Safety Considerations

Safety is a shared responsibility and the foundation of all successful scientific work. Please be sure to adhere to the following safety guidelines for all labs in this course.

1. General Conduct and Safety Awareness

• Always follow your instructor’s directions and lab handouts carefully. If unsure about a procedure or material, ask questions before proceeding.

• Never work alone in the lab. A responsible instructor or lab partner should always be present.

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings—no horseplay, running, or distractions.

 2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Wear goggles at all times when chemicals, glassware, or heat are involved.

• Use lab coats and closed-toe shoes to protect your body and feet.

• Tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing or dangling jewelry.

 3. Chemical Handling and Storage

• Treat all chemicals as potentially hazardous. Read labels twice before use.

• Use only the amount of chemical instructed—no unauthorized experiments.

• Never return unused chemicals to original containers to avoid contamination.

• Dispose of waste properly in designated containers—never down the sink unless instructed.

 4. Equipment Use and Safety

• Learn to identify and use common lab equipment: beakers, graduated cylinders, balances, thermometers, Bunsen burners, etc.

• Inspect glassware for cracks or defects before use.

• When heating substances, point test tubes away from yourself and others.

• Use tongs or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot equipment.

 5. Accurate Measurement and Data Recording

• Use appropriate equipment (e.g., balance for mass, thermometer for temperature) and record all measurements with the correct precision (significant figures).

• Never estimate beyond what your measuring device can accurately read.

• Record data in pen or digitally, clearly and immediately—no “mental notes.”

 6. Cleanliness and Housekeeping

• Keep your workspace clean and uncluttered.

• Clean up spills immediately, following instructor guidance for chemical spills.

• At the end of the lab, clean your equipment, return it properly, and wash your hands before leaving.

 7. Handling Heat and Open Flames

• Know how to safely use a Bunsen burner, including how to light it and adjust the flame.

• Keep flammable materials away from open flames.

• Never leave a flame unattended.

 8. Emergency Procedures

• Know the location of safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

• In case of contact with chemicals, flush with water for 15 minutes and notify your instructor.

• Report all accidents, no matter how minor, to the instructor immediately.

9. Scientific Thinking and Responsibility

• Approach each lab with curiosity but prioritize safety and accuracy.

• Respect the integrity of the scientific method—don’t “fudge” data or guess.

• Be honest about errors or unexpected results; they’re part of scientific learning.

Sign the lab safety contract signifying your understanding and agreement to abide by all laboratory rules. You cannot be enrolled in this course without a signature on the lab safety contract. The lab safety contract can be found in the Canvas modules. Please see me if you have additional questions.