SAFETY FOR INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY STUDENTS

SAFELYDoing things

is not just the right way to work–

it’s the only way!

This guide contains information and guidelines thatare believed to be reliable regarding the safe use andhandling of chemicals in laboratories and studentclassrooms. The American Chemical Society (ACS),however, does not purport, in this guide or in anyother publication, to specify minimum safety or legalstandards or to address all of the compliance require-ments, risks, or safety problems associated with thehandling of hazardous chemicals, their use, or themethods prescribed for using them in laboratories orclassrooms. This guide is intended to serve only as abeginning point for information and should not beconstrued as containing all the necessary compliance,safety, or warning information, nor should it be con-strued as representing the policy of ACS.

No warranty, guarantee, or representation is made byACS as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the infor-mation and guidelines contained herein, and ACSassumes no liability or responsibility in connectiontherewith. It is the responsibility of the users of thisguide to consult and comply with pertinent local,state, and federal laws, regulations, and standardswith respect to the handling of chemicals. Users ofthis guide should consult with the institution’s legalcounsel or other professional advisers about theapplicable laws, safety issues, and compliance issuesfor storing chemicals and the methods for using thechemicals in classrooms and laboratories.

DISCLAIMER

American Chemical Society1155 Sixteenth Street, N.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20036www.chemistry.org

2004

■ Wear eye protection (chemical-splash-proof safety goggles)!This applies at all timesto all persons in thelaboratory—evenguests. Contact lensesworn with goggles areacceptable, but safety glasses and prescription safetyglasses without goggles do not provide adequate protec-tion. Increase the degree of protection (use face shields,laboratory hoods, etc.) when the hazards increase.

■ Take care not to ingest anything in the laboratory! Food,gum, beverages, and tobacco products are never allowedin the laboratory.

■ Do not apply cosmetics in the laboratory.

■ Never pipet by mouth!

■ Clothing should protect you from accidental spills andsplashes. Wear clothing you can remove easily in case ofaccident. Clothes should cover the body from the neck toat least the knees.

■ Tie back long hair and remove jewelry before enteringthe laboratory.

■ Wear practical shoes. Shoes with high heels, open toes, ormade of woven materials are not allowed in the laboratory.Sandals are not appropriate!

■ Nonflammable, nonporous lab aprons afford excellentprotection. Always remove lab aprons or coats beforeleaving the laboratory.

■ You will often need to wear gloves to avoid skin contactwith hazardous materials.

■ Always, even after wearing gloves, wash your hands withsoap and water before leaving the lab!

■ Your responsibility to prevent accidents in the laboratoryextends to others in addition to yourself. The laboratoryexperience should be enjoyable but is serious; it is not atime for play. Be aware of what is happening around youand report any questionable behavior.

■ Always plan laboratory work before executing it.Providing for safety and avoiding potential accidents areimportant elements of the plan. You should understandthe hazards associated with the chemicals involvedbefore you start the experiment. If you are unsure aboutthe hazards and the protection that you need, MaterialSafety Data Sheets (MSDSs), which provide detailedinformation, are available from your instructor, or athttp://msdssearch.com/.

■ Use a safety shield when working with highly reactivechemicals and mixtures.

■ Flames are never allowed when flammable gases or liquids are in use.

■ Always alert others before lighting a flame!

■ Know where to find and how to use all emergency equip-ment (such as fire extinguishers, eye washes, and safetyshowers) in the laboratory.

■ Always assemble laboratory apparatus away from theedge of the laboratory bench.

■ Always check your glassware and discard any withchips, breaks, or obvious flaws.

■ When using a laboratory hood, set the equipment andchemicals back at least 15 centimeters from the hood door.

■ Be certain that you understand the proper use and opera-tion of all laboratory equipment.

■ Never work in the laboratory alone.

■ Never leave experiments unattended unless youtake special precautions to avoid accidents andyou notify the responsible individuals.

■ Use laboratory hoods for all operations inwhich toxic, corrosive, irritating, or flamma-ble chemicals are involved. Be certain thatthe hood is operating properly prior to execu-tion of your work!

■ Never put your face inside the laboratory hood.

■ Never perform unauthorized experiments or deviatefrom the experimental plan. Report unauthorized experi-ments to the instructor.

The chemistry laboratory includes hazards and risks!

Scientists understand the risks involved in the labora-

tory and have established a set of laboratory safety

practices. This guide summarizes the safety rules that

scientists follow in the laboratory.

■ You are responsible forensuring that a cleanworkspace is maintainedboth in your own work-ing area and in the com-mon working areas.Thelaboratory environmentshould be at least asclean and orderly whenyou finish your work aswhen you began.

■ Place broken glasswarein the proper receptacles.Do not allow it to accumulate on the bench top.

■ Keep laboratory benches free of spilledchemicals. Clean up spills immediately as directedby your instructor.

■ Avoid physical hazards by keeping drawers and cabinets closed.

■ Prevent tripping and contamination hazards—neverplace materials on the floor.

■ Always clean glassware before returning it to stor-age. Do not allow dirty glassware to accumulate.

■ Follow your instructor’s directions for disposal ofchemicals. If you don’t know, ask! Improper disposalresults in possible personal hazard or environmentalcontamination.

■ Contaminated wastepaper must be handled separatelyfrom normal wastepaper.

This guide briefly reviews the major principlesthat guide scientists in performing their

laboratory work safely. The AmericanChemical Society publication Safety inAcademic Chemistry Laboratories (http://chemistry.org/committees/ccs) provides

more detailed information both aboutthese topics and about managing the

hazards of specialized operations.

HOUSEKEEP INGLABORATORY PROTOCOL

P ERSONAL P ROTECT ION