Science Lab Safety Rules

1. Always wear goggles and a laboratory apron. There will be no exceptions to this rule!

Students often complain that goggles are uncomfortable, hot, and funny looking….

but the alternative to goggles could be this

Or this..

Or this!!!

2. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.

3. Study your lab assignment before you come to class and have your Pre Lab completed. Pay particular attention to dangerous reagents or special safety precautions.

4. Never work in the lab without proper supervision.

5. Never perform an unauthorized experiment.

6. Never pipet by mouth and never inhale gases or other vapors.

7. Be careful with glass equipment.

8. Never eat, drink or chew gum in any part of this classroom.

9. Report any accident, injury, chemical spill or inappropriate procedure at once.

10. Tie back long hair and secure loose clothing.

11. Do not leave a lighted burner unattended.

12. Read labels of reagent bottles carefully before using the chemicals.

13. Never return unused chemicals to a reagent bottle. Do not put a pipet, dropper or spatula in a reagent bottle – pour the reagent into a small beaker instead.

14. Always pour acid slowly into water to dilute – never pour water into acid. (Remember: ADD ACID)

15. Place broken glass, solid substances and used chemicals in designated container. Never throw a chemical down the sink unless given permission by Mrs. Hogdson.

16. Keep your lab area as clean as possible at all times.

17. Wash your hands with soap and water after each experiment.

18. To test the odor of a solution, do not hold it directly under nose. Hold it away and wave your hand over the solution towards you. (wafting)

19. Use the fumehood when working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors.

Emergency Situations

1. Spray fire extinguisher left to right at the base of the flame. Where is the fire extinguisher? ______________________

2. If clothing catches fire wall calmly to the safety shower. If your lab partner’s clothing catches fire use the fire blanket to smother the fire. How do you use the safety shower?_____________________ Where is the fire blanket?_____________

3. Corrosive chemicals splashed on skin should be flushed off promptly with copious amounts of flowing water for at least 15 minutes. If splashed on clothing, the clothing must be removed while under the safety shower. Stay under the shower for at least 15 minutes while Mrs. Hodgson calls the nurse or 911.

4. A corrosive chemical in the eye is a very serious matter. Get to an eye wash fountain immediately (within 15 seconds if possible). Wash the eye for at least 15 minutes while someone else calls the nurse. Keep the eyelid open fully; move the eyeballs up, down, left, right, criss-cross, round and round. How do you use the eye wash fountain?________________