Rules for Basic Laboratory Safety
-
Safety goggles must be worn at all times in the laboratory.
- No
eating or drinking in the laboratory.
- Never
taste or touch the laboratory chemicals.
- Always
wash your hands before leaving the laboratory.
- Wear
proper clothing—safety glasses, closed-toed shoes, and an apron;
tie long hair back and remove all jewelry.
- Always
follow the written directions, and never perform an unauthorized experiment.
- Always
add acid to water. This prevents the acid from spattering.
- Point
heating test tubes away from others and yourself, and heat them slowly.
- Never
return unused chemicals to their original containers. This prevents contamination.
- Always
use a pipette bulb or a pipetter to transfer when using a pipette. Never
use your mouth.
- Always
use a fume hood when working with toxic substances. Never inhale fumes
directly.
- Never
use an open flame near flammable liquids.
- Dispose
of chemicals in the designated disposal site—not in the sink or
trash can.
