General Rules
If a piece of laboratory equipment is not working properly, you should ______________________.
Stop, turn it off, and tell the science instructor
True or False: All chemicals in the lab are to be considered dangerous.
True! Do not touch, taste, or smell any chemicals unless instructed to do so by your instructor.
If you or your lab partner is hurt, you should_________________________.
If a chemical should splash into your eye(s) or onto your skin, you should immediately _____________.
flush with running water from the eye wash station or the safety shower for 15 minutes.
What should I do if I observe horseplay in the laboratory?
Notify the instructor of any unsafe conditions in the lab
When you have finished working with chemicals, biological specimens, and other lab substances, be sure to always ____________________________.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
True or False: When you are done with a lab, you should return all unused chemicals to their original containers.
False! This could potentially contaminate the whole container of the chemical.
What clothing items are not permitted during a lab?
Loose or baggy clothing, dangling jewelry, and sandals.
When transporting acids and other chemicals from one part of the room to the other, always ______________________.
Hold them securely and walk carefully
What should I do if there is frayed cords, exposed wires, or loose connections in the electrical equipment?
Notify the instructor immediately
If you do not understand a direction or part of the lab procedure, you should ___________________.
Ask the instructor before proceeding with the lab
True or False: Laboratory work is to be started immediately upon entering the classroom even if the instructor is not yet in the room.
False! The instructor must be present for all laboratory experiments.
___________________ is the proper method for removing an electrical plug from its socket.
Grasping the plug (not the cord) with completely dry hands and pulling gently
__________ may be used to neutralize spilled acid.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
What should I do if there is broken glass on the floor?
Do not touch! Notify the instructor. Use the dustpan and broom to sweep up the glass and dispose of it in the correct labeled waste container.
Students are required to wear safety googles when________________________________.
Chemicals, heat or glassware is used
True or False: You are allowed to enter the storage room at any time you need an item for an experiment.
False! You may not enter the storage room unless given specific permission by your instructor.
Backpacks and books should be kept ____________.
Out of the aisles and away from the lab stations
While handling flammable hazardous liquids, always______________________________ and be careful as to never __________________________.
Do so over a pan to contain spills and be careful as to never dispense them anywhere near an open flame or source of heat.
What should I do if my clothing catches on fire?
If your clothing catches on fire during a lab, you need to stop, drop, and roll.
Always work in a well-ventilated area! Use the fume hood when working with _________________.
Volatile substances and poisonous vapors
True or False: Hot glass looks the same as cold glass.
True! Be sure to never assume that an item is safe to touch. Always use the correct equipment to proceed with the handling of glass and never use your bare hand to pick the item up.
Handle all electrical equipment as well as ________________________ only under the instructor's supervision.
toxic, combustible, or radioactive substances
The correct method for diluting a strong acid is _____________________________________.
Always add a strong acid to water, swirl the solution and be careful of the heat produced.
What should I do when there is a fire drill during the lab?
You should immediately begin to close all containers, turn off gas valves, turn off fume hood, and turn off any electrical equipment.