Chemistry Lab Safety Rules

Why are food, drinks, gum, smoking, or vaping not allowed in the laboratory?

They can lead to chemical contamination or accidental ingestion

Why are closed-toe shoes and proper lab attire required?

To provide protection from chemical spills and sharp objects

Why is it important to be prepared and read all lab procedures beforehand?

To perform each step safely and understand the hazards involved

What qualifies as an unauthorized experiment in the lab?

Any procedure not specifically approved by the professor

What should you do if a friend or family member visits during lab hours?

Exit the lab to speak with them if necessary

What must you do immediately after any chemical spill, even if it’s just water?

Clean it up right away to avoid slipping or contamination

How should you respond if you have a minor lab accident like a small burn or glass cut?

Report it to the instructor immediately, no matter how small

Why must you never leave a lit burner or active reaction unattended?

Because it poses a serious fire and injury risk

What are the proper steps before leaving the lab?

Clean your work area, ensure gas and water are off, and leave goggles on until cleanup is done

Why are personal items like backpacks required to stay on coat racks or shelves?

To keep walkways clear and prevent tripping hazards

What kind of behavior is required at all times in the lab?

Serious, respectful, and safe — no horseplay or aggression

What should students with special health conditions do before participating in lab work?

Consult their physician before entering the lab environment

Why are personal electronics like phones prohibited during lab?

To avoid distractions and prevent unauthorized recording

Why are students under the influence not permitted in lab?

Impaired judgment poses a danger to both the student and others

When must safety goggles (indirect vent, non-tinted) be worn in the lab?

At all times when experiments are being conducted, even if you wear prescription glasses

What should you do if chemicals splash into your eyes during lab work?

Rinse with water continuously for at least 15 minutes and notify your instructor, especially if wearing contacts

What is the most common way eye contamination happens in the lab?

Rubbing your eyes with contaminated hands

Why should you never place your face near the opening of a heated test tube or reacting container?

Because heated substances or reactions can suddenly expel hazardous materials

Why is it dangerous to look directly at burning magnesium or electrical arcs?

The intense brightness can cause permanent eye damage

Why should you always wash your hands at the end of a lab session, even if you wore gloves?

To remove any water-soluble chemicals that may have accidentally contacted your skin

Why is drinking from lab faucets or your wash bottle prohibited?

Because lab faucets and bottles may contain chemical residues not safe for consumption

Why is tasting chemicals in the lab strictly forbidden?

Because even a small amount could be toxic or cause injury

When should you work under a fume hood during an experiment?

When your experiment may release harmful or unpleasant gases

What is the safest method to check the odor of a gas in the lab?

Gently waft some vapor toward your nose from a distance without breathing deeply

Why should you avoid any contact between your skin and lab chemicals?

Because some chemicals can be absorbed and cause harm even without visible effects

What is the proper response if a chemical contacts your skin or clothing?

Rinse with water, remove contaminated clothing, and alert the instructor for follow-up care

What should you do if a chemical spill or vapor release occurs unexpectedly?

Notify the instructor immediately and prepare to evacuate if instructed

What should you do if you spill an acid or base on the counter or floor?

Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate, clean with paper towels, and dispose of waste safely

Why is it forbidden to take lab chemicals or equipment outside of the laboratory?

Because it poses serious safety, legal, and contamination risks

Why should you only touch a Bunsen burner at the base and avoid contact with glassware near the flame?

Because the barrel and nearby materials stay hot for a long time and can cause burns

Why must the plastic tubing connected to a Bunsen burner be checked and protected during use?

Because it can melt or catch fire if exposed to flames or if cracked or blackened

Why should your face, hair, and clothing be managed carefully when lighting a Bunsen burner?

To avoid accidental ignition or exposure to high heat

What’s the correct way to handle glass tubing that’s been in a flame?

Let it cool on a wire gauze and check carefully for residual heat before touching

How should you respond to a minor burn in the lab?

Immediately submerge the area in ice water and keep it submerged for 15 minutes

Why is it dangerous to move a container with burning liquid?

Because it could spill and spread the flames, making the fire worse

What’s the correct way to use a fire extinguisher during a lab fire?

Aim at the base of the fire and ensure you have a clear escape route

Why should you avoid letting used paper towels accumulate at your station?

They can ignite easily if exposed to heat or flame

Why is it important to store flammable liquids away from heat and sparks?

Because even small amounts of heat or static can cause ignition

What should you always do with wooden splints before throwing them away?

Quench them in water to ensure there are no remaining embers

How should you store graduated cylinders in your drawer to prevent damage?

Horizontally, and avoid nesting beakers to reduce the risk of chipping

What should you do if you discover chipped or cracked glassware?

Replace it immediately and carefully check rims and spouts for defects

How should glassware used with a dilute solution be cleaned?

Rinse with tap water first, then follow with minimal amounts of deionized water

What extra cleaning step is needed for glassware that held concentrated solutions or solids?

Use a test tube brush with tap water, then rinse with DI water thoroughly

Why must glass tubing be fire-polished before use?

To round the sharp edges and reduce the risk of cuts

What should you always do before inserting glass tubing into a rubber stopper?

Lubricate with glycerol and use rubber safety grips for handling

What is the safest way to clean up broken glass in the lab?

Use a broom or brush and dustpan — never your hands

What is the correct procedure during a fire alarm in the building?

Turn off all gas jets and exit the building immediately in an orderly manner

What should you do in the event of an active shooter threat?

Follow the “Run, Hide, Fight” strategy based on proximity and safety

How should you respond during an earthquake while in the lab?

Turn off gas jets, move away from windows, and crouch in a central aisle to protect your head and neck

Why should you read the label on a reagent bottle multiple times before use?

To ensure it’s the correct chemical for the experiment and avoid dangerous mix-ups

Why is it important to follow the directions written on chemical labels?

Because they include specific handling, usage, and disposal instructions

How should you handle reagent bottle lids or stoppers during use?

Hold them properly and avoid setting them down to prevent contamination

What’s the proper way to grip a reagent bottle when pouring?

With your palm over the label so any drips land on the opposite side

Why shouldn't reagent bottles be moved from their designated locations?

To prevent spills and ensure everyone can locate and access the chemicals safely

Why is it unsafe to return unused chemicals to their original containers?

Because it can contaminate the entire bottle and create unwanted reactions

Why should you review the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each chemical?

To understand the physical and health hazards and know how to handle them properly

Where should most solid chemical waste be discarded?

In the designated solid waste container — not the sink

How should you dispose of waste acids, bases, or strong-smelling solutions?

Pour them into the sink and flush with lots of water, preferably under an exhaust hood

How should you dispose of waste from experiments requiring special procedures?

Follow your instructor’s directions and pour the waste into the assigned collection container

How should primary data be recorded during an experiment?

Directly on the experiment sheet, at the time of measurement, using waterproof non-erasable ink

How is secondary data supposed to be recorded?

In pencil, allowing corrections by erasing and rewriting as needed

What’s the proper way to correct an error in primary data recording?

Draw a single line through the error and write the correct value nearby

How is academic dishonesty in the lab (like fabricating data) treated?

With the same seriousness as in lectures, including potential disciplinary action

What are possible consequences for falsifying lab results?

Receiving no credit, losing points, failing the course, or being referred for disciplinary action