The laboratory classroom gives you the opportunity to perform many hands-on activities and to learn to use and understand the same scientific processes that are used worldwide by other students and scientists. An important part of these scientific processes is SAFETY. The following Safety Guidelines are not only to help ensure your safety in the lab, but also to help you complete a lab assignment successfully. Read these guidelines carefully and follow them every time you participate in lab.

1. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS given by your instructor and contained in your lab procedure.  Pay particular attention to any CAUTION statements in the procedure.

2. When working with an open flame, chemicals, hot liquids, or dissecting equipment:

· chewing gum, eating, or drinking in the lab is strictly prohibited.

· clothing and shoes should adequately cover your body.  Long pants and long skirts must completely cover your legs.  Wear close-toed shoes.

· dangling jewelry and sleeves are NOT permitted in the lab.  Long hair must be tied back.

· safety goggles must be worn at all times in the lab.

3. Do not rub your eyes while in the laboratory, as your hands might have chemicals on them.

4. In case of any accident, immediately notify the instructor. In the event that your instructor is not available, notify the nearest instructor.

· If a corrosive chemical gets in your eyes, immediately wash the affected area with large quantities of water from the eyewash.

· If a corrosive chemical gets on your skin or clothes, immediately wash the area with large quantities of water. If a large quantity of chemical is spilled on your clothing, use the safety shower.

· A small fire can be extinguished by covering the container to remove the source of oxygen.

· If a student’s clothing catches fire smother the flames, which may require the use of a fire blanket.

· Clean up broken glassware immediately and dispose of it in the appropriately labeled container.

5. No unauthorized experiments are to be performed.

6. Joking and playing around in lab are unsafe behaviors and are strictly prohibited.

7. Use only your assigned work area and leave it clean, dry, and in the same order that you found it.  You must have instructor initials before leaving. No lab materials are to leave the science lab area.

Failure to follow these safety guidelines may result in

your removal from the lab and loss of credit!

Our goal is to help you complete a lab activity safely and successfully. You should not be afraid to perform experiments or to use certain chemicals and equipment, but be aware of the dangers of their misuse.

Being well prepared and demonstrating common sense behavior will prevent most accidents!