Safety Precautionary Measures that need to be observed
while inside the Laboratory
Laboratory work may pose a number of unforeseen accidents. It is then essential that the students be oriented on the possible hazards during the laboratory exercises as well as the safety precautions to be observed in the laboratory.
1. Note the location of fire extinguisher in the laboratory. Most laboratory fires are preventable. Care must be exercised in handling flammable solvents such as ethers, acetones, alcohols and benzene. SMOKING IN THE LABORATORY IS NOT ALLOWED.
2. For small fires, remove the source of heat and oxygen. Extinguish the flame by covering it with a damp cloth. For large fires, use the fire extinguisher. DO NOT USE WATER.
3. Keep flammable liquids and all other materials away from open flames. Always maintain a clean work area.
4. NEVER heat a chemical you are not instructed to heat. A harmless chemical when cool may still be dangerous when heated.
5. Make sure you know how to light a Bunsen burner. If flame leaps out of the burner towards you turn off the gas immediately, don’t hold the burner it may be hot. NEVER leave a lighted burner unattended.
6. Point a test tube that is being heated away from you and others. Chemicals may boil out or splash out of the tube.
7. Never heat liquids in a closed container, the expanding gases may break the container injuring you or others.
8. Use clamp or tongs when handling hot containers. You can check if it is hot by putting the back of your hand near the container. This way if you can feel the heat then the container is even hotter.
9. You should know the proper fire drill procedures and the locations of fire exits.
10. In using chemical reagents, double checks the label to make sure you are using the correct chemicals. In getting liquid chemicals from the reagent bottle, pour it from the side of the bottle away from the label. To get solid chemicals from the reagent bottles, use a spatula or spoon provided for the purpose.
