SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY

Lab Safety Successful work in the chemistry laboratory involves not only mastery of chemical concepts and techniques, but also knowing: what the safety requirements are, what equipment is available, and when and how to use each piece of equipment. Safety regulations are established for each laboratory by Federal, State, and School mandates.

Eye Protection Whenever anyone is working with chemicals or apparatus in the laboratory, safety goggles are required for ALL persons in the laboratory.

Proper Clothing Tie back loose hair! Avoid floppy clothing! Store belongings out of the way!

Lab Safety Equipment In case of an emergency, you should know the location and proper use of all the safety equipment provided in the laboratory. Always immediately inform the instructor of any accident.

Lab Safety Equipment eye wash station safety shower fire safety blanket fire extinguisher first aid kit fume hood/ventilation gloves & aprons tongs/cooling pads waste containers spill kit goggle cabinet

Safety Eyewash Any chemical contacting one’s eyes should be immediately and thoroughly rinsed out using the safety eyewash found in every laboratory.

Position head between spigots. Push handle to start the flow of water! Flushing for 15 minutes is standard (minimum) procedure.

Safety Shower Any chemical spill on a person should be washed off immediately and thoroughly using the safety shower. Pull the chain to start the flow of water!

Safety Shower Remove all contaminated clothing and stand under the shower. Pull the chain to start the flow of water. Washing should continue long enough to insure complete removal of the chemical, at least 15-20 minutes.

Fire Blanket In case of a clothing fire, a fire blanket should be used. Remove the fire blanket from its container using the straps. Wrap it around the person to completely cover the person and smother the fire.

Fire Extinguishers (3) Squeeze handles. (2) Pull out locking key. (1) Aim nozzle at base of fire.

First Aid Kit See Mr. Warner for First Aid Kit Materials.

Gloves Whenever handling corrosive or toxic materials, protective gloves should be worn.

Lab Aprons Tongs See Mr. Warner for Apron if needed. Use to move hot glassware or metal

Waste Disposal Discard waste as needed, during and at the end of each laboratory period.

Waste Disposal Specific guidelines need to be observed for waste disposal. Waste Basket

Paper Products Paper products that do not contain chemicals can be placed in the waste baskets. Waste Basket

Broken Glassware BOX Broken glass or single-use glassware should be placed in the broken glassware box after any disposable contents have been removed.

Solid and Liquid Chemicals Never rinse chemicals down the drain! Solid and liquid chemicals need to be placed in appropriate containers. The exact means will be given in the lab procedure or specified by the instructor. Never rinse chemicals down the drain!

Spill & Fire Kit: Bicarbonate, Sand Located on lab benches are containers of sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acid spills, plus sand containers for small fires. These work by covering either the spill of acid or the fire with a solid. Each needs to be cleaned up and disposed of in a specific manner. Be sure that the instructor is notified if any of these materials have been used.

Sand Ansul and Bicarbonate ACID METAL

Washing Hands Always wash your hands thoroughly to remove any potential chemical residues before you leave the lab.

Learning to work safely in the laboratory is as important as learning the chemical concepts and techniques involved in each experiment.