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Lab Safety

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Be Safe Be Happy Be Safe Be Happy1. No food or drink in

the room… especially during a lab activity!

NO GUM!NO GUM!NO GUM!NO GUM!

Did I mention no chewing gum?

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2. Burners and Hot Plates

Wear goggles and aprons Tie long hair back No loose clothing No dangling jewelry Do not place chemical bottles,

combustibles (paper) near the hot plate or burner.

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Did I mention goggles???

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3. Measuring Mass

Zero the balance Do not put any chemical on the pan, always use

wax paper or a container (weighing boat) For a digital scale, place boat on stage and then

zero.

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4. Measuring temperature

Try to place the thermometer in the center of the liquid, not touching the bottom or sides of the container.

NEVER use the thermometer to stir solutions.

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5. Measuring Volume

Use a graduated cylinder on a flat surface.

Liquids usually form a meniscus – read the bottom or the top of the curve.

Read by looking at the meniscus at eye level.

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6. Transferring Chemicals

Use a spoon or spatula that is clean. Wear goggles and aprons. NEVER put chemicals, used or unused back into

the stock bottle. Follow lab procedures for proper use of chemicals.

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7. Smelling

Use a fanning (wafting) motion to draw vapors towards your nose (if smelling is required for lab).

Do not directly inhale any chemical or substance.

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8. Diluting Acids (and bases)

Do what you otta – Mix acid in wattar. ACID INTO WATER Acid gives off a large amount

of heat when it is dissolved. Pour solutions down sink

and then turn on the water.

Disposal of materials ALWAYS varies—listen for instructions.

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9. Injuries

Report any injuries immediately. Do not put your hands in the sinks, there could be

broken glassware (or blood or insect guts). Safety eye wash – hold eye lids open and allow

water to flush eyes until bottle is empty. Fire blanket- pull out from wall and cover the fire.

DO NOT FAN THE FLAMES! Lab doesn’t mean fun playtime! It is a PRIVILEGE!

Don’t abuse it!

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