Chemistry Lab Safety Policies

Chemistry Lab Safety Policies

Handling Chemicals Safely

· Work with small containers

· Mix chemicals only when your teacher says so

· Read and reread chemical labels

· Read instructions all the way through FIRST

· Move carefully and deliberately when handling chemicals

· Add acid to water - not the other way around

· Hold coin-top stoppers between your fingers while pouring

· Hold bottles with your hand over the label

· Replace stoppers immediately - do NOT set them on the countertop

· Keep chemicals away from your face

· Keep chemicals pure and uncontaminated - do NOT return unused chemicals to the container

· Draw chemicals with a pipette bulb, never by mouth

· Notify your teacher of spills or broken glassware

· Put waste in the proper container

· Clean up when you are finished

Bunsen Burner & Glassware Safety

· Heat volatile liquids using a hot plate

· Check gas hose for cracks before use

· Make sure the hose fits securely over the gas valve and Bunsen burner fitting

· Stand back from the burner while lighting it

· Turn off the gas immediately if the flame sputters, flares, or goes out, or if you smell gas

· Check glassware for cracks & stars before heating

· Clamp narrow-necked containers to a ring stand

· Move test tubes back and forth through the flame at an angle while heating

· Don't heat closed containers

· Hold hot glassware in beaker tongs

· Use an inserter to place glass tubing in a stopper or to remove it, using glycerin as a lubricant

Dressing for Safety

· Don’t wear extremely loose clothing

· Fabrics should be sturdy and natural

· Wear older clothes and cover them with a lab apron (as necessary)

· Wear closed toes shoes to protect your feet

· Tie up long hair

· Remove rings and watches

· Take out contact lenses **

· Cover your eyes with goggles

· Protect your hands with gloves

Behavior in the Laboratory

· Don't fool around in lab

· Keep aisles clear of bags and other belongings

· Use a step stool to reach items out of your reach

· Keep makeup in your purse

· Keep food and drink (including water bottles) outside of the lab

Emergency Equipment

· Alert your teacher IMMEDIATELY in case of accident

· Rinse chemicals from your eyes using the eye wash

· Rinse chemicals from your hands and arms in the sink, then wash with soap and water - ELBOW TO FINGERTIPS

· Remove your clothes on the way to the safety shower to rinse large spills from your body

· Extinguish small fires in containers by covering them

· Let your teacher use an extinguisher to put out larger fires

· Put out clothing fires in the safety shower

· Use a fire blanket carefully to keep flames away from the face and neck

Location of Emergency Equipment

· fire extinguisher (2) - next to the front and rear door

· fire blanket - under the "Eastside" fume hood

· gloves & goggles - in the rear of the room by the windows

· broken glassware disposal & dustpan - under goggle cabinet

· safety shower & eye wash - in the rear of the room by the exit

Additional Notes