FORDHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL

LABORATORY SAFETY CHECKLIST

Read the following list and check off each item only when you thoroughly understand it.  Ask your instructor to clarify any points that you do not understand.   It is your responsibility to know and to adhere to each of the safety procedures on the list.

GENERAL

Be prepared to work when you arrive at the laboratory.  Familiarize yourself with the procedures before beginning the activity.   Be ready to work in a mature and responsible manner.

Know the location of the emergency equipment and how to use them.

Perform only those lab activities assigned by your teacher.  Never do anything in the laboratory that is not called for in the laboratory procedure or by your teacher.  Never work alone in the lab.  Do not engage in playful and\or potential hazardous activities.

Follow all instructions, both written and oral, carefully.

Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times.  Only lab manuals and notebooks should be brought to the work area.   Other materials will be left on the back windowsill.

Clothing should be appropriate for working in the lab.  Jackets, ties, or other loose garments should be removed.

Eye protection must be worn at all times.   Safety goggles are required for every laboratory exercise.  Contact lenses should not be worn in labs unless absolutely necessary.

Eating and drinking are never allowed in the lab room.  Wash your hands frequently when working with chemicals, and at the end of each lab activity.

Set up apparatus as described in your procedures or by your teacher.  Always use the prescribed instruments for handling equipment.

Report all accidents to the teacher immediately.

Return all materials to their proper locations after each lab activity.  Nothing should be left on the counter tops.   Clean and wipe dry all work surfaces at the end of the class.

HANDLING CHEMICALS

Read and double check labels on reagent bottles before removing any reagent.  Take only as much reagent as you need.

Do not return unused reagent to stock bottles.

Avoid touching chemicals with your hands.   If chemicals do come in contact with your hands, wash them immediately.

Never smell any chemicals unless instructed to do so by your teacher.  Never put your face near the mouth of a container that is holding chemicals.

Notify your teacher if you have any medical problems that might relate to lab work, such as allergies or asthma.

HEATING SUBSTANCES

Exercise extreme caution when using a gas burner.  Keep your head, hands and clothing away from the flame.

Always turn the burner off when it is not in use.

Do not bring any substance in contact with a flame unless instructed to do so.

Never look into a container that is being heated.

When heating a substance in a test tube, make sure the the mouth of the tube is not pointed at yourself or anyone else.

Never leave unattended anything that is being heated or visibly reacting.

Keep water away from hot plates.