Laboratory Safety Rules and Procedures

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards detailing laboratory safety rules, proper attire, emergency protocols, personal protective equipment, and chemical handling techniques.

Wafting Technique

The proper method of detecting chemical odors by using a waving motion of the hand over the top of a container to direct fumes toward the nose.

PASS

The memory key word for operating a fire extinguisher: P = Pull the pin, A = Aim low (point the nozzle at the base of the fire), S = Squeeze the lever, and S = Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Chimney Effect

An upward draft of heat and smoke caused by a standing posture when a person's clothing is ignited; prevented by having the person lie flat on the ground before using a fire blanket.

Safety Shower

The preferred equipment for putting out clothing fires on a person because it cools and extinguishes faster than a blanket, which traps heat; also used for chemical decontamination for a minimum of $15\,\text{minutes}$.

Eyewash Fountain

Emergency station activated immediately upon chemical contact with the eyes; requires holding eyelids open, rotating the eyes to flush all surfaces, and rinsing continuously for a minimum of $15\,\text{minutes}$.

Acid Dilution Rule

The procedure requiring that acid must always be poured into water (never water into acid), because water added to strong acid generates heat and splatters, whereas acid poured into water dilutes rapidly into the larger volume.

Fire Blanket Smothering

The technique of covering a tabletop fire completely with a blanket to smother it without throwing it, as throwing can cause the fire to spread beyond the blanket's edges.

Fire Extinguisher Personal Use Restriction

The safety prohibition against discharging a fire extinguisher onto a person due to the risk of chemical burns or frostbite caused by its contents.

Hot Glass

Heated laboratory glassware that appears identical in appearance to cold glass; its temperature must be tested by holding the back of the hand near it before handling with clamps, tongs, or heat-resistant gloves.

Chemical Waste Disposal

The required protocol of discarding spent chemical byproducts strictly according to the instructor's instructions rather than returning them to original containers or pouring them down the drain.

Personal Eyeglasses

Standard corrective vision eyewear that does not provide adequate or equal eye protection compared to approved laboratory safety goggles.

Required Chemical PPE

The three mandatory pieces of personal protective equipment needed when working with chemicals: safety goggles, a lab apron, and gloves.

Safe Glassware

Laboratory glassware that is specifically heat-resistant and completely free of chips and cracks.

First Aid Administrator

The role of a laboratory responder during an accident whose primary objective is not to treat the victim, but to protect them until professional medical help arrives.

Laboratory Dress Code

Safety dress requirements stipulating closed-toed shoes and tied-back hair, while prohibiting loose clothing, dangling jewelry, and open-toed footwear.

Test Tube Heating Protocol

The safety procedure of directing the open mouth of a test tube away from all individuals in the laboratory while heating substances.

Equipment Malfunction Protocol

The immediate three-step response to a failing piece of equipment: stop operation, turn it off, and notify the science teacher.

Working Alone

An unsafe laboratory condition strictly prohibited because an isolated individual has no one to assist them in the event of an accident or injury.

Skin Chemical Splashes

An accidental exposure scenario requiring immediate flushing of the affected skin area with cold water.

Emergency Action Protocol

The overarching priority sequence when an emergency occurs: stay calm, alert the instructor, call $911$ if necessary, and administer first aid until help arrives.