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1.2: Laboratory Safety Protocols-Home Version

  • Page ID
    387008
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    Note

    When you are in a chemistry lab (wherever you are conducting the experiment) you need to adhere to the following practices for the sake of your own safety as well as for the safety of others around you.

    • Do not eat or drink in the lab. If you have food items with you keep that outside the lab. Do not leave any containers of food/drinks inside the lab.
    • Wear closed-toe footwear, long pants, and long sleeved shirts/tops to the lab.  This is to protect you from serious burns or allergies in case your body comes in close contact with chemicals, especially in the case of a chemical spill.
    • Do not wear contact lenses. Even minute amount of corrosive chemicals can damage your eye sight by the time you remove your contact lenses and wash your eyes. Chemicals can get into your eyes due to evaporation or a chemical spill.
    •  Tie your hair. For example, if you are using an open flame long hair might catch fire if left untied.
    • No dangling ear rings or jewelry. For the same reason as noted above.
    • Wear safety glasses or goggles and a lab coat or apron as advised. Safety glasses are available in the lab and you do not need to purchase them. Once you finish your experiment return them back to their original cabinet.
    • Wear appropriate gloves before handling chemicals. Your instructor will advise you when to wear gloves.
    •  Do not fool around in the lab. It may be fun to be around your classmates, and you may have a lot to share especially when you are waiting on an experiment to record the observation. However, it can lead to serious accidents if you do not pay close attention to the experiment that you are conducting because chemicals can cause serious accidents.
    • Clear the clutter on the work bench/table. Leave only the lab manual, pen/pencil, textbook, and calculator on the workbench. Even traces of chemicals on the workbench can ruin your belongings. 
    • Never lean on the work bench. The same reason as above.
    • Never taste, touch, or smell chemicals unless you are instructed to do so.
    • Do not perform any unauthorized experiments. Do not mix chemicals unless instructed.
    • Read chemical labels on the bottles carefully before you handle them. Read Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided with each chemical.
    •  Unused chemicals should never be returned back into the chemical stock bottles.
    • Use caution while handling hot objects and glass wares. Use tongs or gloves as necessary.
    • Broken glass wares should be disposed properly. Do not touch them with your bare hands.
    • Do not drain any chemicals or solids into the sink unless specified.
    • Never leave any hot plate or burners unattended.
    • Never reach across an open burner or hot glassware or a glassware that contain chemicals.
    • Never pour water into acid to avoid corrosive acid splashes.
    •  Seek help immediately if a chemical spill or accident occurs.
    • Read the experiment procedure a couple of times carefully before you start the experiment.
    •  Before you dispose any chemical waste as instructed. If you are unsure about how to dispose any unused chemicals check with your instructor.
    • Clean the glassware and return them back to their proper place.
    • Clean your work bench after the experiment.
    • Check the location of first aid measures and wash stations like fire blanket, fire extinguisher, eye wash stations, shower, first aid box, and SDS
    • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after you handle any chemical, and also before you leave the lab.

    Hazard Identification GHS Pictograms

    Note

    Watch for the following hazard identification pictograms while handling, storing, and disposing chemicals including household ones.

    This following Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

    Pictogram (2).png


    1.2: Laboratory Safety Protocols-Home Version is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Manjusha T Saraswathiamma.

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