CHEMICALS (SAFETY MEASURES)

•   Follow The Manufacturer’s Instructions, the importance of reading and following the manufacturer’s instructions, use, and safety information that are on the products that you are purchasing cannot be overemphasized.

Why is it important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions?

•   The first is that you want your home improvement project to look good and last for many years when completed.

•  The second reason is that reputable manufacturers stand behind their products if they are used for the correct application and used or installed properly.

•  Follow safety guidelines for chemical storage and handling.

•   Be prepared for your work in the laboratory.  Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory.  Never fool around in the laboratory.  Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.

• Always work in a well-ventilated area.

•  Observe good housekeeping practices.  Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times.

•  Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory.  Notify the teacher immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.

• Dispose of all chemical waste properly.  Never mix chemicals in sink drains.  Sinks are to be used only for water. Check with your teacher for the disposal of chemicals and solutions.

•   Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use.  Set up and use the equipment as directed by your teacher.

•  Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals or lab equipment.  Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments.

•  Experiments must be personally monitored at all times.  Do not wander around the room, distract other students, startle other students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.

•  Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including first aid kit(s), and fire extinguisher.  Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.

•  Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, and any electrical equipment turned off

•  Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear safety goggles. 

NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE!

•  Contact lenses may not be worn in the laboratory.

•  Dress properly during a laboratory activity.  Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the laboratory.  Long hair must be tied back, and dangling jewelry and baggy clothing must be secured.  Shoes must completely cover the foot.  No sandals are allowed on lab days.

•   A lab coat or smock should be worn during laboratory experiments.

•  Observe and adhere to safety signs and instructions on chemical packages

•  All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Avoid handling chemicals with your fingers. Always use a tweezer. When making an observation, keep at least 1 foot away from the specimen. Do not taste, or smell any chemicals.

•  Check the label on all chemical bottles twice before removing any of the contents.  Take only as much chemical as you need Never return unused chemicals to their original container.

•    Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.

Chemical Storage and Labeling;

•  Distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals.

•   Use the physical state of the hazardous chemical (dry, liquid, or gas) to determine general storage location guidelines:

•  Planning Form chemical list to determine the hazards of your chemicals.

Proper labeling of hazardous chemicals and waste is extremely important to reduce exposure and prevent accidents and extra disposal costs. Properly label all chemicals with full English names (no chemical structures or abbreviations), hazards, date, and responsible party.  Proper chemical labeling is an important step in emergency planning and prevention. In the event of an incident such as fire or personal exposure, identifying the physical and health hazards of chemicals can be critical in minimizing adverse health effects and property damage. Improperly labeled and/or unidentified chemicals can ultimately end up as “unknown” chemical waste. Determining the contents of an “unknown” chemical is an involved and costly process and also presents unique concerns and hazards for chemical waste handlers and the environment. Please take care to avoid creating “unknown” chemicals in your laboratory.