Overview
This lecture covers essential safety practices and procedures in high school chemistry labs, emphasizing accident prevention, correct handling of chemicals and equipment, and emergency responses.
Chemical Storage & Labeling
- All chemicals must be clearly labeled and stored properly to avoid mix-ups and accidents.
- Flammable and volatile liquids should be stored in a special cupboard.
- Caustic materials are placed on low, but not floor-level, shelves to minimize risk.
- Incompatible chemicals must be stored separately.
Personal Protective Measures
- Always tie back long hair and roll up long sleeves in the lab.
- Remove loose jewelry and never wear sandals or open-toed shoes.
- Wear a lab apron and splash-proof safety goggles during experiments.
Safe Chemical Handling
- Never put anything in your mouth or touch chemicals with bare hands.
- Always dilute acids by pouring acid into water, not water into acid.
- Check and double-check chemical labels before use.
Emergency Procedures & Accident Prevention
- Clean up spills immediately, not at the end of the period.
- Use sodium bicarbonate solution to neutralize acid spills; use vinegar (acid) to clean up base spills.
- Rinse chemicals off skin with plenty of running water; rinse eyes for 15 minutes if exposed.
Equipment Use & Safety
- Ensure gas burners are connected properly and light the match before turning on the gas.
- Avoid lighting burners near volatile materials like alcohol or ether.
- When bending glass, scratch it, cover with a towel, bend away, and fire polish ends.
- Lubricate glass rods before inserting into stoppers; use a towel to protect your hands.
- When heating chemicals in test tubes, point the open end away from people and move the flame along the tube.
Fire Safety
- Never use water on alcohol or chemical fires; use a CO₂ fire extinguisher.
- Use a fire blanket, not an extinguisher, for clothing fires.
- Inform others and evacuate if a fire occurs before attempting to extinguish it.
Review: True/False Lab Safety Questions
- Spills must be cleaned up immediately (true).
- Never smell chemicals directly or drink from lab containers (true).
- Wear goggles and aprons at all times (true).
- Tie back long hair to keep it out of the way (true).
- Dilute acids by adding acid to water (true).
- Clean acid spills with a base, bases with an acid (true).
- Light match before turning on burner (true).
- Fire polish glass rod ends (true).
- Lubricate glass rods before inserting into stoppers (true).
- Point test tubes away when heating (true).
- Do not put out alcohol fires with water (true).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Caustic — a chemical that can burn or corrode organic tissue.
- Volatile — a substance that can vaporize easily and may be flammable.
- Sodium Bicarbonate — a base used to neutralize acid spills.
- Fire Blanket — safety equipment used to smother fires on people.
- Splash-Proof Goggles — protective eyewear to prevent chemical splashes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review lab safety guidelines and memorize emergency procedures.
- Ensure all personal protective equipment is available and used during lab work.
- Complete any assigned safety quizzes or practice drills.