General Chemistry Laboratory Safety Rules

GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY SAFETY RULES

1. Maintain a business-like attitude. Be prepared! Do not attempt unauthorized experiments.
2. Inform the instructor of any health condition you have that might affect your performance or safety in the laboratory. Extensive steps have been taken to minimize your exposure to hazardous chemicals by modifying experiments, eliminating reagents, etc. However, it is not possible to completely eliminate exposure. Additionally, there are still unknown hazards that the scientific community has not yet discovered. Your presence in this laboratory is only permitted upon your acknowledgment of the fact that you will be exposed to certain compounds (see page x of the lab manual). Extraordinary precautions are especially important for people with sensitive medical conditions which could make exposure to certain compounds especially dangerous. In particular, women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy should avoid ANY exposure.
3. Do not eat or drink in the lab or bring food or drink into the lab.
4. Wear approved safety goggles (eye protection) at all times when in the laboratory. This is a departmental and state regulation. Do not wear sandals in the laboratory.
5. Keep books and coats away from the working area.
6. Know the location and use of the nearest fire extinguisher, nearest First Aid kit, nearest eye wash station, nearest safety shower, and nearest exit designated for evacuation. Know the location of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and know that you have access to them. Know the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Hazardous Material Classification Codes.
7. Do not use glassware that is cracked or has jagged edges. Any major breakage of glassware should be reported to the instructor. Dispose of broken glassware in the glass waste container located in the laboratory.
8. Never taste chemicals or solutions.
9. Minimize the inhalation of vapors by using the smallest amounts of materials possible. Any experiment involving objectionable or poisonous vapors must be performed in the hood. Check the MSDS if you have questions.
10. Never pipet or suck up solutions by mouth.
11. Never force glass tubing through a stopper. Properly lubricate the tubing and protect your hands.
12. In case of cuts or punctures, flush with running water, and call for instructor or see stock room attendant on third floor for First Aid. All punctures should be seen by the university nurse or a physician!
13. When diluting acids, pour acid slowly and carefully into the water with constant stirring. Use Pyrex and Kimax glassware and NEVER add water to acid. Rinse acid or base Penny-Head stoppered bottles under the faucet after each use.
14. In the event that acid, base, or any corrosive liquid is spilled on your person:

a) Flush immediately with running water at the sink. Call for instructor.

b) Rinse area with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution.

c) Wash area with soap and water, blot dry with clean towel or handkerchief.

d) Follow direction of lab supervisor. Check the MSDS if you have questions.

15. If acid, base, or other hazardous material is spilled on the tabletop or floor, inform the instructor at once.

16. Report any accident, even minor injuries, to the instructor at once.

17. Dispose of all wastes properly. Read labels on waste bottles! Keep bench and floor clean.

18. Before leaving the laboratory, be sure that the water, heaters, and gas cocks are shut off.

19. Wash hands before leaving the laboratory.

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