Lab Safety Rules

AP Chem '26-'27

conduct yourself in what manner

responsible, at all times in the lab

follow all instructions, both…

written + verbal

if you don’t understand a part of the procedure..

ask the instructor before continuing

never work…

alone, no student can work in the lab without an instructor present

when 1st entering a science room, don’t touch…

any chemicals, equipment, or other materials in the lab until you are told to do so

do not eat…

food, drink, or chew gum in the lab = don’t use lab glassware as containers for food/beverages

perform only those experiments allowed by..

the instructor, don’t do anything in the lab that isn’t called for in the lab procedures or by your instructor

carefully follow all..

instructions, both written + oral - unauthorized experiments are prohibited

observe good..

housekeeping practices, work areas should be kept clean + tidy all the time

bring only what to the lab work area

• instructions

• worksheets

• reports

where should your books/backpacks be stored during lab

in the classroom area, away from the lab equipment

keep aisles…

clear + push your chair under the desk when you’re not using it

know all the locations and operating procedures of all..

safety equipment including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, fire alarm + exits

always work in what kind of area

a well ventilated area

use the fume hood when working with…

volatile substances/poisonous vapors - never place your head into the fume hood

be alert + proceed w caution at all times in

the lab

notify the instructor instantly when

there is any unsafe condition

dispose of all chemical waste…

properly - don’t mix chemicals in sink drains

sinks are to be used only for…

water + those solutions designated by the instructor proper waster containers - not in the sink

solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed of in the

proper waster containers - not in the sink

check the label of all waste containers how many times

twice before adding your chemical waste to the container

labels + equipment instructions must be

read carefully before use - set up and use the prescribed apparatus as directed in the lab instructions or by your instructor

keep hands away from…

face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens

wash your hands with

soap + water after performing all experiments

clean all work surfaces + apparatus at..

the end of the experiment and return all the equipment clean + in working condition to the proper storage area

experiments must be..

personally monitored at all times - stay at your assigned lab station to work

do not wander around and..

distract other students, or interfere with the lab experiments of others

students are never permitted where

the science storage rooms or preparation areas unless given specific permission by their instructor

know what to do if there is a what

fire drill during a lab period: containers must be closed, gas valves, electrical equipment + fume hoods off

handle all living organisms used in a lab in a…

humane manner - preserved biological materials are to be treated w/ respect + disposed of properly

when using knives + other sharp instruments, always..

carry w tips and points pointing down and away

always cut..

away from your body

never try to catch..

falling sharp instruments

grasp sharp instruments only by the…

handles

if you have a medical condition, check with

your physician prior to working in lab

when will students wear lab googles

any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used - no exceptions

contact lenses should not be worn..

in lab unless you have permission from your instructor

dress properly during a lab.. how??

• long hair tied up

• loose clothes and jewelry must be secured

• shoes must fully cover foot

• no sandals allowed

lab aprons have been provided and

should be worn during lab activities

report any accident such as

a spill/breakage or injury to your instructor instantly no matter how trivial it may seem

if you or your lab partner are hurt, yell out

code 1 to get the instructor’s attention

if a chemical splashes on your eye/skin..

instantly flush w running water from the eyewash station or safety shower for at least 20 mins, notify the instructor instantly

all chemicals in the lab are to be considered..

dangerous

unless instructed so, do not what to the chemicals

touch, taste, or smell them - proper technique for smelling chemical fumes will be demonstrated

check the label on chemical bottles twice before you

remove any of the contents - take only as much as you need

never return unused chemicals to..

their original containers

never use a mouth suction to..

fill a pipet - use a rubber bulb or pipet pump

when transferring reagents from one container to another -

hold the containers away from your body

acids must be handled w extreme care, you will be shown..

the proper way to dilute strong acids

always add

acid to water, swirl or stir the solution + be careful of the heat produced, especially with sulfuric acid

handle flammable hazardous liquids over a pan to..

contain spills

never dispense flammable liquids anywhere near an open..

flame or source of heat

never remove chemicals or other materials from..

the lab area

take great care when transporting acids and other chemicals from

one part of the lab to another - hold them securely and walk carefully

how to carry glass tubing

in a vertical position to minimize the likelihood of breakage and injury (especially long pieces)

never handle broken glass with your bare hands, use a..

brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass

place broken or waste glassware in the..

designated glass disposal container

inserting + removing glass tubing from rubber stoppers can be dangerous, always lubricate..

glassware (tubing, thistle tubes, thermometers, etc.) before attempting to insert it in a stopper

always protect your hands with

towels or cotton gloves when inserting glass tubing into or removing it from a rubber stopper

if a piece of glassware becomes “frozen” in a stopper..

take it to your instructor for removal

fill wash bottle only with

distilled water and use only as intended (rinsing glassware/equipment, adding water to a container)

when removing an electrical plug from its socket..

grasp the plug, not the electrical cord

hands must be completely dry before touching..

an electrical switch, plug, or outlet

examine glassware before each use and never use..

chipped or cracked glassware, never use dirty glassware

report damaged electrical equipment when?

immediately → look for things such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections

→ don’t use damaged electrical equipment

if you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment..

ask the instructor for help

do not immerse hot glassware in

cold water bc it may shatter

use much caution when using a gas…

burner, make sure hair, clothing, and hands are a safe distance from the flame at all times

do not put any substance into the flame unless…

specifically instructed to do so

never reach over an

exposed flame

light gas or alcohol burners only

as instructed by the teacher

never leave a lit burner and anything heating/visibly reacting…

unattended - always turn the burner/hot plate off when not in use

you will be instructed in the proper method of heating + boiling liquid in test tubes, do not point the open end of a test tube..

at yourself or anyone else

heated metals + glass remain hot for a long time, they should be..

set aside to cool and picked up with caution - use tongs or heat-protective gloves if necessary

never look into a container that is..

being heated

do not place hot apparatus directly on..

the lab desk, always use an insulating pad

→ allow plenty of time for hot apparatus to cool before touching it

when bending glass, allow time for the glass to cool before further handling - hot and cold glass have the same..

visual appearance, determine if an object is hot by bringing the back of your hand close to it prior to grasping