1. No student will be permitted in the laboratory without an instructor present. The lab area is for use by registered science students only.
2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all labs done in chemistry are supplied in notebooks in the science prep room (426). There are also MSDS at the end of this lab book for some of the more common chemicals used in this course. It is recommended that these be read before each lab.
3. Chemistry students are required to wear chemical splash safety goggles at all times in the laboratory. Any student who fails to comply with this rule will be asked to leave the laboratory. Students are required to purchase their own chemical splash goggles. These are available for sale in the bookstore.
4. All students must wear protective aprons while in the laboratory. Aprons are provided by the college. Students may not wear white lab coats. (These designate instructors and/or staff — people that can be asked to assist you in an emergency)
5. No student shall be permitted in the laboratory with bare feet, sandals or shoes with exposed toes. Legs should also be covered.
6. Students with long hair should tie it back away from the face.
7. Soft contact lenses may not be worn in the laboratory. They are porous and will allow diffusion of chemicals.
8. No unauthorized experiments may be performed in the laboratory.
9. No smoking, eating or drinking in the laboratory.
10. Know the location of fire extinguishers, Chemical Spill kits, fire blankets, eyewashes, showers and first aid kits.
11. Know the emergency evacuation route.
12. Report all injuries (cuts and burns) to the laboratory instructor immediately.
13. No students will be allowed into the prep room (426) for any reason.
14. Read the label twice before taking any reagent. Especially note concentrations, molarities and especially any safety precautions.
15. * KEEP THE BALANCE AREA CLEAN AND FREE OF SPILLED CHEMICALS OR USED WEIGHING PAPERS/BOATS *
16. Take only the amount of reagent indicated. Larger amounts will not be more effective and may lead to uncontrollable reactions.
17. NEVER put broken glass into undesignated wastebaskets. There are special cardboard containers designated for this. There are also special containers for all special HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL WASTE. Be sure to use them as directed.
18. Always follow instructions for disposal of any chemicals given in your prelab by the instructor.
19. NEVER use flammable liquids near a flame or an ignition source.
20. NEVER insert a glass rod or thermometer through a rubber stopper. Your setups will never require you to do this.
21. If an acid is to be diluted, pour the acid slowly (with stirring) into the water. Never pour water into acid!
22. Any chemical spilled on the skin must be washed off immediately and skin flooded with water for several minutes. If a chemical has gotten into the eyes, then the eyewash must be used for a minimum of 15 minutes.
23. NEVER taste a chemical!
24. NEVER inhale gaseous fumes. If you are to determine the odor of a gas, fan a small amount of the vapor towards your nose with your hand.
25. Keep all equipment that you use clean and return it to the correct spot when done. Soap and brushes are available for use.
26. Keep alert in the lab at all times. Know what you are doing and what is being done around you.
27. Lab assistants are available to answer specific questions on personal lab safety or lab experiments. The faculty member is in charge of the specific lab class and is responsible for enforcing the lab safety rules. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.
28. ANY STUDENT WHO HAS A SENSITIVITY TOWARDS CHEMICALS OR WHO MAY BE PREGNANT IS STRONGLY ADVISED TO CHECK WITH THEIR DOCTOR TO DETERMINE IF THIS COURSE MAY POSE A HAZARD TO THEIR HEALTH. Please also consider any courses that may be taught adjacent to your lab area.
29. Follow all requirements of Chemical/Hazardous Waste Disposal. These are both listed with the lab write up and discussed by your instructor in the prelab.