Safety rules to be followed in the lab are listed below.  Before beginning any lab work, read these rules, learn them, and follow them carefully.  If you have any questions about these rules, ask me before starting lab work.

FLINN Lab Safety Contract

General Precautions:

• Be prepared to work when you arrive at the lab station.  Familiarize yourself with the lab procedures before the beginning of the lab.

• Carefully follow ALL written and ORAL instructions.  Perform only the activities assigned.  Never do anything in the lab that is not called for in the lab procedure.

• Never work in the lab without supervision.

• Never eat or drink in the lab.

• Keep work areas clean and tidy at all times.  Only lab notebooks should be brought to the work area.  All other items such as books, purses, and backpacks, should be left at your desk.

• Wear appropriate clothing for working in the laboratory.  Be wary of loose garments.  Roll up and secure long sleeves.  Remove jewelry, such as dangling necklaces, earrings, chains, and bracelets, that might present a hazard in the lab.

• Tie back or cover long hair, especially in the vicinity of an open flame.

• Open toed shooes or sandals are not allowed in the lab.

• Wear goggles and an apron at all times during an investigation.

• Do not engage in any form of horseplay.

• Set up apparatus as described in the written lab procedures.  Never use makeshift arrangements.

• Always use the prescribed instrument such as tongs, test-tube holder, or forceps for handling apparatus.

• Never put your face near the mouth of a container that holds chemicals.  Never smell any chemical directly.   When testing for odors, use a wafting motion to direct the odors to your nose.

• Dispose of waste materials away from open flames.

• Clean and wipe dry all work surfaces at the end of class.  Wash your hands thoroughly.

• Know the location and proper use of emergency equipment, such as the first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, fire shower, and fire blanket.

• In case of chemical spills, notify me right away.

• Report all injuries to me immediately.

Handling Chemicals:

• Read and double-check labels on chemical bottles before removing any chemical.  Take only as much as you need.

• To avoid contamination, do not return any unused chemicals to the stock bottles.

• When transferring chemicals from one container to another, hold the containers away from your body.

• Avoid touching chemicals with your bare hands.  If chemicals do come in contact with your hands, wash them immediately.

• When mixing acid and water, always add the acid to the water.

Handling Glassware:

• Do not place hot glassware directly on a table.  Always use some type of insulating pad.

• Allow plenty of time for hot glass to cool before touching it.  Hot glass can cause painful burns.   (Remember:  Hot glass looks cool.)

• Never handle broken glass with your bare hands.  Us a brush and dustpan to clean up.  Dispose of the glass as directed by your teacher.

Heating Substances

• Use extreme caution with gas burners.  Keep your head and clothing away from the flame.

• Always turn off burners and hot plates when not in use.

• Do not bring any substance into contact with a flame unless instructed to do so.

• Never heat anything unless instructed to do so. 

• Never leave unattended anything that is being heated or is visibly reacting.

• When heating a substance in a test tube, make sure that the mouth of the tube is not pointed at you or anyone else.   Never look into a container that is being heated.

• Never heat a closed container.

What to Do if There is an Injury

• If an injury should occur, it is important to remain calm.

• Notify me immediately.

• Be familiar with the first-aid practices that are to be followed.

• Know how to use the emergency equipment.

• Know how to summon assistance.