Introduction to the Laboratory: Procedures, Safety, Equipment, and SDS

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering laboratory procedures, safety rules, SDS structure, common equipment, and measurement practices from Unit I lecture notes.

Prelab

A handwritten, paraphrased copy of the laboratory procedure that must be submitted at the start of each session.

Safety Goggles

Eye protection that must be worn whenever instructed and kept on until the instructor says otherwise.

Collected Experimental Data Sheets

Ink-written sheets where data are recorded directly, with units and correct significant figures.

Significant Figures

The maximum number of digits allowed by a measuring device that must be reported in all data.

Waste Container

Labeled vessel—usually in a fume hood—where chemical waste is disposed; read the label twice before use.

BacDown

Disinfectant spray used to clean bench surfaces before leaving the lab.

5 % Sodium Bicarbonate Solution

Neutralizing agent for acid spills, followed by wiping the area dry.

5 % Boric Acid Solution

Neutralizing agent for base spills, followed by wiping the area dry.

Laboratory Report

Individually prepared document; only data sheets may be copied from a partner.

General Safety Rules

Core guidelines (e.g., no working alone, proper dress, no eating/drinking) that reduce laboratory hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Clothing and gear such as goggles, gloves, and lab coats that protect eyes, body, and extremities.

Fume Hood

Ventilated enclosure used when experiments generate poisonous or irritating gases.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Sixteen-section document providing health, safety, first-aid, and disposal information on chemicals.

Section 1 – Identification

SDS section giving product name, manufacturer contact, recommended use, and restrictions.

Section 2 – Hazard Identification

SDS section listing all hazards and required label elements.

Section 3 – Composition/Information

SDS section that specifies chemical ingredients and any trade secret claims.

Section 4 – First Aid Measures

SDS section describing immediate care, symptoms, and when medical attention is needed.

Section 5 – Fire-Fighting Measures

SDS section outlining extinguishing media, equipment, and fire hazards.

Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures

SDS section detailing spill response, protective equipment, and cleanup procedures.

Section 7 – Handling and Storage

SDS section listing precautions for safe use and storage conditions.

Section 8 – Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

SDS section indicating engineering controls and required PPE.

Section 9 – Physical and Chemical Properties

SDS section describing appearance, odor, melting point, flash point, and other characteristics.

Section 10 – Stability and Reactivity

SDS section covering chemical stability, hazardous reactions, and incompatible materials.

Section 11 – Toxicological Information

SDS section listing routes, symptoms, and effects of exposure.

Section 12 – Ecological Information

SDS section (not enforced by OSHA) showing environmental effects on land and water.

Section 13 – Disposal Considerations

SDS section (not enforced by OSHA) explaining proper disposal methods.

Section 14 – Transportation Information

SDS section required for safe, legal transport details.

Section 15 – Regulatory Information

SDS section summarizing government safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Section 16 – Other Information

SDS section with any additional data, including revision dates.

Analytical Balance

High-precision balance (±0.0001 g) used for accurate mass measurements.

Triple-Beam Balance

Rough balance with ±0.01 g precision.

Tare (Zero)

Adjusting a balance to read zero before weighing a sample.

Hygroscopic Substance

Material that absorbs moisture from air and is weighed in a weighing bottle.

Beaker

General-purpose vessel for reactions or holding liquids/solids; catches titration liquids.

Erlenmeyer Flask

Conical flask for reactions or holding liquids, especially when evaporating to smaller volumes.

Graduated Cylinder

Calibrated cylinder for measuring and delivering known liquid volumes (±1 mL or ±0.1 mL estimation).

Buret

Device for dispensing precise volumes of liquid, readable to 0.1 mL or 0.01 mL.

Pipette

Instrument for delivering exact liquid volumes, precise to 0.1 mL or 0.01 mL.

Bunsen Burner

Flame source for heating glassware or crucibles; not used with volatile organics.

Ring Stand with Ring Clamp

Support apparatus for holding glassware above a burner or for filtration setups.

Clay Triangle

Ring-stand support for funnels or crucibles under direct flame.

Wire Gauze

Mesh support placed on a ring stand to heat beakers evenly.

Buchner Funnel

Porcelain funnel for vacuum filtration of solids from large liquid volumes.

Filter Flask

Side-arm flask that connects to a vacuum and collects filtrate from a Buchner funnel.

Watch Glass

Concave glass used for small-scale evaporation, observation, or as a beaker cover.

Evaporating Dish

Ceramic dish for evaporating small samples (no direct flame) or holding comparison samples.

Forceps

Tweezers-like tool for handling small or hot items without contamination.

Tongs

Larger gripping tool for handling hot beakers or other vessels.

Droppers (Medicine Droppers)

Simple tools to dispense liquids dropwise (≈20 drops = 1 mL).

Spatula / Scoopula

Utensil for transferring solid chemicals.

Test Tube Holder

Spring device for grasping hot test tubes.

Deionized (DI) Water

Purified water required for preparing all reagents, standards, and solutions in the lab.

Aspirator

Water-powered vacuum source that attaches to a filter flask sidearm.