Chemistry Lab Safety Rules

 

The chemistry laboratory is a place of discovery and learning that can become a place of danger if proper precautions aren't taken. Read the most important rules to follow in a chemistry lab and remember that they are for your safety.

1. Read the Chemical Safety Information
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be available for every chemical you use in lab. Read it and follow the recommendations for safe use and disposal of the material.

2. Dress appropriately for chemistry lab No sandals, no contact lenses, prefer long pants to shorts or short skirts. Tie long hair back. Wear safety goggles and a lab coat. When necessary use a mask.

 

3. Learn to identify the Safety Equipment
You should identify the Safety Equipment and know how to use it. If you needed them, you should know the locations of the fire blanket, extinguishers, eyewash, and shower.

4. Don't Taste or Smell Chemicals
When you taste or smell chemicals you are exposing yourself to a dose that can harm you! If the safety information says that a chemical should only be used inside a fume hood, then don't use it anywhere else.

5. Don't Wash any Chemical down the Drain
Some chemicals can be washed down the drain, while others require a different method of disposal. If a chemical can go in the sink, be sure to wash it away.

6. Don't Eat or Drink in Lab
Eating and drinking in a laboratory can be very dangerous!

7. Don't Play with Chemicals
Don't haphazardly mix chemicals! Even chemicals that seem to produce safe products should be handled carefully.

Learn more:

http://chemistry.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/aa080104a.htm

 

Activity: 

Watch the video and  write down the most important safety rules that they mention:

 

Scientific American features a science-related activity every Thursday that parents and their children can do together. Adults will find easy-to-follow instructions and simple materials lists as well as additional background to help them explain the key concepts.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/section.cfm?id=bring-science-home