The following is a list of basic, safe laboratory practices which are  expected of all students.

(Many of these are common sense rules)

1.) Eye protection (minimum: chemical splash goggles) must be worn at all times in the laboratory.

2.) Students should wear durable clothing that covers the arms, legs, torso and feet. (note: sandals, shorts, tank-tops etc. have no place in the lab. Students inappropriately dressed for lab, could be denied access)

3.) To protect clothing from chemical damage, wear a lab apron or lab coat. Long hair should be tied back to keep it from coming into contact with lab chemicals or flames.

4.) An open flame may be ignited only when no flammable solvents are in the vicinity. The person lighting the flame must check with students in the vicinity to see if they are working with flammable solvents.

5.) Exercise great caution in handling  volatile, flammable solvents such as ether,acetone and methanol. Never evaporate  these solvents on a hot plate in an open system. An efficient condenser system must be used.

6.) In case of injury (cut, burn, fire etc.) notify the instructor immediately

7.) In case of a fire or imminently dangerous situation, notify everyone who may be affected immediately, be sure the lab instructor is also notified.

8.) If chemicals splash into someone's eyes, act quickly and get them into the eye  wash station, do not wait for the instructor.

9.) In case of a serious cut, stop blood flow using direct pressure using a clean towel, notify the lab instructor immediately.

10.) Know the location and operation of  :

• Fire Extinguishers (click to learn more about exstinguishers)
• Safety showers and Eye Wash Stations
• Fire Alarm Boxes
• Exit Doors
• Telephones

11.) Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in the laboratory at all times

12.) Never work in the laboratory without proper supervision by an instructor.

13.) Never carry out unauthorized experiments. Come to the laboratory prepared. If you are unsure about what to do, please ask the instructor.

14.) Never pipette using mouth suction.  Avoid inhaling and never taste any chemical in the lab.

15.) Never force glass tubing through a rubber stopper. If glass tubing must beinserted into a rubber stopper, be sure  to lubricate both the stopper and the tubing (glycerol or soapy water). Protect your hands, wrap the glass tubing in a towel while inserting.

16.) Always remember, HOT glassware looks exactly the same as COLD glassware, be careful what you touch. 100°C = 212°F (boiling point of water).

© Cal Chany 1996-2004, University of Illinois at Chicago and Rush University
All Rights Reserved MODIFIED 4/17/2003