Laboratory Rules
Purpose of Rules: Laboratory rules are essential because they help create a safe and organized environment for learning science. Following these rules ensures that chemical experiments are done in the right way, reducing risks and making sure everyone understands what to do in case of a problem.
Prohibited Actions in the Lab: You should never eat or drink anything inside the laboratory because harmful chemicals might accidentally get into your food or drink. You must also never taste any substances, and you should never pour leftover chemicals back into the bottles they came from because this could contaminate the entire bottle.
Restricted Access: Do not take any chemical or lab equipment outside of the lab unless you are given permission by your teacher. These materials are only safe to use when handled properly under controlled conditions.
Supervised Experiments Only: Always do your experiments while your teacher or lab supervisor is watching. This way, if something goes wrong, an adult is there to help and prevent it from getting worse.
Post-Experiment Clean-Up: After finishing an experiment, always wash and clean all the tools and containers you used. This keeps the lab clean, safe, and ready for the next class.
Safety Measures
Importance of Safety: Safety is the most important thing in any science lab. It helps protect you, your classmates, and your teacher from accidents and injuries while experimenting.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Goggles: Always wear safety goggles when working with chemicals to protect your eyes from harmful splashes, gases, or broken glass.
Hair Safety: If you have long hair, tie it back securely so it doesn’t catch fire or fall into chemicals while you work.
Lab Clothing: A lab coat or apron should be worn to protect your skin and regular clothes from dangerous spills or splashes.
Glove Use: When handling harmful or unknown substances, wear gloves to protect your skin from irritation, burns, or chemical reactions.
Safe Practices
Material Awareness: Know the properties and hazards of the chemicals you are using. Read labels carefully and ask your teacher questions if you’re unsure.
No Smelling or Tasting: Never directly smell or taste any chemical—even if it looks safe—because it might harm your body.
Read Instructions: Before beginning any experiment, make sure to read all instructions carefully. This helps prevent accidents and ensures the experiment works as intended.
Safety Equipment Knowledge: Learn where important safety tools are kept, such as eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits, so you can respond quickly in an emergency.
Safe Handling of Glassware
Glassware Care: Always handle glass items like beakers and test tubes gently. If one breaks or has a crack, inform your teacher immediately to avoid injuries.
Heating Safety: When heating a test tube or other glassware, use proper clamps or holders so that you don’t accidentally drop or burn yourself.
Handling of Apparatus
Correct Use: Always use lab equipment the way your teacher demonstrated. Do not try to invent new ways to use tools, as this can be dangerous.
Clean Equipment: Before using any equipment, make sure it is clean and dry. Residue from past experiments can cause incorrect results or dangerous reactions.
Secure Setup: Make sure that all tools, stands, and containers are stable and won’t fall over. Use clamps and holders to keep everything in place.
Avoid Forcing Connections: If pieces of equipment don’t fit together easily, never force them. You might break the equipment or hurt yourself.
Heating Setup: When heating substances, place your container on a tripod stand and wire gauze over a Bunsen burner. This spreads heat evenly and keeps everything safe and stable.
Handling of Chemical Substances
Chemical Caution: Always be careful when using chemicals. Some can burn your skin, damage your lungs, or cause fires if used the wrong way.
General Guidelines
Label Awareness: Before using any chemical, always read the label and safety sheet. This helps you understand how to use the chemical safely and what to do in case of a spill.
Proper Measuring Tools: Use tools like measuring cylinders, burettes, and pipettes when measuring chemicals. These tools help you measure the right amount accurately.
Acid Dilution Rule: When mixing acid with water, always add the acid slowly into the water. Never do the opposite, because it can cause a dangerous reaction that might splash the liquid.
Avoid Unknown Reactions: Don’t mix chemicals unless your teacher says it’s okay and you understand what will happen. Random mixing can be dangerous.
Specific Procedures
Funnel Use: When pouring a liquid into another container, use a funnel. This makes pouring easier and helps avoid spills.
Dispensing Tools: Use a spatula to handle solid chemicals and a pipette for small drops of liquids. These tools help you work more precisely and safely.
Storage of Chemicals
Storage Importance: Chemicals need to be stored correctly so they do not react by accident or lose their effectiveness over time.
General Rules
Label Containers: Every bottle or container holding a chemical should have a clear label with its name and any danger warnings.
Storage Conditions: Store all chemicals in a cool, dry place that is out of direct sunlight or heat. This helps prevent chemical changes or explosions.
Specific Storage Guidelines
Reactive Metals: Metals like sodium are very reactive and should be kept in special liquids like mineral oil to keep them from reacting with air or water.
Organic Solvents: These chemicals can catch fire easily. Keep them in well-ventilated, cool areas away from anything hot.
Acid Storage: Strong acids should be stored in cabinets made just for acids. These cabinets help contain leaks and keep the acids safe.
Volatile Substances: These substances evaporate quickly and can cause fires. Keep them in tightly sealed containers far from any heat source.
Corrosive Chemicals: Chemicals like strong acids, alkalis, or hydrogen peroxide should be stored in ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of dangerous fumes.
Disposal of Chemicals
Proper Disposal: Chemicals must be disposed of safely and correctly. If you throw them away carelessly, they can harm people, animals, and the environment.
General Rules
No Drain Disposal: Never pour chemicals into the sink or regular trash unless your teacher says it’s safe. Some chemicals can damage pipes or pollute water.
Follow Procedures: Every school has its own set of safety rules for throwing away chemicals. Always follow these rules.
Label Waste: Waste containers should be clearly labeled with the name of the chemicals they contain so they can be disposed of safely.
Specific Disposal Guidelines
Hydrogen Peroxide: Before throwing it away, mix hydrogen peroxide with sodium sulfite and water to make it less dangerous.
Organic Solvents: Put used solvents into special containers for organic waste. Never mix them with other trash.
Acids and Alkalis: Before disposal, these substances must be neutralized and diluted to make them safe for disposal.
Toxic Metals: These metals are very dangerous. They must be placed in labeled, locked containers and never poured down the drain.
Volatile Liquids: Store these in sealed containers or allow them to evaporate in a special safe area to avoid fumes from spreading.
Management of Laboratory Accidents
Be Prepared: Always know what to do in case of accidents or emergencies. Being prepared can stop a small problem from becoming a big one.
General Accident Response
Report Accidents: If something spills, breaks, or if someone gets hurt, tell the teacher immediately so they can take action.
Spill Containment: If there is a spill, use absorbent materials like sand or paper towels to stop the liquid from spreading.
Skin Contact: If any chemical gets on your skin, wash the area immediately with plenty of running water to avoid irritation or burns.
Eye Contact: If a chemical splashes into your eyes, go straight to the eyewash station and rinse your eyes with water for at least 15 minutes to remove the chemical.
Specific Procedures for Mercury Spills
Isolate Area: If mercury spills, keep everyone away from the area. Mercury is very dangerous and can spread easily.
Use Spill Kit: Only clean mercury spills using a mercury spill kit. Never use paper towels or try to clean it by hand.
Fire Safety
Respond to Fire: If you see a fire, alert your teacher immediately. Use a fire extinguisher only if your teacher says it is safe to do so.
First Aid
Kit Awareness: Know where the first aid kit is kept and how to use basic items inside it, like bandages or antiseptic, in case someone gets a cut or burn.