Chemistry Lab Safety

Flashcards for key vocabulary and concepts related to safety in the chemistry lab.

Volatile Chemicals

Chemicals that give off vapors and should be handled under a fume hood.

Reagent Bottle Contamination

Prevented by only pouring out of the bottle and never pouring anything back in.

Chemical Spill Procedure

Report spills immediately and let the teacher clean them up; barricade the spill with absorbent material.

Bunsen Burner Safety

Never use to heat volatile organic liquids; check the gas hose for cracks; turn off gas if the flame sputters or you smell gas.

Heating Glassware

Check for cracks or stars before heating; clamp narrow-necked containers; don't heat closed containers.

Thermometer Usage

Do not shake lab thermometers; use within their specified temperature range; lay them down safely to cool.

Broken Thermometer Cleanup

Should be handled by the teacher, especially with mercury thermometers, due to toxicity.

Inserting Glass Tubing

Use an inserter with lubricant or lubricate the tubing and protect hands with leather gloves.

Centrifuge Balancing

Balance the centrifuge by placing equally filled test tubes opposite each other; never stop it with your hand.

Proper Lab Attire

Includes close-fitting, sturdy clothing; lab apron; long pants or skirt; closed leather shoes; tied-up hair; no jewelry; goggles with side shields; and appropriate gloves.

General Lab Conduct

No fooling around; aisles should be clear; use a step stool to reach high items; keep makeup and food/drinks outside the lab.

Eyewash Fountain

Used to rinse chemicals from eyes immediately for at least 15 minutes; remove contacts after initial rinsing if possible.

Safety Shower

Used for large spills of corrosive materials; remove clothes and rinse thoroughly for at least 15 minutes.

Fire Safety

Small fires can be covered; larger fires require a fire extinguisher operated by a teacher; evacuate if the fire is uncontrollable.

Clothing Fire Response

Use the safety shower or stop, drop, and roll, using a fire blanket to keep flames away from the face.