Overview
This lecture covers essential safety rules, proper handling of chemicals and equipment, and emergency procedures for working in a chemistry laboratory.
Chemical Handling Safety
- Always use small, controllable containers for chemicals.
- Only mix chemicals as directed by your teacher, after reading all instructions.
- Read labels carefully for correct chemical, concentration, and hazard warnings.
- Add concentrated acids (like sulfuric) to water, not the reverse (remember: AA—Add Acid).
- Use a work tray to contain spills.
- Hold coin-top stoppers between fingers when pouring; never set them on the bench.
- Never taste, touch, or directly smell chemicals; waft vapors if permitted.
- Work with volatile chemicals in a fume hood.
- Keep chemicals pure by using clean glassware and never returning unused chemicals to bottles.
- Use pipette fillers, not your mouth.
- Report spills and let your teacher handle cleanup.
- Dispose of waste in correct containers; never pour chemicals down the sink unless instructed.
- Clean all glassware and work surfaces after use, wash your hands before leaving.
Equipment and Heating Safety
- Inspect Bunsen burner hoses for cracks; ensure secure connections.
- Never heat volatile organics over open flames—use heating mantles or steam baths in a hood.
- Light burners carefully; adjust for a blue flame with a lighter inner cone.
- Turn off gas immediately if flame sputters/goes out or if you smell gas.
- Check glassware for cracks; clamp narrow-neck containers when heating.
- Heat test tubes at an angle, moving back and forth, and always away from yourself.
- Only heat open containers; closed ones may burst.
- Use tongs or heatproof gloves for hot equipment.
Thermometer and Glassware Safety
- Never shake laboratory thermometers.
- Use thermometers within their designated temperature range.
- Lay thermometers securely on a towel or wire screen to cool.
- Let your teacher clean up broken thermometers, especially mercury ones.
- When inserting glass tubing into stoppers, use a lubricated inserter or gloves.
Centrifuge Safety
- Balance centrifuge tubes by placing equally filled tubes opposite each other.
- Never stop a spinning centrifuge with your hand.
Personal Protective Equipment and Dress Code
- Wear close-fitting, natural fiber clothing and a lab apron.
- Wear long pants or a long skirt and closed leather shoes.
- Tie back long hair, remove rings/watches, and avoid contact lenses.
- Always wear goggles with side shields and appropriate gloves.
General Behavior and Lab Conduct
- No running, horseplay, or fast movements in the lab.
- Keep aisles clear; store personal items out of the way.
- Do not eat, drink, or apply cosmetics in the lab.
- Use a step stool or lower equipment to eye level for accurate readings.
Emergency Procedures
- Report all accidents to your teacher immediately.
- For cuts: wash, remove glass, dry skin, and have the teacher apply a bandage.
- For eye exposure: rinse at eyewash station for at least 15 minutes, seek medical help.
- For skin spills: rinse non-corrosive chemicals in the sink; use safety shower for corrosives, remove clothes, and rinse for 15 minutes.
- Extinguish small fires by covering, large fires with extinguisher (teacher only), or evacuate if uncontrollable.
- For clothing fires: use safety shower or stop, drop, and roll with fire blanket.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Volatile chemical — a substance that easily vaporizes and may require fume hood use.
- Bunsen burner — a common lab apparatus for creating an open gas flame.
- Add Acid (AA) — rule for safely diluting concentrated acids by adding acid to water.
- Fume hood — ventilation device for safely handling hazardous vapors.
- Centrifuge — machine that spins samples to separate components by density.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review specific lab safety rules provided by your teacher.
- Prepare proper clothing and safety gear before next lab session.
- Complete any assigned safety readings or quizzes.