Science Safety Regulations

General Rules

  • Perform only those experiments specifically designed or approved by the instructor. Unauthorized experimentation will not be tolerated.
  • Perform all experiments carefully and in such a manner as to assure the safety of all persons.
  • Report any injury or broken equipment to the instructor at once.
  • Roll long sleeves above the wrist. Long, hanging necklaces, bulky jewelry, and excessive and bulky clothing should not be worn in the laboratory.
  • Confine long hair during a laboratory activity.
  • Wear shoes that cover the toes, rather than sandals, in the laboratory.
  • Eating or drinking in the laboratory is not permitted.

Handling Equipment

  • When removing an electrical plug from its socket, pull the plug, not the electrical cord.
  • Be sure all containers such as test tubes, beakers, and flasks are clean before using. Materials left in containers from a previous experiment may cause errors in new experiments or dangerous chemical reactions.
  • Never point the mouth of a test tube toward your face or toward your neighbor while you are heating the tube. Always slant a test tube when heating it, and apply heat along the test tube and not just at the very bottom.
  • Pass scissors, scalpels, dissecting needles, and other sharp-edged instruments with their handles extended when handing them to other students.
  • Use a burner with extreme caution. Keep your head and clothing away from the flame and turn it off when not in use.
  • Know the location and operation of the emergency shower, eyewash and facewash fountain, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, fire alarm box, and exits.

Handling Chemicals

  • Keep hands away from face, eyes, and clothes while using solutions, specimens, equipment, or materials in the laboratory.
  • Where there is danger of eye injury when working with chemicals, eye protection should be worn.
  • Never taste a chemical solution unless directed to do so. Poisonous substances are not always so labeled in the laboratory. If you swallow any chemical accidentally, report at once to the instructor.
  • Never drink out of laboratory glassware.
  • When noting the odor of any liquid, do not put your face directly over the container. Rather, fan a little of the vapor toward you by sweeping your hand over the top of the container.
  • Always use small quantities of materials, unless specifically directed by the instructor to use larger amounts.
  • Add acid to water with constant stirring; never add water to an acid.
  • In case of burn from an acid or alkali, wash the affected area immediately with plenty of running water. Then report to the instructor at once.
  • Wipe up immediately any materials spilled on the floor or desktops.
  • Dispose of all waste chemicals and then clean glassware as directed by the instructor.
  • Never return unused chemicals to supply containers.
  • Always clean the laboratory area before leaving.
  • Wash hands with soap and water before leaving the laboratory area

Handling Organisms

  • Never open Petri dishes containing bacterial or fungal growth unless directed to do so by the instructor.
  • Always treat with respect live animals used in the classroom. Do not cause them undo harm

Persistent or willful violations of the regulations will result in the loss of laboratory privileges and possible dismissal from the class.