Chemical Safety and Lab Skills

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Safe lab work starts with preparation: read the procedure, know the hazards, and wear splash goggles, a lab coat and appropriate gloves. Tie back long hair, wear closed shoes, never eat or drink in the lab, and never taste chemicals. Know where the eyewash, safety shower, fire blanket and extinguisher are. Hazard symbols and safety data sheets describe risks such as flammable, corrosive, toxic or oxidising.

Good technique reduces accidents and errors. Dilute acids by adding acid to water slowly. Heat test tubes at an angle pointing away from people, and use a heat-proof mat. Smell chemicals by wafting, not sniffing directly. Use a fume cupboard for toxic vapours. Read the label twice before using a bottle, never return unused chemicals to the stock bottle, and dispose of waste in the correct containers, since some cannot go down the sink. Measure volumes at eye level with the bottom of the meniscus, and use the right balance, pipette or burette.

Example: if acid splashes on skin, rinse with plenty of cold water for at least 15 minutes, and tell the teacher. For a small fire, cover with a damp cloth or fire blanket; never use water on a fire involving burning oil or reactive metals. Report all breakages and spills.

A misconception is that safety rules are only for dangerous experiments; most accidents occur in simple tasks. Also, accurate records, clear labelling and clean-up are part of good chemistry.