SAFETY IN THE CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

Chemistry is a laboratory science. As part of your laboratory experience you will handle many
chemical substances and manipulate specialized laboratory equipments. Many of these
substances pose a health risk if handled improperly while some of the laboratory equipment can
cause severe injury if used improperly. This section is a guide to the safe laboratory practices you
will use throughout this course.

WHAT TO KNOW
 Perform an experiment only when the teacher is around.
 Before your laboratory class, read your experiment and carefully understand the
directions in the manual. Take note of the precautions. Plan and divide the work with your
group mates.
 Work only on assigned experiments.
 Study carefully how to perform a particular laboratory technique and how to use an
equipment.
 Know the locations and operating instructions of fire extinguisher, safety shower, fire
blanket and first aid kit.
 Research on the safety and toxicity properties of all chemicals to be used in the
experiment.

WHAT TO WEAR
 Always wear a laboratory gown and eye goggles.
 Do not use contact lenses. Use a normal eye glass.
 Keep long hair tied back especially when using a Bunsen burner. If you have long bangs
that cover your eyes, use a hair band.
 Use gloves when handling toxic chemicals and hot objects.
 Use leather and closed shoes rather canvas and open toed shoes.

WHAT TO DO
 Clear laboratory tables of all unnecessary books, papers and other things.
 Clean your laboratory tables and work area before and after each experiment.
 Wash your hands with soap and water before and after the experiment.
 Label and store all reagents properly.
 Read labels on reagent bottles before using them. Check to make sure that is the correct
chemical for that procedure.
 Check apparatus and other materials issued by the laboratory technician. At the end of
the experiment, return them in good condition.
  Set up the apparatus and glass wares properly according to the drawings shown in the
manual. Have them checked by your teacher or laboratory technician before starting the
experiment.
 All measurements and data gathered should be recorded in the data tables or in the IP
laboratory notebook.
 Be honest in reporting the results of your experiment.
 Follow the proper procedures in responding to emergency situations.
 When diluting acids, always pour acid to water slowly and never the other way around.
 Throw excess/waste chemicals properly. Excess solid chemicals should be thrown to the
trash can. Liquids should be washed down in the sink with the tap water open/flowing.
Poisonous chemicals (both solid and liquid) should be placed in special containers. Ask
the laboratory technicians for these containers.
 When in doubt over anything, always consult your teacher or the laboratory technicians.

WHAT NOT TO DO
 Do not eat, chew gum, drink or smoke in the laboratory.
 Do not wear any jewellery while working in the laboratory.
 Do not taste any chemical or eat anything in the laboratory. Assume all chemicals are
poisonous.
 Never work alone in the laboratory.
 Never use any broken glassware. Report any broken glassware to the teacher.
 Do not use a piece of paper to light a Bunsen burner or an alcohol lamp.
 Never use open flames near flammable solvents like alcohols or acetone. If necessary, use
a hot plate instead.
 Do not leave a lighted Bunsen burner unattended.
 When heating a test tube, never point the open end toward anyone.
 Do not return unused chemicals to a reagent bottle.
 Never put or use your own pipet, spatula or dropper into a reagent bottle. Instead, pour
some of the reagent into a small clean beaker and use that as your supply. Or use the
spatula/pipet/dropper designated for that particular substance.
 Never place any glass wares near the edge of the laboratory desktop/bench/table.
 Do not heat any closed container/set-up.
 Do not weigh substances directly into the weighing balance pan. Use a weighing paper,
small beaker or watch glass.
 Do not touch any hot glassware. Use a towel to handle them.
 Do not pipet anything by mouth.

Reference:
Bayquen, AV and De Castro-Bernas, G (Coordinator). “Chemistry – Laboratory Manual:
Exploring Life through Science” 2nd edition. Phoenix Publishing House. 2012.
 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Report any injury, accident or chemical spill to your teacher immediately. Know the location of
the closest eyewash fountain, fire blanket, fire extinguisher and shower.

Situation Safe Response

Burns Immediately flush with cold water until the burning sensation
subsides.
Fainting Provide fresh air (for instance, open a window or go outside to the
corridor). Move the person so that the head is lower than the rest of
the body. If breathing stops, use artificial resuscitation.
Fire Turn off all gas outlets. Unplug all appliances. Use a fire blanket or fire
extinguisher to smother the fire. Do not cut off a person’s air supply.
Eye injury Immediately flush the eye with running water. Remove the contact
lenses. Do not allow the eye to be rubbed if a foreign object is present
in the eye.
Minor cuts Allow to bleed briefly. Wash with soap and water.
Poisoning Note what substance was responsible. Alert the teacher immediately.
Spills on the skin Flush with water.

Reference:
Wilbraham, AC, Staley, DD and Matta, MS “Chemistry Laboratory Manual” Addison Wesley
Publishing Company, Inc. 1995.
 STUDENT SAFETY CONTRACT

I, __________________________________________, a student at the Miriam College High

School, have thoroughly read the Laboratory Safety Guidelines and do hereby agree to follow all
safety guidelines and procedures given therein. I will conduct myself in a safe and conscientious
manner in the laboratory. I will not perform any unauthorized laboratory procedure or
experiment. I understand that misbehaviour in the laboratory or failure to follow safe laboratory
procedures could cause an injury to me and a serious accident in the laboratory. I further
understand that violation of these guidelines could result in my NOT being allowed to participate
in future laboratory exercises.

Student’s Signature ______________________________

Date ___________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTRACT

I, ______________________________________________________, parent or guardian of

____________________________________________________, have read the Laboratory
Safety Guidelines and the Student Safety Contract. I understand the importance of safety in the
science laboratory and I will encourage my daughter to abide by the laboratory safety guidelines.
I understand that laboratory exercises provide my daughter with the opportunity to explore the
experimental part of chemistry and use her knowledge to solve problems while working with the
best technology available in the school. I give my permission for my daughter to participate in
this program.

Parent’s (Guardian’s) Signature _______________________

Date_____________________________________