Lab Safety Guidelines for Chemistry Class

Study Notes

General Lab Safety Guidelines

Read directions thoroughly before handling any lab equipment to ensure understanding.
Wear safety goggles when working with chemicals, heat, or when particles may be airborne.
Report any spills or broken glassware to the teacher immediately.
Wash hands after using chemicals or handling unknown substances.

Personal Safety

Keep hair tied back and avoid face touching during lab work.
Do not wear loose clothing, hoodies, or coats in the lab.
Use safety glasses instead of contact lenses for better protection.
Wear an apron but avoid fine clothing to prevent damage.

Emergency Equipment

Familiarize yourself with locations of safety equipment: safety shower, eyewash station, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, gas shut off valve, electrical shut off button.

Cleanliness and Conduct

Clean up the lab station after use, leaving it cleaner than when you arrived.
No horsing around in the lab; strict discipline for unsafe behavior.
Check glassware for cracks or chips before use; report any defects.

Handling Glassware

Dispose of broken glass in designated containers, not in regular trash.
Pour liquids carefully to avoid splashes, especially in glassware.
Assume all glassware is hot after heating; do not place hot glass in cold water.

Chemical Safety

Always wear goggles when working with chemicals and never mix without instruction.
Waft fumes toward your nose for smelling; do not inhale directly.
Always add acid to water, not the other way around, for safety.
Follow proper disposal instructions for chemicals; never pour down the drain.

Electrical Safety

Wrap cords around equipment bases to prevent tripping hazards.
Avoid touching electrical equipment with wet hands; never use damaged cords.
Unplug all equipment after lab sessions.

Heat Safety

Allow hot plates and burners to cool before touching; test heat by holding a hand nearby.
Use gloves or tongs to handle heated glassware.
Point test tubes away from people when heating.

Emergency Procedures

Burns: Rinse with cool water, assess severity, and consult the school nurse.
Lacerations: Wear gloves and apply pressure; bandage minor cuts and consult the nurse if needed.
Fainting: Loosen tight clothing, provide fresh air, and elevate feet.
Eye Injury: Flush eyes for 15 minutes at eyewash station; remove contacts if necessary.
Poisoning: Identify substance ingested, alert the teacher, and call 911.
Chemical Spills on Skin: Flush with cool water; use baking soda for acid spills, vinegar for basic spills.
Electrical Shock: Shut off electricity and call 911 immediately.

Description

This quiz covers essential lab safety procedures that every student must follow in chemistry class. You'll learn about the importance of using safety goggles, properly handling lab equipment, and responding to spills or accidents. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for maintaining a safe laboratory environment.