Chemistry Laboratory Safety Rules

Safety is ALWAYS

the #1 priorityInstructions must be followed at all times.

If you are unsure, ask the instructor or TA before proceeding.

Personal Protective Equipment Goggles Apron Gloves Pay attention to:

• Long hair• Contact lenses• Loose sleeves/dangling jewelry

Other basic guidelines:• NO food/drinks allowed.• You are NEVER allowed to be in

the lab or perform a quick lab in the classroom without supervision.

• NEVER assume that a colorless liquid is water.

Other basic guidelines:• If a piece of equipment is not working properly, turn it off and let the instructor or TA know.

• Breathing vapors of any kind is to be avoided.

Chemical spills:• Spills: notify instructor/TA immediately.

• In the eyes: guide victim to eye wash fountain, force eyes open, apply copious amounts of water.

FIRE• Flammables should never be dispensed

near an open flame.• Never leave a bunsen burner/hot plate

unattended.• If a fire erupts, notify the instructor or

TA immediately.• Burns are to be treated with cold tap

water.

Broken Glass/Cuts:• Broken glass: NEVER pick up with bare

hands. Notify the instructor or TA. Broken glass is collected with a broom and dust pan and disposed in the appropriate trash container.

• INJURY: in case of a cut resulting from broken glass in the lab, tell the instructor immediately and wash with tap water.

Clean-up: All chemical wastes should be disposed

according to instructions given by the teacher or TA.

Glassware should be washed with a soap solution, rinsed with distilled water and placed back.

The counter should be wiped. You should wash your hands thoroughly with

soap and water. NEVER remove chemicals or

equipment/instruments from the lab/classroom.

Lab Safety PosterIllustrate the safety rule you were assigned.

Guidelines:

• Three colors only (plus black)

• Use very few words (large letters) – easily understood

• One large drawing

• Write your name on the back of the poster.

– Herbert Spencer

“Science is organized knowledge”