear (sandals or flip-flops) is prohibited during laboratory work. The feet must be adequately covered (sneakers or shoes) to prevent injury from hot substances, sharp implements, and glassware.
6) Loose fitting sleeves cannot be worn during laboratory periods. This is to prevent accidental burns and spills.
7) Breaks, spills, and injuries (however minor) must be immediately reported to the instructor.
8) The storeroom is out of bounds to all students except when permission has been granted to individuals by the instructor.
9) Wash your hands at the end of each laboratory period. There is soap at each lab station.
B) Glassware Safety
1) All equipment must be washed clean after each use and dried before returning to lab drawer.
2) Place glassware away from the edge of the table so it cannot be easily tipped or knocked off the lab table.
3) Report sharp edges of glassware to the instructor.
4) Broken glassware should be placed in the proper receptacle. Do not handle broken glassware with bare hands. Use hand broom and dust pan to pick up broken glassware. Be especially careful to not leave any on the lab table or in the sinks.
5) All glassware must be handled with clamps or tongs. An individual cannot discern if glassware is hot or cold by looking at it.
C) Safe Handling of Chemicals
1) Students must read labels carefully to make sure they are using the correct chemical for the experiment.
2) Know the location of the “
3) Any chemicals spilled on skin or clothing must be immediately flushed with water. Notify the instructor immediately.
4) Beware of what may appear to be drops of water on the lab tables. They may be drops of a corrosive liquid.
5) When pouring liquids from a large container or beaker, use a stirring rod to direct the flow and avoid possible spills.
6) NEVER carry equipment or chemicals through a group of students. Walk around to avoid a possible accident.
7) Solid waste is to be placed in chemical waste containers. Liquid waste should be thoroughly flushed down the sink with running water. Listen to the instructor for any special disposal concerns.
8) NEVER return unused chemicals to stock containers or reagent bottles.
9) Students should never inhale fumes given off from a reaction. If directed by the instructor, students should use the “wafting technique” to observe any possible odors.
10) NEVER taste anything in the laboratory.
D) Fire Safety
1) Know the location of the fire extinguisher and fire blanket. If clothing should catch fire, use the fire blanket to smother the fire.
2) When a fire alarm rings, shut off all burners prior to exiting the room and building.
3) Light gas burners according to your teacher’s instructions. Put out all flames as soon as you are finished.
4) Never discard used matches or wood splints directly into wastepaper basket.
5) Never leave a lit burner unattended.
6) Keep all clothing away from a lit burner. Tie back long hair.
7) Keep flammable materials, such as books and papers, away from a burner flame. Do not put any objects into the flame unless told to do so.
8) Do not heat a closed container. This includes test tubes that have a stopper or cork in the opening.
9) While heating any liquid, point the mouth of the container AWAY from other students.