CHE201L General Chemistry Lab Safety Vocabulary

This set provides 30 vocabulary-style flashcards covering key laboratory safety concepts from the weekly plan.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

UK law requiring safe working conditions and proper use of safety equipment in workplaces, including laboratories.

Visual indicators in the lab that warn of hazards and instruct safe practices.

Safety Signs

Unauthorized experiments

Experiments conducted without teacher authorization; prohibited in the laboratory.

Well-ventilated area

A workspace with adequate air flow to disperse fumes and reduce exposure.

Good housekeeping

Keeping work areas clean and organized to prevent accidents.

Notify the teacher of unsafe conditions

Immediately report hazards or unsafe practices to the instructor.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment such as gloves, goggles, lab coats, and aprons used to protect against hazards.

Lab apron

Protective garment worn to shield clothing and skin from spills.

Loose clothing

Clothing that can catch fire or dip into chemicals; should be avoided.

Long hair tied back

Hair secured to prevent contact with flames or chemicals.

Dangling jewelry

Jewelry that can snag, catch on equipment, or react with chemicals; secure.

Baggy clothing

Loose garments that can catch on equipment or trap chemicals.

Safety goggles

Protective eyewear worn during experiments.

Contact lenses

Eye lenses; inform the teacher if worn due to safety considerations in the lab.

Never eat, drink, or smoke in a laboratory

Prohibition to prevent ingestion of hazardous substances.

Never touch face, mouth, or eyes in the laboratory

To avoid transferring chemicals or contaminants.

Wash hands before leaving the laboratory

Hygiene practice to remove residues after experiments.

Do not use laboratory glassware for food or beverages

Lab glassware should not be used for eating or drinking.

Acid-to-water rule

Always add acid to water, never water to concentrated acids, to minimize splashes.

Handling hot apparatus

Do not operate hot plates alone; keep safe distance; teacher supervision; handle hot glassware with care.

Insulated pad

A heat-resistant surface used to place hot glassware to prevent burns or damage.

Wafting

Safe technique to smell chemicals by fanning vapors toward the nose rather than sniffing directly.

Fume hood

Enclosed cabinet with exhaust to remove fumes; use when noxious vapors may be present.

Do not pipet by mouth

Do not pipette solutions by mouth; use a rubber bulb or pipette aid.

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets)

Documents detailing hazards and safe handling of chemicals, per OSHA Haz-Com.

Peroxide-forming chemicals

Chemicals that can form explosive peroxide crystals (e.g., diethyl ether, THF); handle with care and dispose properly.

Incompatibility of common lab chemicals

Flammable solvents must not be stored with oxidizers, reducing agents, or concentrated acids.

Return equipment to its original location

Return all equipment to its proper place after use and clean spills promptly.

Fire safety equipment locations

Know the locations and operation of fire extinguishers, blankets, alarms, hoses, first aid, eye washes, and showers.

Boiling chips

Use boiling chips when boiling liquids to prevent bumping.