Laboratory Safety Rules

The following lab rules must be observed at all times. General Safety in the Laboratory   The following lab rules must be observed at all times. Wear laboratory aprons and safety glasses when instructed. Safety goggles should be worn any time you are working with an open flame, chemical substances, or using a mechanical device. Safety aprons should be worn when working with any chemicals. No rough play (running, throwing) of any kind will be tolerated. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.

BE SAFE! Rule Never work alone in the laboratory. When first entering the lab, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the lab area until you are instructed to do so. Only the books, notebooks, pens, etc. needed for the lab should be in the lab. All other items (purses, backpacks, jackets, etc) should not be brought to class. If they are brought to class, they must be left in the designated area. BE SAFE!

No food or drink is allowed in the lab. Do not chew gum. Never perform unauthorized experiments. Directions must be followed exactly as stated in the lab handouts or by the teacher. Shoes must be worn in the laboratory. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing. Remove any dangling jewelry. No food or drink is allowed in the lab. Do not chew gum.

Never drink from laboratory glassware. Never mix, touch, taste, heat, or inhale chemicals unless you are told to do so. Never drink from laboratory glassware.

Read each experiment before beginning, and note any cautions or hazards described. Make sure that you understand the procedure before beginning the lab. If you don't understand exactly what you are supposed to be doing, ASK THE TEACHER FIRST!!! Report all accidents to the instructor no matter how minor. Report any spills to the teacher immediately so that they may be cleaned up in the proper manner.

What are the three main safety rules when working with open flames? Wear safety goggles! Secure loose clothing! Tie back long hair!

Do not use chipped, cracked, or broken glassware. Do not let electrical cords dangle from work stations. This can cause you to trip or to drag the equipment off the lab bench. Be sure all gas jets, electrical connections, and water faucets are turned off at the end of the lab period.

Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the lab. To avoid contamination, never return unused chemicals to their original containers. Unused chemicals should be disposed of properly.

Safety Equipment These are the safety features of our lab. You must know the location and the proper use of each: Eyewash Fountain Emergency Safety Shower Fire Extinguisher Fire Blanket Fire Alarm

Eyewash Fountain In case of eye contact, go to the eyewash station and flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. The eyelids should be held open, rotating the eyes as much as possible so water can flow on all surfaces, and in the folds surrounding the eyeballs to insure removal of the chemical. Contact lenses should be removed immediately if possible.

EmergencySafetyShower The safety shower should be used in case of chemical spills to the body or if clothing catches fire. Begin use of the shower as soon as possible. Simply stand under the shower and pull the handle. Remove contaminated clothing while in the shower. Remain in the shower for a minimum of 15 minutes. Shower Eyewash

Fire Extinguisher Most fire extinguishers have a safety pin. Remove the safety pin and squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher.

Fire Blanket Fire Alarm In most cases, simply pull down the handle. Use the fire blanket if clothing catches fire. The blanket should be spread on the floor so that the person whose clothing or hair is on fire can wrap it around the body while rolling. It can also be used to throw over a small fire on the lab table. In most cases, simply pull down the handle.

Safety Symbols Eye Hazard Laboratory Apron Chemical Safety Meaning of Symbol Safety Rules Eye Hazard Wear safety goggles. Laboratory Apron Wear a lab apron to protect your skin and clothing. Do not touch chemicals. Rinse immediately if chemical comes into contact with skin or clothing. Do not inhale chemical. Keep hands away from face.   Chemical Safety

Fire Hazard Breakage Hazard Electrical Hazard Animal Safety Symbol Meaning of Symbol Safety Rules Tie back hair and loose clothing. Do not use burner near flammable materials. Always point the test tube away from your self and others. Fire Hazard Breakage Hazard Handle breakables with care. Do not use chipped or cracked glassware. Use care when using electrical equipment. Never use electrical equipment around water or when your hands or equipment is wet. Do not let electrical cords dangle from work station. Unplug electrical equipment when not in use. Electrical Hazard Animal Safety Treat live animals with care. Wash hands when finished handling live animals.

In case of a chemical spilled on the skin, wash with lots of water In case of a chemical spilled on the skin, wash with lots of water. Know the location of the safety shower. In case of fainting or dizziness, provide the person with fresh air. Have the person lie down so that the head is lower than the body. In case of thermal burns, immediately place the burned area under cold running water. Greases and oils should not be placed on burned skin. Notify your teacher immediately if you are burned.

In case of chemicals splashed in the eyes, the eye will have to be flushed with water for 15 minutes at the eye wash station. Know how to work the eye wash station. In case of minor cuts, wash with soap and water, and treat with items in the first aid kit. IN ALL CASES, THE TEACHER MUST BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT TRY TO HIDE AN ACCIDENT.

End of Class Procedures Turn off the water and gas. Disconnect electrical devices. Return all materials to their proper places. Dispose of all chemicals according to your teacher’s instructions. Clean your work area. Wash your hands with soap and water.