Using Chemicals Safely
Do not let any corrosive or poisonous chemicals get on your skin or clothing, or in your eyes. When working with poisonous or irritating vapors, work in a well-ventilated area and wash your hands thoroughly after completing the activity.
Never test for an odor unless instructed by your teacher. Avoid inhaling a vapor directly. Use a wafting motion to direct vapor toward your nose.
Never mix chemicals “for the fun of it.” You might produce a dangerous, possibly explosive substance.
Never touch, taste, or smell a chemical that you do not know for certain to be harmless.
Use only those chemicals listed in an investigation. Keep the lids on the containers when chemicals are not being used. To avoid contamination, never return chemicals to their original containers.
Take extreme care not to spill any chemicals. If a spill occurs, immediately ask your teacher about the proper cleanup procedure. Dispose of all chemicals as instructed by your teacher.
Be careful when working with acids or bases. Pour these chemicals over the sink, not over your work-bench. If an acid or base gets on your skin or clothing, rinse it off with plenty of cold water. Immediately notify your teacher about an acid or base spill.
When diluting an acid, pour the acid into water. Never pour water into the acid.
Using Sharp Instruments
Use sharp instruments only as directed. Scissors, scalpels, pins, and knives are sharp and can cut or puncture your skin. Always direct sharp edges and points away from yourself and others.
Notify your teacher immediately if you cut yourself when in the laboratory.
End-of-Experiment Rules
All chemicals and any other materials used in the laboratory must be disposed of safely. Follow your teacher's instructions.
Clean up your work area and return all equipment to its proper place. Thoroughly clean glassware before putting it away.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, or detergent, and warm water. Lather both sides of your hands and between your fingers. Rinse well.
Check that all burners are off and the gas supply for the burners is turned off.
Safety Symbols
General Safety Awareness
Follow all safety instructions.
Physical Safety
Use caution in physical activities.
Safety Goggles
Always wear goggles in the laboratory.
Lab Apron
Always wear a lab apron in the laboratory.
Plastic Gloves
Protect your hands from unsafe chemicals.
Heating
Be careful using sources of heat.
Heat-Resistant Gloves
Do not touch hot objects with bare hands.
Flames
Work carefully around open flames.
No Flames
Flammable materials may be present.
Electric Shock
Take precautions to avoid electric shock.
Fragile Glassware
Handle glassware carefully.
Corrosive Chemical
Work carefully with corrosive chemicals.
Poison
Avoid contact with poisonous chemicals.
Fumes
Avoid inhaling dangerous vapors.
Sharp Object
Use caution with sharp or pointed tools.
Disposal
Follow instructions for disposal.
Hand Washing
Wash your hands before leaving the lab.
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