Laboratory Safety Notes (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering core lab safety rules, PPE, hazard recognition, waste disposal, and MSDS concepts from the notes.

General laboratory safety rules

Guidelines to reduce risk in the lab, including following the instructor, knowing hazards, conducting yourself responsibly, and protecting eyes, face, hands, feet, and body.

Prepare for laboratory work

Pre-lab steps: study procedures, review chemical safety information (MSDS), keep the bench organized, know exit routes and safety equipment, and remove distractions.

Dress for laboratory work

Dress code to prevent chemical exposure: no open-toe shoes, appropriate attire, avoid overly loose clothing, and tie back long hair.

Open-toe footwear restriction

Open-toe shoes, sandals, or any skin-exposing footwear are not allowed in the lab.

Eye protection

Protective eyewear required whenever handling chemicals, glassware, or lab equipment; prescription eyewear alone is not acceptable.

Gloves

Wear gloves when chemical contact may occur to protect skin.

Lab coat or apron

Wear a lab coat or apron when instructed to protect clothing and skin.

Hair restraint

Tie back long hair when working with chemicals, heat, or mechanical equipment.

Safe handling of chemicals

Never taste or touch chemicals; do not sniff unless directed by the instructor; follow instructor’s directions to avoid exposure.

Fire safety: keep flammable chemicals away from flames

Keep flammable chemicals away from flames such as Bunsen burners and ignition sources.

Hot glassware handling

Move hot items with thermal gloves or tongs to prevent burns.

Turn off burners and hot plates

Turn off burners and hot plates when not in use to prevent accidents.

Sharp object safety

Take extra care with sharp items like scalpels, lancets, or other cutting tools to avoid injury.

Test tube racks

Use test tube racks to prevent rolling and breakage of glassware.

Caps on chemical bottles

Keep caps on chemical bottles and never switch caps; avoid surfaces contacting the open edge of caps.

End-of-lab cleanup: disposal

Follow instructor’s disposal instructions; never pour chemicals down the drain unless told; don’t return unused chemicals to containers; keep hands clean and bench neat.

Wash hands

Wash hands thoroughly after experiments and before leaving the lab.

Accident reporting

Report all accidents and spills to the instructor immediately; follow steps for broken glass, skin exposure, or eye exposure.

Broken glass disposal

Place broken glass in designated boxes; never pick up broken pieces with hands; use a dustpan and broom.

Eye wash and safety shower usage

If chemicals contact eyes, rinse for at least 15 minutes; use the safety shower for large chemical splashes.

First aid and emergencies

Treat minor injuries with the first aid kit; contact Public Safety for emergencies (575-8112).

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Standardized information sheets on chemicals; provide hazard information and safety precautions; required by OSHA to be available.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration: U.S. agency that sets safety standards and requires MSDS availability.

Common Hazard Warnings

Alerts such as Irritant, Corrosive, Flammable, Toxic/Poison, Oxidizer, Explosive, Environmental Toxin, Biohazardous; PPE requirements include Eye/Face protection, Body protection, and Hand protection.