Procedures for lab safety and recording experiments

A science or chemistry laboratory can and should be a safe place to perform experiments. Accidents can be prevented if you think about what you are doing at all times, use good judgement, observe safety rules, and follow directions. Each experiment will include comments to alert you to probable hazards, including how to protect yourself and others against injury.

Eye protection (goggles or safety glasses) must be worn when working on experiments. Make a habit of putting them on before the experiment begins and keeping them on until all clean-up is finished.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke while in the laboratory.

Do not taste any chemical.

Long-sleeved shirts and leather-topped shoes should be worn at all times.

Long hair must be tied back, so it will not fall into chemicals or flames.

Do not work alone; work with an adult.

Never perform any unauthorized experiment.

All glassware must be washed and cleaned. Wipe all counter surfaces and hands with soap and water.

All experiments that produce or use chemicals that release poisonous, harmful, or objectionable fumes or vapors must be done in a well-ventilated area.

Never point the open end of a test tube at yourself or another person.

If you want to smell a substance, do not hold it directly to your nose. Instead, hold the container a few centimeters away and use your hand to fan vapors toward you.

When diluting acids, always add the acid to the water; never water to acid. Add the acid slowly.

Flush with large quantities of water when disposing of liquid chemicals or solutions in the sink.

If you spill any acid or base material on you, wash the exposed area with large amounts of cold water. If skin becomes irritated, see a physician.

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