Laboratory Safety Rules
http://rota-www.med.navy.mil/safety/Safety_Topics1/English/lab_safety.htm- Chemistry, Matter and Change, Glencoe USA, 2002
By
following safety rules in the lab, you will help keep both yourself and others
safe.
Be prepared for the lab procedure. Read the instructions prior to class or work. Do not proceed unless you understand the instructions.
Do not perform experiments without your
teacher’s permission. Never work alone in the laboratory.
Maintain a lab space free of paper, texts, and
other clutter. Only lab manuals and notebooks should be in the work area.
Read all labels carefully before using a chemical.
Check the name twice. If you are not familiar with the chemical, read the
material safety data sheet first.
Use only the chemicals assigned to your area. Do
not borrow chemicals from other labs or use items not listed on your lab’s
inventory.
Be familiar with the locations and procedures of
all safety equipment, including safety shower, fire blanket, fire
extinguisher, spill controls, eyewash station, and fire exits.
Follow all written and verbal instructions. Do not
attempt experiments beyond those that have been approved by your instructor
or supervisor. Ask for assistance if a technique or procedure is unclear or
too difficult.
Do not touch or taste chemicals.
If chemicals come in contact with your eyes or
skin flush the area immediately with large quantities of water. Immediately
inform your teacher of the nature of the spill.
Wear splash goggles, face shields, gloves, and an
approved apron in the laboratory. The gloves should match the chemicals
being used for the procedure. Lab coats may be required in some labs.
Wear appropriate clothing. Shoes must be closed
toed. Coats (weather) are not permitted. Bulky or expensive clothing and
jewelry should not be worn. Leg coverings are a must.
Long hair should be covered or tied back.
Do not wear contact lenses in the lab, even under
goggles. Lenses can absorb vapors and are difficult to remove in case of an
emergency.
Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in the lab.
Do not use flammable liquids near ignition sources
such as burners or hot plates. Never leave a Bunsen burner unattended.
When heating a substance in a test tube, be
careful not to point the mouth of the test tube at another person or
yourself. Never look down the mouth of a test tube.
Do not heat graduated cylinders, burettes or
pipettes with a laboratory burner.
Do not use chipped, broken, or cracked glassware
in any procedures.
Return unused chemicals to the designated container. Make sure all containers are labeled and that the labels are readable.
Do not insert droppers into reagent bottles. Pour
a small amount of the chemical into a beaker.
Follow the proper instructions for the disposal of
chemicals, broken glass and products of reactions. Do not pour chemicals
down the sink without checking the procedures.
Know the correct procedure to prepare acid
solutions. Always add the acid slowly to the water. Do not add water to the
acid.
Report all chemical spills and accidents to your
instructor or supervisor immediately. Refer to the spill procedures posted
for the lab.
Keep the balance area clean and never place
chemicals directly on the pan of the balance.
Clean the area after you have completed your work.
Use only cleaning products approved for the work area.
Wash the personal protective equipment used and your hands before leaving the lab.
Make sure the gas and water are turned off. Wash your hands with soap and water before you leave the lab.
