SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY

In Chemistry you will frequently perform laboratory activities. While no human activity is completely risk free, if you use common sense and a bit of chemical sense, you will encounter no problems. Sensible laboratory conduct won't happen by memorizing a list of rules, any more than a perfect score on a written driver's test ensures an excellent driving record. The true "driver's test" of chemical sense is your actual conduct in the laboratory.
The following safety pointers apply to all laboratory activities. For your personal safety and that of your classmates, make following these guidelines second nature m the laboratory. Your teacher will point out any special safety guidelines that apply to each activity.

RULES OF LABORATORY CONDUCT

1. Perform laboratory work only when your teacher is present. Unauthorized or unsupervised laboratory experimenting is not allowed.

2. Your concern for safety should begin even before the fírst activity. Always read and think about each laboratory assignment before starting. You must always have a pre-lab write up completed for formal lab reports, and at least a data table for every lab.

3. Know the location and use of all safety equipment in your laboratory. These should include the safety shower, eye wash, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and blanket.

4. Wear a laboratory coat or apron and protective glasses or goggles for all laboratory work. Wear shoes (rather than sandals) and tie back loose hair. Do not wear loose, dangling, jewelry. Do not wear clothing with loose sleeves as it may catch fire.

5. No contact lenses can be worn during lab experiments with chemicals. Gloves should be worn whenever you use chemicals that cause skin irritations or can be absorbed through the skin.

6. Clear your bench top of all unnecessary material such as books and clothing before starting your work. Do not put books or other items on the floor. Push stools under the table. Do not sit while doing laboratory experiments.

7. Check chemical labels twice to make sure you have the correct substance. Some chemical formulas and names may differ by only a letter or a number.

8. You may be asked to transfer some laboratory chemicals from a common bottle or jar to your own test tube or beaker. Do not return any excess material to its original container unless authorized by your teacher.

9. Avoid unnecessary movement and talk in the laboratory.

10. Never taste laboratory materials. Gum, food, or drinks should not be brought into the laboratory.

11. If you are instructed to smell something, do so by fanning some of the vapor toward your nose. Do not place your nose near the opening of the container. Your teacher will show you the correct technique.

12. Never look directly down into a test tube; view the contents from the side. Never point the open end of a test tube toward yourself or your neighbor.

13. Any laboratory accident, however small, should be reported immediately to your teacher.

14. In case of a chemical spill on your skin or clothing rinse the affected area with plenty of water. If the eyes are affected water-washing must begin immediately and continue for 10 to 15 minutes or until professional assistance is obtained.

15. Minor skin bums should be placed under cold, running water.

16. Smother fires with a towel. If clothing should catch fire, smother it with a blanket or
coat.

17. Keep combustible materials away from open flames. (Some combustible materials are alcohol, carbon disulfide, and acetone.)

18. Handle toxic or combustible gases only under the direction of your teacher. Use the fume hood when handling such materials.

19. Use caution and the proper equipment to handle hot glassware. Cool glass looks the same as hot glass.

20. Place broken glass and sold substances in designated containers. Keep materials that don't dissolve in water out of the sink.

21. When discarding used chemicals, carefully follow the instructions provided.

22. Return equipment, chemicals, aprons, and protective glasses to their designated location. Clean all glassware, counter tops and work areas. Lock your drawers.

23. Before leaving the laboratory, ensure that gas lines and water faucets are shut off.

24. Report anything you break during lab immediately. You are responsible to pay for any breakage.

25. If you fail to follow these rules, you will be required to leave the lab, and receive an "F" for the lab.

26. If in doubt, ask!