Laboratory Safety

Objectives:

• List the safety and protective equipment available in the laboratory.
• Describe how and when to use each piece of equipment.
• Know the location of the nearest fire alarm and appropriate fire exits.
• Describe common chemistry laboratory hazards.
• Describe the appropriate procedure or technique for dealing with particular hazards.
• Understand and follow a list of general rules of safe laboratory conduct.
• Display a conscious safety attitude in the laboratory.
• Pass safety test with minimum 90% score.
• Have a signed safety contract on file.

Chemistry Laboratory Safety regulations:

1. Acceptable eye protection must be worn at all times in the laboratory. If you do not wear eye protection, you do not work. Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory when doing experiments that would affect the lens. Ask your instructor before wearing contact lenses during an experiment. Know the location of eye wash equipment.
2. Bare feet and sandals are not acceptable in the laboratory. Chemical spills can result in severe burns; broken glass can lead to serious injuries and poisoning. Shirts, slacks and shoes are sensible attire.
3. Laboratory aprons or coats provide protection for your clothing--it is best not to wear expensive clothing into the laboratory.
4. Confine or securely tie hair that reaches to shoulders. Remember hair is very flammable!
5. Do not eat, drink or chew gum in the laboratory. Dangerous chemicals may get in your mouth! Never taste anything in the laboratory unless specifically instructed to do so by your teacher.
6. Sitting on bench tops is absolutely forbidden.
7. No chemicals or equipment are ever to be taken from the laboratory.
8. Do only the experiments assigned and in the manner prescribed. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.
9. Never engage in horseplay or practical jokes.
10. Unnecessary noise is prohibited in the laboratory.
11. No open flames are permitted in the laboratory without permission.
12. Know the location and operation of safety showers, blankets, eyewashes, and fire extinguishers. They will be pointed out by the instructor.
13. Working alone in the laboratory is strictly prohibited. An instructor must always be present.
14. Consider all chemicals to be dangerous (hazardous) unless you are specifically instructed otherwise.
15. The teacher is to be notified immediately in case of an accident or any chemical spill, no matter how trivial it may appear.
16. Do not return chemicals to their original containers unless you are specifically instructed to do so.
17. Never pipet by mouth; always use a bulb, a micropipettor, or a pipet-pump.
18. Never smell gases or vapors directly. When you are specifically instructed to report the odor of a chemical, gently waft the vapors toward your nose cautiously.
19. If chemicals come into contact with your eyes or skin, wash immediately with large amounts of water. Yell for help while you are washing. Contaminated clothing should be removed immediately. Your modesty will suffer only slightly and you may save considerable portions of your skin!
20. Never rub your eyes unless you are absolutely sure that there are no chemicals on your hands.
21. Volatile chemicals, (ones that evaporate easily), that are poisonous, irritating to the skin, or that have unpleasant odors should always be used under the fume hood.
22. Never point a test tube that is being heated toward yourself or anyone else. It may "spatter" chemicals over a large area.
23. Most organic liquids are flammable, as are some gases such as hydrogen. Never use flammable chemicals near a flame or a "hot" hot plate.
24. Clean up all broken glass immediately. Similarly, spilled chemicals should be cleaned up immediately--consult your instructor for details.
25. Always pour concentrated acids into water, never water into acid. Some concentrated acids (sulfuric acid, for example) release enough heat to cause severe spattering. Hot, concentrated acids are very corrosive.
26. The hazards of chemicals used should be known and disposal of chemicals should be done according to instructions.
27. Do not use the sink to discard matches, filter paper or insoluble solids. Use the waste jars that are provided.
28. Observe carefully the safety precautions that are included in the experiments.
29. Always be alert to the possibility of an accident by your neighbors. You could be a victim of their mistakes. Always advise them of any unsafe practices you observe. If necessary, inform your instructor.
30. Always maintain an orderly, business-like attitude and a clean, orderly working space.
31. If you have any doubt about what to do in any set of circumstances, consult your instructor.
32. Always keep doors to lab desks and laboratory drawers closed except when you are placing something into or removing something from your drawer or desk. Open doors and drawers obstruct the aisle--such obstruction may cause serious accidents.

Chemical Safety Principles

1. Every chemical, without exception , is hazardous.

   "Hazardous" means possessing a potential for harm. The way a chemical is used determines the probability that harm will happen.

2. Every accident announces that it will happen before it happens.

   All accidents are predictable and therefore in principle can be prevented.

3. If it might happen, it will happen --- eventually.

   There is no such thing as personal immunity from harm.

4. Each person is individually and personally responsible for the safe use of chemicals.

   Use a chemical only after you have reviewed the types of hazards presented by each chemical and the precautions necessary for the safe handling of that chemical.

    

Know the name and function of the following equipment.

Test tube rack

Test tubes

Graduated cylinder - for measuring liquids *

Thermometer

Utility clamps (test tube clamps) *

Forceps

Glass stirring rod

Pinch clamp * - pinchcock

Screw clamp

Triple beam balance and electronic balance - no chemicals directly on pan

Ring clamp

Beaker - not for measuring

Crucible and cover *

Watch glass

Evaporating dish

Wide mouth jar

Plastic wash bottle - only distilled water

Dropper/pipet

Funnel

Ring stand

Erlenmeyer flask

Rubber stoppers

Safety goggles - worn at all times in lab (some labs will permit the use of safety glasses as an alternative)

Scupula

Test tube holder

Clay triangle

Rubber tubing

Crucible tongs

Test tube brush

Wire gauze

Lab burner

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