Safety Precautions Regarding Chemicals and Lab Equipment

Never taste or smell a chemical solution. When checking for odor, waft by sweeping your hand over the container. Avoid inhaling fumes that may be generated during an activity or investigation

Never fill pipettes using mouth suction. Always use the rubber pipet bulbs or pumps.

Do not force glass tubing into rubber stoppers. Use glycerin as a lubricant and hold the tubing with a towel as you ease the glass into the stopper.

Proper procedures shall be followed when using any heating or flame-producing device, especially gas burners. Remove all flammable materials from the area before lighting a match, candle, or Bunsen burner. Never leave flame unattended.

Never dispense flammable liquids near an open flame or heat source. Avoid facing the open end of a test tub toward yourself or other students when being heated.

Remember that hot glass looks the same as cold glass. After heating, glass remains hot for a very long time. Determine if an object is hot by placing your hand close to the object without touching it. After using a hot plate or working with hot glass, warn others of a possible burning hazard by placing a sign nearby indicating that it may be
hot.

In the event of a fire drill, lockdown, or other emergency during an investigation or activity, turn off all gas burners and electrical equipment. During an evacuation
emergency, exit the room as directed. During a lockdown, move out of the line of sight from doors and windows as directed. Lights should be turned off as you exit the room.
• Always read reagent bottle labels twice before you use the reagent to be certain you are using the correct chemical. Do not use any chemicals stored in unlabeled bottles and inform your teacher if a label is missing from a reagent bottle.
• Replace the top on any reagent bottle immediately after use and return the reagent to the designated location. Follow the teacher’s instructions for carrying chemicals.
• Do not return unused chemicals to the reagent container. Follow the
instructor’s directions for the storage or disposal of these materials