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LABORATORY INFORMATION
A. LAB PROCEDURE
1. Read through the experiment in advance.
2. Make sure you arrive on time.
3. Listen carefully to the professor's introduction.
4. Put on your goggles and an apron if necessary.
5. Perform the experiment, and record all data on your data sheets if required.
6. When done, clean up your working area.
7. Turn in your Lab Report before you leave if necessary.
B. LABORATORY SAFETY AND REGULATIONS
It is very important that anyone in the chemistry laboratory observe safety rules.
The laboratory may appear to be a safe environment, but accidents can occur in even the
most safety-conscious laboratory. Remember, you have the primary responsibility for
preventing accidents and that your safety and the safety of those around you rests
directly on your shoulders.
This list of rules should be followed in the laboratory:
1. Always be prepared for an accident. Be ready for an accident at any time, even in
an apparently safe situation.
2. In case of an accident, call the laboratory professor immediately or ask another
student to get the professor while you are beginning first aid. If you receive a chemical burn,
immediately flood the area with cold water. An eyewash is located in the lab--use it to
rinse any chemical off of your face or use one of the sinks. A fire extinguisher, fire
blanket and a shower are also located in the lab.
3. Always wear goggles and aprons while in the laboratory, even though you are not performing
an experiment. Many accidents happen to the casual bystander. Safety glasses or regular eye-
glasses can be used. IT IS A STATE LAW THAT SAFETY GLASSES ARE TO BE WORN IN LAB AT ALL TIMES
4. Always follow the instructions given in the experiments. Do not try experiments that are
not authorized by the laboratory instructor.
5. Obtaining Chemicals - Before removing a chemical from a bottle, read the label
carefully. Serious accidents can occur if the wrong chemical is used. Never take reagent
bottles to your desk. Instead, obtain the material in a clean beaker, test tube or graduated
cylinder. Do not take any more material than is required. Never pour water into concentrated
acid. Always pour the acid slowly into the water while constantly stirring.
6. Discarding Chemicals - Discard liquids in the container provided for your lab.
Some chemicals are to be discarded in the hoods. Your instructor will tell you when to do
this. Discard solids in the appropriate container. Never return excess chemicals to the
reagent bottle.
7. Use of Burners - Perhaps the most dangerous piece of equipment in the lab is the Bunsen
burner. The Bunsen burner is the smaller burner. The larger burner with the wire top is a
Meker burner and burns with a hotter flame. Be sure to select the burner
required. Please remember these few common sense things when dealing with burners:
Glass beakers and test tubes which have been heated remain hot for a few minutes.
To transfer hot beakers or test tubes, use insulated gloves, tongs, or paper towels.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO TOUCH THEM DIRECTLY. Metal rings also retain heat for some time.
A properly adjusted burner flame is nearly invisible. Please do not reach or lean across a
burner. Please be careful with your hair; you may be asked to secure it with a rubber band.
If the rubber tubing comes off of the burner or gas jet, simply turn off the gas!
When liquids are heated in a test tube, always point the mouth of the test tube away from any
persons near you. Liquids, when heated in a test tube may "bump," expelling the hot
contents several feet. Generally, test tubes are to be heated indirectly in a hot water bath.
Never heat a graduated cylinder or bottle.
8. Always carry out reactions which give off bad odors under a hood.
9. Never taste a chemical unless directed to do so. If you are instructed to smell a chemical,
gently fan the vapors toward your face. Never smell a chemical by putting your nose directly
over the container.
10. If chemicals are spilled, wipe them up right away. Always clean off your desk top
thoroughly with a wet sponge at the end of each laboratory period. Make certain that all gas
outlets and water faucets are turned off before you leave the laboratory.
C. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) FOR CHEMISTRY 102
Lab Purpose and Brief Overview of Laboratory Use: Instruction.
Hazardous Materials Use:
No chemicals or hazardous waste are stored in this laboratory.
Chemicals specific to the current experiment are brought into the laboratory as needed.
Waste is transported to the storeroom for storage and/or treatment.
Experiments include the use of toxic, flammable and/or corrosive materials.
MSDSs are located in the wooden cabinet in M-230.
Special Equipment and Procedures:
Evacuation and Call for Help
In case of a serious incident/accident (large spill, spill of a highly hazardous chemical,
fire, flood), the instructor should evacuate the laboratory using the safest route of escape.
The students should gather in parking lot M1 for a head count before being allowed to leave.
The safety department should be contacted immediately.
Handling Chemicals
Follow all procedures as outlined in the Natural Sciences Department Chemical Hygiene Plan
and as indicated by the MSDS.
Chemical Exposure
All teaching personnel should make every effort to prevent chemical exposure.
The Chemical Hygiene Plan and the Safety Contract outline basic precautions that should be
taken at all times.
The safety station provided in the lab contains an eye wash (for eye contact with chemicals),
a shower (for large scale skin contact), a fire blanket (for smothering flame), fire
extinguisher
(for aiding evacuation in case of fire), and spill mix (for neutralizing and containing
chemical spills). Mercury spills should be cleaned up using the mercury spill kit.
Each kit contains directions that should be carefully followed. In the case of minor
incidents (such as small cuts) students may be directed to the first aid kit for self-treatment.
Consult the MSDS (held in the wooden cabinet in M-230) and other safety references for
information on chemical exposure.
All incidents/accidents must be reported using the Natural Sciences Accident Report Form
(found in the CHP binder).
Chemical disposal
Students should never dispose of a chemical via the sewer system.
All experimental procedures should give students clear guidance for the collection of the waste
generated during experiments. The laboratory manager and instructors should process the
resulting waste in accordance with federal, state, and local ordinances.
All hazardous waste should be segregated and stored in appropriately labeled closed containers
until a qualified disposal company picks them up. These containers should be clearly labeled
with contents and hazards.
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