- When working in the lab, conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the lab. No goofing off or playing practical jokes!
- Follow all written and verbal directions carefully. Ask your teacher for clarification if you do not understand any part of the procedure.
- No food, drinks, or gum in the lab.
- Follow only the lab directions. Never do anything that is not called for in the laboratory procedures.
- Come to the laboratory prepared. Read all procedures and answer all prelab questions before coming to lab.
- Keep your work area neat and clear at all times.
- Keep the aisles clear. Push your stool under the lab bench when not in use.
- Be prepared in case of emergency by knowing the location of all exits and the location of all safety equipment.
- Dispose of chemical wastes in the proper containers.
- After performing the experiment wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Wear lab goggles at all times during the experiment and clean up
- Immediately report any accident or spill to your teacher.
- When using chemicals, check the label on the bottle carefully before using the chemical and take care not to contaminate the bottle or your clothing when removing the contents.
- When diluting a strong acid, always add the acid to the water. Never add water to acid.
- To avoid accidental cuts, never handle broken glassware with your bare hands.
- Hot glass looks like cold glass, so be extra careful when working with heat. To determine if an object is too hot to touch, place the back of your hand above the object to feel if heat is radiating.
- Do not use glassware that is chipped or broken.
- Hot glassware should not be immersed in cold water, because it is more likely to shatter.
- Be extremely careful when using a Bunsen burner. Long hair should be pulled back. Clothes, hands, and other materials should be kept a safe distance away from the flames.
- Never leave a heat source unattended. Always turn off the Bunsen burner or hot plate when it is not in use.
- When heating a test tube, do not point the open end of the test tube toward a person and do not look into a container that is being heated.