Chemistry Lab Safety Policies
Handling Chemicals Safely
 Work with small containers
 Mix chemicals only when your teacher says so
 Read and reread chemical labels
 Read instructions all the way through FIRST
 Move carefully and deliberately when handling chemicals
 Add acid to water - not the other way around
 Hold coin-top stoppers between your fingers while pouring
 Hold bottles with your hand over the label
 Replace stoppers immediately - do NOT set them on the countertop
 Keep chemicals away from your face
 Keep chemicals pure and uncontaminated - do NOT return unused chemicals to
the container
 Draw chemicals with a pipette bulb, never by mouth
 Notify your teacher of spills or broken glassware
 Put waste in the proper container
 Clean up when you are finished
Bunsen Burner & Glassware Safety
 Heat volatile liquids using a hot plate
 Check gas hose for cracks before use
 Make sure the hose fits securely over the gas valve and Bunsen burner fitting
 Stand back from the burner while lighting it
 Turn off the gas immediately if the flame sputters, flares, or goes out, or if you
smell gas
 Check glassware for cracks & stars before heating
 Clamp narrow-necked containers to a ring stand
 Move test tubes back and forth through the flame at an angle while heating
 Don't heat closed containers
 Hold hot glassware in beaker tongs
 Use an inserter to place glass tubing in a stopper or to remove it, using glycerin as
a lubricant
Dressing for Safety
 Don’t wear extremely loose clothing
 Fabrics should be sturdy and natural
 Wear older clothes and cover them with a lab apron (as necessary)
 Wear closed toes shoes to protect your feet
 Tie up long hair
 Remove rings and watches
 Take out contact lenses **
 Cover your eyes with goggles
 Protect your hands with gloves
Behavior in the Laboratory
 Don't fool around in lab
 Keep aisles clear of bags and other belongings
 Use a step stool to reach items out of your reach
 Keep makeup in your purse
 Keep food and drink (including water bottles) outside of the lab
Emergency Equipment
 Alert your teacher IMMEDIATELY in case of accident
 Rinse chemicals from your eyes using the eye wash
 Rinse chemicals from your hands and arms in the sink, then wash with soap and
water - ELBOW TO FINGERTIPS
 Remove your clothes on the way to the safety shower to rinse large spills from
your body
 Extinguish small fires in containers by covering them
 Let your teacher use an extinguisher to put out larger fires
 Put out clothing fires in the safety shower
 Use a fire blanket carefully to keep flames away from the face and neck
Location of Emergency Equipment
 fire extinguisher (2) - next to the front and rear door
 fire blanket - under the "Eastside" fume hood
 gloves & goggles - in the rear of the room by the windows
 broken glassware disposal & dustpan - under goggle cabinet
 safety shower & eye wash - in the rear of the room by the exit
Additional Notes