Video:Necessary Safety Rules for Chemistry Lab
with Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.Safety rules for chemistry lab are of great importance and protect students and scientists from harm. See these necessary safety rules for chemistry lab in order to stay protected.
Transcript:Necessary Safety Rules for Chemistry Lab
Some rules are NOT made to be broken. That is true of the rules used in a chemistry lab. They are really, truly for your safety and not your humiliation.The rules are:
Safety Rule: Do Not Pipette By Mouth – Ever
You say, "But it's only water." Even if it is, how clean do you think that glassware really is? Learn to use the pipette bulb or automted pipetter. Don't pipette by mouth at home either.Safety Rule: Read the Chemical Safety Information
A Material Safety Data Sheet should be available for every chemical you use in lab. Read these and follow the recommendations for safe use and disposal of the material.Safety Rule: Dress Appropriately
Tie long hair back. Wear safety goggles and a lab coat. Even if you aren't clumsy, someone else in the lab probably is.Safety Rule: Identify the Safety Equipment
Know the locations of the fire blanket, extinguishers, eyewash, and shower. Ask for demonstrations!Safety Rule: Don't Taste or Sniff Chemicals
For many chemicals, if you can smell them then you are exposing yourself to a dose that can harm you! If the safety information says that a chemical should only be used inside a fume hood, then don't use it anywhere else.Safety Rule: Don't Casually Dispose of Chemicals Down the Drain
Some chemicals can be washed down the drain, while others require a different method of disposal. If a chemical can go in the sink, be sure to wash it away rather than risk an unexpected reaction between chemical 'leftovers' later.Safety Rule: Don't Eat or Drink in Lab
It's tempting, but dangerous... just don't do it!Safety Rule: Don't Play Mad Scientist
Pay attention to the order in which chemicals are to be added to each other and do not deviate from the instructions. Even chemicals that mix to produce seemingly safe products should be handled carefully.Safety Rule: Take Data During Lab
Put data directly in your lab book rather than transcribing from another source. For some experiments, it may be helpful to take data before lab. Being able to project likely data will help you catch bad lab procedure before you are three hours or so into a project.Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit About.com