Safety in the Science Laboratory

You should be aware Science labs can be dangerous. You need to be aware of the dangers and understand there are possibilities of accidents. Please exercise caution and good judgment, and THINK before you do something. You can minimize the dangers. Be sure to consult with your physcian before enrolling in the course if you are pregnant or suffer from any allergies, diseases, or medical conditions. It is recommended you check with your physcian about tetanus boosters before enrolling in lab.

1. When you are performing an experiment, wear protective glasses at all times.
2. It is best to wear cotton or wool or other natural fiber clothing. Polyester and blends melt to your skin when they burn and remove skin when the melted clothing is removed. Cotton and other natural fibers burn also, but they fall away from your skin without sticking as badly. Shorts, beach shoes, sandles and other unprotective clothing will not be permitted. Laboratory coats are mandatory in lab.
3. If you wear your hair long, tie it back out of the way. This prevents it from accidently getting caught in flames of the Bunsen burner. HAIR BURNS QUITE WELL!
4. Be very attentive to the instructor and any special instructions.
5. Be considerate of others and try to maintain a business-like atmosphere. Don't tolerate horseplay or fooling around. This is when someone gets hurt.
6. Note fire exits, extinguishers, safety features in the lab. Learn their location and how to operate them.
7. Bunsen burners are very efficient and their flame is almost invisible. When not in use, TURN IT OFF!
8. No food or drink is allowed in the lab.
9. Do not wear cntacts in lab. Acids used in lab corrode them.
10. Follow instructions when inserting glassware into stoppers.
11. Do not pick up hot glassware or hand glassware to anyone.
12. Immediately clean up spills and broken glassware after notifying the instructor.
13. NEVER taste anything in lab unless specifically instructed to do so. To smell any substance, use a cupped hand to gently fan the vapor to yur nose. Never sniff directly.
14. Disposal of broken glassware, liquids, solids:
    a. Broken glassware should be disposed of in special containers, not ordinary garbage cans. Find the proper disposal container.
    b. Some liquids can be poured down the sink. Others are hazardous to do so. Check with the instructor before disposing of a liquid or solid. DON'T POUR SOLIDS DOWN THE SINK!
15. Keep work areas NEAT. You may reach for something and know something else over. Keep your area clean and neat!
16. DO NOT return excess reagents to reagent container! It could contaminate the stock.
17. ALWAYS pour acid into water, and very slowly. Pouring water into acid could cause an explosion.
18. Report accidents and spills to the instructor.
19. Never put a reagent stopper down. Always hold it in your hand. This prevents:
    a. getting chemicals on the work surface
    b. contaminating the reagent
    Do not place caps face down on the table.
20. Read the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each lab to know the hazards of the chemicals with which you are dealing.
21. Review Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each lab.
22. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving lab.