Lab Safety Protocols

Overview

This lecture explains key safety rules, equipment use, and behavior guidelines for working safely in a chemistry lab. It emphasizes following instructions, using common sense, and staying alert to prevent accidents.

Chemical Handling Safety

• Use small, easily controlled containers to minimize spills.
• Only mix chemicals when instructed, and follow directions exactly. Read all labels and instructions carefully.
• Always add acid to water, not the reverse, when diluting acids.
• Prevent contamination: use clean glassware and never return unused chemicals to bottles.
• Dispose of leftover chemicals in proper waste containers; only pour chemicals down the sink if approved.
• Use a pipet bulb or pipetter—never your mouth—to draw chemicals.
• Keep chemicals away from your face. Never taste, touch, or directly smell chemicals; waft vapors if allowed.
• Work with volatile chemicals under a fume hood as directed.
• Report spills immediately and let your teacher handle cleanup.
• Clean glassware and benches after use, and wash your hands before leaving.

Working with Heat and Equipment

• Use a Bunsen burner only for suitable substances; never heat volatile organics with an open flame.
• Check gas hoses and glassware for cracks before use.
• Light Bunsen burners safely: check connections, light from the side, and adjust for a blue flame.
• Turn off the gas if the flame sputters, flares, goes out, or if you smell gas.
• Never heat closed containers; pressure can cause explosions.
• Use tongs or heat-resistant gloves for hot glassware.
• Let thermometers cool on a towel or wire screen away from the bench edge. Do not shake lab thermometers.
• Use water baths to heat test tubes gently. When heating directly, hold the tube at an angle and move it back and forth, aiming away from people.

Using Glassware and Tools

• Use a glass tubing inserter to safely insert or remove tubing from stoppers, or lubricate tubing and protect hands with gloves.
• Let your teacher handle broken thermometers, especially those with mercury.
• Place thermometers on a safe surface to cool.

Centrifuge Operation

• Balance centrifuge tubes by placing equally filled tubes opposite each other.
• Only turn on the centrifuge after balancing, and wait for it to stop spinning on its own. Never stop it with your hands.

Personal Protective Equipment and Lab Attire

• Wear fitted clothing made of sturdy, natural fibers. Avoid loose sleeves and synthetic fabrics.
• Wear long pants or a long skirt, a lab apron, and closed-toe leather shoes.
• Tie back long hair and remove jewelry.
• Do not wear contact lenses; always wear goggles with side shields.
• Use appropriate gloves when handling reactive chemicals.

Safe Behavior in the Lab

• Do not run, push, or engage in horseplay. Move carefully.
• Keep aisles clear of personal belongings.
• Bring equipment to eye level or use a step stool for accurate measurements.
• Do not eat, drink, or apply makeup in the lab.

Emergency Procedures

• For cuts, rinse with water, dry the area, and let your teacher apply a bandage. Always notify your teacher of injuries.
• If chemicals get in your eyes, use the eyewash fountain immediately and rinse for at least 15 minutes. Remove contacts after an initial rinse and seek medical attention.
• For chemical splashes on skin, rinse with water. For corrosive spills, use the safety shower, remove contaminated clothing, and rinse for at least 15 minutes.
• For small fires, cover the container and turn off the burner. For larger fires, let your teacher use the extinguisher or evacuate if needed.
• For clothing fires, use the safety shower or stop, drop, and roll, and use a fire blanket if necessary. Seek medical attention for burns.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Reagent bottle: Container for storing chemicals.
• Bunsen burner: Device producing a controlled open flame.
• Pipet: Tool for measuring and transferring small liquid volumes.
• Centrifuge: Machine that spins samples to separate solids from liquids.
• Eyewash fountain: Equipment for flushing chemicals from eyes.
• Work tray: Tray under experiments to contain spills.
• Fume hood: Ventilated enclosure for working with hazardous chemicals.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review your lab manual’s safety section.
• Prepare proper attire and bring required safety gear.
• Learn the location and use of emergency equipment in your lab.
• Practice safe habits and follow all instructions in the lab.