Science Learning Center, November 2001
Written by Bette Kreuz
Produced by Ruth Dusenbery, assisted by Pranjal Patel

Slide 1a-Introduction
It is mandatory to know about and to use appropriate safety equipment and procedures when working in ANY laboratory.
Different types of laboratories have specific safety requirements based on the materials and equipment used in them.
This module addresses the Safety Requirements for the Chem 227 Organic Chemistry Laboratory.

Organic Chemistry Safety Requirements

Slide 2a-Organic Chemistry
Safety Requirements
The Organic Chemistry Laboratory requires the use of concentrated and corrosive chemicals, as well as volatile and flammable solvents.
Therefore, specific safety precautions and procedures, relevant to these hazards, are needed when working in this laboratory.
This module reviews these safety precautions and procedures.

*
Health Considerations

Slide 3a-Health Considerations
Since all biochemicals (including our bodies and clothing) are organic in nature, extra caution should be utilized in the organic chemistry laboratory.
Pay special attention to the Health Hazard section of the label on all chemicals in use.
If you have any medical condition or allergies that might require special consideration--consult with your instructor and doctor immediately at the beginning of the term.

Personal Safety Requirements
Z87 non-perforated chemical- and impact-resistant goggles

Slide 4a-Personal Safety Requirements
Safety goggles of the Z87 non-perforated, chemical splash- and impact-resistant type are REQUIRED of EVERYONE AT ALL
TIMES in the laboratory.
Lab coats are recommended and the use of protective gloves during experiments is necessary.
Prelaboratory preparation is essential for both safety purposes and successful completion of the experiment.

Gloves
Appropriate gloves should be worn whenever handling caustic, corrosive or toxic materials.

Slide 5a-Gloves
Appropriate gloves should be worn whenever handling caustic, corrosive or toxic materials.
If chemicals contact the gloves, remove, discard and obtain a new pair. Gloves are impermeable to chemicals for short periods of time.
Remove gloves before leaving the laboratory.

Standard Safety Requirements
Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited at all times in the laboratory.
O
Food and drink must be left OUTSIDE the laboratory.

Slide 6a-Standard Safety Requirements
Any form of eating (including chewing gum), drinking or smoking is prohibited at all times in the laboratory.
All food and drink must be left OUTSIDE the laboratory.

Use of Hoods
Measure chemicals and carry out reactions in the chemical fume hoods.

Slide 7a-Use of Hoods
Because of the nature of the chemicals used and produced in the organic chemistry laboratory, the chemical fume hoods are the primary places to both measure chemicals and carry out reactions.

Check thermometer placement
Experimentation
Check water flow
Check power setting

Slide 8a-Experimentation
Every experiment should be set up correctly and watched continuously while running.
Never leave an experiment unattended!

Chemical Waste Disposal
Specific guidelines need to be observed for waste disposal.
NEVER dispose of chemicals in the waste basket or down the drain!
X

Dispose of Waste
Chemicals in the
Proper Container

Dispose of Waste Chemicals in the
Proper Container
Be sure to check the safety labels on all chemicals for the
REACTIVITY and
SPECIFIC HAZARD classifications prior to disposal.
* *

Cleaning Glassware

Slide 12a-Cleaning Glassware
•
Before using any cleaning reagent, such as
Isoclean, remove grease with a paper towel and then rinse the glassware with an appropriate solvent.
•
The choice of the solvent depends on the particular material to be removed.
•
Frequently acetone is used to rinse residues into the correct waste container and then Isoclean soap is used to finish cleaning the glassware.

In case the need would arise, you should always be familiar with the location and proper use of all of the safety equipment provided in the laboratory.
Immediately inform the instructor of any accident.

Slide 13a-Lab Safety Equipment
In case the need would arise, you should always be familiar with the location and proper use of all of the safety equipment provided in the laboratory.
Immediately inform the instructor of any accident.

Safety Eyewash
Any chemical contacting one’s eyes should be immediately and thoroughly rinsed out using the safety eyewash found in every laboratory.

Position head between spigots.
Push handle to start the flow of water!

Slide 15a-Safety Eyewash
•
Position the head with eyes open between the spigots.
•
Push the handle to start the flow of water.
•
Washing for 20 minutes is standard procedure

Safety Shower
Any large spill of chemicals on a person should be washed off immediately and thoroughly using the safety shower.
Pull chain to start the flow of water!

Slide 16a-Safety Shower
Any large spill of chemicals on a person should be washed off immediately and thoroughly using the safety shower.
•
Remove all affected clothing and stand under the shower.
•
Pull the chain to start the flow of water.
•
Washing should continue long enough to insure complete removal of the chemical
(approximately 15 minutes).

Fire Extinguishers
(2)
Pull out locking key.
(1)
Aim nozzle at base of fire.
(3)
Squeeze handles.

Slide 17a-Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are suitable for many of the potential fire hazards in most instructional laboratories.
To operate this type of fire extinguisher, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire , pull out the locking key and depress the handles together .
This will release a discharge of carbon dioxide that will smother the fire.
Always inform the instructor of the use of a fire extinguisher so that it can be recharged.

Fire Blanket
In case of a clothing fire, a fire blanket should be used.
Remove the fire blanket from its container using the straps.
Wrap it around the person to completely cover the person and smother the fire.

Emergency Card and 911
In the event of an emergency, the phone located in the front of the lab
(Rm 251A) should be used to dial 911 to contact campus safety for trained assistance.

Storing Products

Slide 20a-Storing Products
Products need to be stored in an appropriate manner until collected by the instructor.
Products should be dried first and then placed in a dry vial of appropriate size.
The vial should be correctly labeled and stored in the manner indicated by the instructor.

Conclusion

Slide 21a-Conclusion
Proper preparation for an experiment, combined with the knowledge of and proper use of laboratory techniques and safety practices, leads to the successful conclusion of experimental work.