General Lab Safety Rules

1. General Lab Safety Rules

2. Dress Code • Wear safety goggles whenever working with chemicals, burners, or any substance that might get into your eye. • Wear apron when working with chemicals or heated substances. • Tie back long hair to keep it away from any chemicals, burners, or other laboratory equipment. • Remove or tie back any article of clothing or jewelry that can hang down and touch chemicals or flames.

3. General Safety • Read all directions and follow directions exactly as they are written. • Never perform investigations your teacher has not authorized. • When in doubt, ask your teacher

4. Take care not to spill any materials, but if a spill does occur ask your teacher about proper cleanup. Never pour chemicals or other substances into sink or trash container. • Never eat, drink, or bring food into the lab. • Report all accidents immediately, no matter how minor. • Be aware of the location of the first-aid kit, fire blanket, and eye wash station.

5. Heating and Fire Safety • Never reach over an open flame. • When heating a test tube or bottle, point the opening away from you and others. • Never heat a closed container. • Never heat a chemical you are not instructed to heat. A chemical that is harmless when cool can be dangerous when heated. • Maintain a clean work area and keep all materials away from flames.

6. Using Chemicals Safely • Never mix chemicals for “the fun of it”. • Never touch, taste, or smell a chemical unless instructed to do so by your teacher. • Use only those chemicals needed for the investigation. • Dispose of all chemicals as instructed by your teacher.

7. General Equipment • Never use broken or chipped glassware. Of glassware breaks, notify your teacher and dispose of the broken glass as instructed. • Handle scalpels or razor blades with extreme care. Always cut material away from you. • Always clean up your station and wash your hands after every experiment.