SAFETY IN THE ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORYScience Learning Center, November 2001Written by Bette KreuzProduced by Ruth Dusenbery, assisted by Pranjal Patel

It is mandatory to know about and to use appropriate safety equipment and procedures when working in ANY laboratory.Slide 1a-IntroductionDifferent types of laboratories have specific safety requirements based on the materials and equipment used in them.

This module addresses the Safety Requirements for the Chem 227 Organic Chemistry Laboratory.

Organic Chemistry Safety Requirements

Slide 2a-Organic Chemistry Safety RequirementsThe Organic Chemistry Laboratory requires the use of concentrated and corrosive chemicals, as well as volatile and flammable solvents.Therefore, specific safety precautions and procedures, relevant to these hazards, are needed when working in this laboratory.This module reviews these safety precautions and procedures.

Health Considerations*

Slide 3a-Health ConsiderationsSince all biochemicals (including our bodies and clothing) are organic in nature, extra caution should be utilized in the organic chemistry laboratory.

Pay special attention to the Health Hazard section of the label on all chemicals in use.

If you have any medical condition or allergies that might require special consideration--consult with your instructor and doctor immediately at the beginning of the term.

Personal Safety Requirements Z87 non-perforated chemical- and impact-resistant goggles

Slide 4a-Personal Safety RequirementsSafety goggles of the Z87 non-perforated, chemical splash- and impact-resistant type are REQUIRED of EVERYONE AT ALL TIMES in the laboratory. Lab coats are recommended and the use of protective gloves during experiments is necessary.Prelaboratory preparation is essential for both safety purposes and successful completion of the experiment.

Gloves Appropriate gloves should be worn whenever handling caustic, corrosive or toxic materials.

Slide 5a-GlovesAppropriate gloves should be worn whenever handling caustic, corrosive or toxic materials.

If chemicals contact the gloves, remove, discard and obtain a new pair. Gloves are impermeable to chemicals for short periods of time.

Remove gloves before leaving the laboratory.

Standard Safety RequirementsEating, drinking and smoking are prohibited at all times in the laboratory.

Food and drink must be left OUTSIDE the laboratory.O

Slide 6a-Standard Safety RequirementsAny form of eating (including chewing gum), drinking or smoking is prohibited at all times in the laboratory.

All food and drink must be left OUTSIDE the laboratory.

Use of HoodsMeasure chemicals and carry out reactions in the chemical fume hoods.

Slide 7a-Use of Hoods

Because of the nature of the chemicals used and produced in the organic chemistry laboratory, the chemical fume hoods are the primary places to both measure chemicals and carry out reactions.

ExperimentationCheckwaterflowCheckthermometerplacementCheck power setting

Slide 8a-ExperimentationEvery experiment should be set up correctly and watched continuously while running.

Never leave an experiment unattended!

Chemical Waste Disposal Specific guidelines need to be observed for waste disposal.

NEVER dispose of chemicals in the waste basket or down the drain!X

Dispose of Waste Chemicals in the Proper Container

Be sure to check the safety labels on all chemicals for the REACTIVITY and SPECIFIC HAZARD classifications prior to disposal.Dispose of Waste Chemicals in the Proper Container**

Cleaning Glassware

Slide 12a-Cleaning GlasswareBefore using any cleaning reagent, such as Isoclean, remove grease with a paper towel and then rinse the glassware with an appropriate solvent.

The choice of the solvent depends on the particular material to be removed.

Frequently acetone is used to rinse residues into the correct waste container and then Isoclean soap is used to finish cleaning the glassware.

Lab Safety EquipmentIn case the need would arise, you should always be familiar with the location and proper use of all of the safety equipment provided in the laboratory. Immediately inform the instructor of any accident.

Slide 13a-Lab Safety EquipmentIn case the need would arise, you should always be familiar with the location and proper use of all of the safety equipment provided in the laboratory. Immediately inform the instructor of any accident.

Safety EyewashAny chemical contacting ones eyes should be immediately and thoroughly rinsed out using the safety eyewash found in every laboratory.

Push handle to startthe flow of water!Position headbetween spigots.

Slide 15a-Safety EyewashPosition the head with eyes open between the spigots.

Push the handle to start the flow of water.

Washing for 20 minutes is standard procedure

Safety ShowerAny large spill of chemicals on a person should be washed off immediately and thoroughly using the safety shower. Pull chain to startthe flow of water!

Slide 16a-Safety ShowerRemove all affected clothing and stand under the shower.Pull the chain to start the flow of water.Washing should continue long enough to insure complete removal of the chemical (approximately 15 minutes).

Any large spill of chemicals on a person should be washed off immediately and thoroughly using the safety shower.

Fire Extinguishers(1)Aim nozzleat base offire.(2)Pull outlocking key.(3)Squeezehandles.

Slide 17a-Fire ExtinguishersCarbon dioxide fire extinguishers are suitable for many of the potential fire hazards in most instructional laboratories.To operate this type of fire extinguisher, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, pull out the locking key and depress the handles together. This will release a discharge of carbon dioxide that will smother the fire. Always inform the instructor of the use of a fire extinguisher so that it can be recharged.

Fire BlanketIn case of a clothing fire, a fire blanket should be used.Remove the fire blanket from its container using the straps.Wrap it around the person to completely cover the person and smother the fire.

Emergency Card and 911 In the event of an emergency, the phone located in the front of the lab (Rm 251A) should be used to dial 911 to contact campus safety for trained assistance.

Storing Products

Slide 20a-Storing ProductsProducts need to be stored in an appropriate manner until collected by the instructor.

Products should be dried first and then placed in a dry vial of appropriate size.

The vial should be correctly labeled and stored in the manner indicated by the instructor.

Conclusion

Slide 21a-Conclusion

Proper preparation for an experiment, combined with the knowledge of and proper use of laboratory techniques and safety practices, leads to the successful conclusion of experimental work.