Chemistry Lab Rules

General Safety:
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times inside the lab. Never
run (or push someone else) in the lab. (I let the kids know this rule applies at
all times!)
2. Follow all written and verbal instructioms carefully. If you dont understand
the instruction, ask the teacher for help.
3. Lab coat and safety glasses are to be worn at all times unless otherwise
instructed.
4. Long hair, dangling jewelery and loose clothing are a hazard to the lab.
Therefore, long hair must be tied back and the use of jewelery is not
allowed.
5. The use of the lab must be under supervision of a teacher at all times.
6. Wash your hands before and after each experiment.
7. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean
and tidy at all times. Bring only your laboratory instructions, journal, and/or
reports to the work area along with necessary materials needed. Other
materials should be left in the classroom.
8. Always clean up your work area and equipment after an experiment is
completed Equipment must be returned to its proper place.
9. Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the desk when not in use.
When working with chemicals and heat:
10. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Do not
touch, taste, or smell any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so.
The proper technique for smelling chemical fumes will be demonstrated to
you.
11. Never look directly into a test tube when mixing or heating chemicals.
12. Always point a test tube away from you and others when heating it over a
flame or other heat source.
13. Never smell a chemical directly from the container. Wave your hand over the
opening of the container and waft the fumes towards your nose.
14. Always clean up your work area and equipment after an experiment is
completed. Equipment must be returned to its proper place.
15. Never mix chemicals (or perform tests) without your teachers permission.
16. Never mix chemicals without your teachers permission.
17. Keep lids on bottles and containers when not in use.
18. Never use broken or chipped glassware.
19. Never reach across a flame.
20. Check the label on chemical bottles twice before removing any of the
contents.
21. Never return unused chemicals to their original containers.
22. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals in sink drains.
Sinks are to be used only for water and those solutions designated by the
instructor. Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other

insoluble materials are to be disposed of in the proper waste containers, not

in the sink. Check with your teacher before disposing of wastes.
23. Immediately notify your teacher if any chemical gets on your skin or clothing
to find out what to do to clean it off.
To prevent (and in case of) accidents and injuries:
24. Immediately notify your teacher if you get cut or have another injury when
performing an experiment.
25. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the
instructor immediately, no matter how trivial it may appear.
26. If a chemical splashes in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with
running water for at least 20 minutes.
27. When mercury thermometers are broken, mercury must not be touched.
Notify the instructor immediately.