Safety Video by American Chemical Society (1991)

Chemistry lab involves hands-on learning, but equipment and techniques can be dangerous if strict safety procedures are not followed. By adhering to rules, paying attention, and using common sense, you can work safely and enjoyably.

Always use small containers, inform your teacher of accidents, and only mix chemicals when instructed. Read all instructions and labels carefully, noting concentration and hazards. Always add acid to water, never the reverse. Use a work tray to contain spills, move carefully, and keep stoppers clean. Never taste, touch directly, or smell chemicals from the bottle; waft vapors indirectly if permitted. Work with harmful volatile chemicals under a fume hood. Keep chemicals pure by using clean glassware and never pouring excess back into reagent bottles. Dispose of waste in proper containers and do not use your mouth for pipetting. Report spills immediately and let your teacher clean them. Clean up your workspace and hands when finished.

The Bunsen burner is a common heat source, but carries the risk of fire. Never use it to heat volatile organic liquids; use a heating mantle or steam bath in a hood for these. Check the gas hose for cracks, ensure secure fittings, and open the burner's gas valve. Light with a striker or match, turning on the gas after the match is lit. Adjust air holes for a blue flame with a lighter inner cone. Turn off the gas immediately if the flame sputters, flares, goes out, or if you smell gas. Inspect glassware for cracks before heating. Heat flat-bottomed containers on a wire screen, narrow-necked containers with a clamp. Heat test tubes in a water bath or directly in the flame, moving them constantly and aiming away from people. Never heat closed containers due to pressure buildup. Use beaker tongs or heat-resistant gloves for hot equipment.

Thermometers are essential but fragile. Never shake lab thermometers as it is unnecessary and dangerous. Use thermometers only within their suitable temperature range to prevent breakage. Lay thermometers on a wire screen or towel away from the bench edge to cool. Report broken thermometers to your teacher; glass fragments and any spilled liquid (alcohol can be wiped, mercury requires special cleanup) must be handled properly.

Cuts from broken glass tubing are common. Use an inserter to safely place glass tubing into a stopper: lubricate the tip, push through, remove the tip, slide tubing, and then remove the shaft. Wash off lubricant. To remove, lubricate the shaft, push it around the tubing through the stopper, then slide the tubing out. If an inserter isn't available, lubricate the tubing, wear leather gloves, and gently twist while pushing.

A centrifuge separates solids from liquids. It must be balanced to prevent dangerous vibrations; if centrifuging one test tube, place an equally filled test tube of water opposite it. Turn it on only after balancing. After use, turn it off and wait for it to stop spinning naturally; never try to stop it with your hand.

Wear appropriate clothing: close-fitting, sturdy natural fabrics like cotton or wool, a lab apron, long pants or a long skirt, and closed leather shoes. Avoid loose clothing, fuzzy or filmy fabrics, and synthetics that melt. Tie up long hair, remove rings and watches, and do not wear contact lenses. Always wear goggles with side shields. Protect hands with appropriate gloves for concentrated chemicals.

No fooling around, running, pushing, or fast movements. Keep aisles clear of personal belongings. Use a step stool for reaching. Do not apply makeup, eat, or drink in the lab due to potential chemical contamination.

For cuts, wash the wound, ensure no glass, dry, and have your teacher apply a bandage. Seek medical attention for any injury. For eye chemical splashes, use an eyewash fountain immediately for at least 15 minutes, holding eyes open and rolling them, then see a doctor. Non-corrosive skin splashes should be rinsed with water in the sink. For corrosive material spills on the body, head to the safety shower immediately for at least 15 minutes, removing all clothes. For small fires in containers, cover them and turn off the burner. Larger fires require a fire extinguisher operated by a teacher. If a fire is too large, evacuate the building and call the fire department. For clothing fires, use the safety shower or stop, drop, and roll, then use a fire blanket, keeping flames away from the face. All burn victims must receive medical attention.