LABORATORY SAFETY RULES AND AGREEMENT
Name:__________________________ Drawer Number:__________________________
- Safety goggles must be worn at all times when working with chemicals or near others doing so.
- Food, drinks, tobacco products, and gum are not allowed in the labs at any time.
- Pants (or long skirts) and closed toed shoes are required for admittance to the labs. You will not be allowed into the lab if you show up dressed inappropriately! Shorts, skirts shorter than mid-calf length, and open toed shoes are not proper lab attire. Midriffs must be covered. High heels, baggy clothing, dangling jewelry, and shoes made of woven materials are strongly. Lab aprons or coats are helpful, but they are NOT substitutes for appropriate lab attire.
- Long hair and loose clothing must be confined or tied back.
- Horseplay, pranks, and other acts of mischief are strictly forbidden.
- Visitors are not allowed in the labs. Only instructors, stockroom personnel, and students in the scheduled section are allowed.
- Know the locations of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, chemical fume hoods, safety showers, phone, and emergency eye washes.
- Notify your instructor immediately of any injury, spill, fire, or explosion. Also notify someone whenever you leave the lab. during the lab. session except to go the stockroom.
- Keep your lab space clean and organized. Books, backpacks, jackets, etc. are not allowed in areas where chemicals are used; place them in the appropriate storage locations.
- NEVER leave an ongoing experiment unattended.
- Unless otherwise specified, dispose of broken glassware, including ceramics, and used disposable glass pipets in broken glassware boxes only! Never put broken glass or glass pipets in the trash. Do not put paper or other items, such as plastic pipets, in the broken glass boxes. Upon hearing glass break, the appropriate response is "are you okay?".
- Do not taste anything. If instructed to smell a chemical, do so by carefully fanning the top of test tube or bottle so that a little of the vapor is directed towards your nose.
- Never remove chemicals from the labs or stockrooms without proper authorization.
- Never remove shared chemicals from their original locations, others will need them.
- Never store chemicals in lockers.
- Unauthorized experiments, work, and preparations are not allowed! Know and follow the specified procedures for each experiment.
- If you need to insert glass into a stopper, follow appropriate procedures.
- Wash your hands and arms with soap and water before you leave the lab - even if you have been wearing gloves.
- Read labels carefully.
- Label all containers to avoid errors.
- Pour from small containers with your hand over the label. Consistent practice of this procedure minimizes everyone's contact with chemical reagents due to drips and spills.
- Never pipet by mouth. Always use a pipet aid or suction bulb.
- Check all glassware for cracks before using it. Cracks could cause the glassware to fail during use, causing severe injuries.
- To avoid contamination, NEVER put your pipet into the reagent bottle and NEVER return unused chemicals to their bottle. Report all contaminations of community-use chemicals/containers to the instructor.
- Try to dispense only what will be needed. Share any excess. Do not waste chemicals. Dispose of excess chemicals in appropriate waste containers.
- When diluting, always add acid to water, "like you oughter".
- Know appropriate procedures for cleaning up spills. Clean up small spills immediately. Report all spills (other than just water) to the instructor and request instructor assistance with spills larger than a few milliliters.
- Notify your T.A. and follow appropriate procedures if there is a mercury spill due to a broken mercury thermometer.
- All glassware must be washed after use.
- Dispose of all waste in an appropriate manner. Read waste container labels carefully. Many chemicals need to be disposed of in special containers found in the fume hoods. Never put solids in the sink.
- Do not use flames in the labs unless specifically instructed to do so.
- Wear gloves when appropriate, following proper procedures for choosing glove type. Avoid the spread of chemicals by removing them before leaving the work area or handling items other than chemical apparati.
- Treat every chemical as if it were hazardous!
I understand that the laboratory situation is potentially dangerous. Therefore, I have read and understand the rules of safety as stated above. I agree to abide by all these rules, follow the instructor's directions, and act responsibly and safely in the laboratory at all times.
Signed________________________________ Date________________