Orange Coast College Chemistry Laboratory Safety Rules

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key laboratory safety concepts and procedures from the provided notes.

ANSI Z87.1 safety goggles

Protective eyewear standard; mandatory in the lab; prescription glasses alone are not sufficient.

ISEA D3

Eye protection rating under ISEA for chemical splash protection.

Eye safety rinse (15 minutes)

If chemicals contact eyes, rinse with water for at least 15 minutes and inform the instructor.

Wafting

Safe method to smell vapors by lightly waving the air toward the nose rather than sniffing directly.

Exhaust hood

Ventilated enclosure to capture fumes; use when instructed or when fumes may form.

No eating or drinking in lab

Prohibition on eating, drinking, or tasting anything in the lab to avoid ingestion of chemicals.

No tasting chemicals

Never taste chemicals; do not put any substance in your mouth in the lab.

No cell phones or electronics

No use of cell phones or electronic devices in the lab; no photography or reproducing lab work.

No visitors or children

Only authorized personnel may be in the lab; visitors or children are not allowed.

No horseplay

Do not engage in horseplay or unsafe behavior; maintain a respectful, focused demeanor.

Closed-toe shoes

Protective footwear required; sandals and exposed legs are discouraged.

Read procedures before lab

Carefully review the lab procedures prior to starting the experiment.

Authorized experiments under supervision

Only perform experiments you are authorized to do and under supervision.

Do not leave hazardous setups unattended

Never leave hazardous lab setups unattended.

Pre-departure cleanup routine

Before leaving: clean workspace, lock drawers, shut off water and gas, dry surfaces; remove goggles just before exiting.

Personal items in designated areas

Store backpacks and personal items in designated areas to avoid tripping hazards.

Health condition consult before lab

If you have health conditions (e.g., pregnancy), consult your physician before lab.

Tie back long hair

Tie back long hair; avoid loose clothing and jewelry.

Heating test tubes: point away; use holders

When heating test tubes, point away from people; use holders and heat at the top of the solution.

Lighting burners safely

Light burners with strikers while keeping your face away.

Burets clamped; replace damaged glassware

Burets must always be clamped; inspect and replace broken or chipped glassware.

Fire extinguisher locations and use

Know locations of fire extinguishers and how to use them; aim at the base of the fire.

Clean spills immediately; neutralize acids/bases

Clean spills right away; neutralize acids/bases with sodium bicarbonate, mop up, and handle broken glass properly.

Wash hands at end of lab

Wash your hands at the end of the lab to remove residues.

Dispose of waste properly

Dispose of waste according to lab guidelines; some wastes may go down the drain, others require specific disposal.