Department of Chemistry

College of Arts & Sciences

Laboratory Safety Rules and Required Procedures

1. Do not enter the lab unless your Instructor is present. Never work without supervision.

2. Always be properly prepared to do the experiment. Read the written procedure in advance and plan what you
will do. Know the hazards before you do the experiment.

3. Perform the experiment as directed by your Instructor. Do not change anything without your Instructors
approval.

4. Act in a responsible manner at all times. No horseplay or fooling around should occur in the lab.

5. Come dressed appropriately for lab or you will be told to leave

a. Wear shoes that cover the entire foot. No open-toed shoes or sandals.
b. Clothing should not be excessively loose, especially sleeves.
c. Arms and legs should be covered: NO SHORTS, SKIRTS OR DRESSES.
d. Contact lenses are strongly discouraged (solvents can irritate eyes more easily).
e. If you wear normal glasses, you must wear safety glasses over them.

6. You must wear protective equipment at all times. This includes a lab coat and safety glasses (goggles).
a. Wear appropriate gloves when working with chemicals. For added protection wear double gloves.
b. Make sure chemicals dont get inside your gloves. Check the gloves frequently for holes and change if
needed.

7. Tie back long hair to keep it away from heat sources and chemicals.

8. Eating and drinking in the lab is strictly forbidden. This includes candy and gum. No food or drink is permitted
in the lab but may be kept outside in the hallway. Never taste lab chemicals.

9. Makeup application, smoking, and vaping are prohibited in the lab at all times.

10. Mobile phones must be turned off before you enter the lab. On occasion, your instructor may suggest using a
cell phone to take a picture (for example, of a TLC plate). In this case, gloves must be removed before taking out
your phone to avoid contamination.

11. Place personal items in the area designated for backpacks. Backpacks are not permitted on the bench.

12. Report all accidents, injuries, and close calls to your Instructor immediately.

13. Notify your instructor privately of any allergies or medical problems that might impact your time in lab. If you
feel ill when in lab, tell your instructor immediately.

14. Report all spills to your Instructor immediately.

15. Learn the locations and operation of emergency equipment. This includes the eyewash, safety shower, flow
chart for how to handle emergencies, spill kits, and first aid supplies.

16. When mixing or heating chemicals in a test tube, point the test tube away from your face and other people.

17. Do not use Bunsen burners near flammable liquids (most organic solvents). Do not use hot plates or thermowells

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 near ethyl ether which ignites extremely easily.

18. While mixing acid and water, always add the acid to the water, not vice-versa.

19. Fill a pipette by using a pipette bulb or mechanical pipette only; NEVER pipette by mouth.

20. Always pull on the electrical plug to disconnect a cord from the outlet; never pull the wire. Keep electrical cords
away from hot plates and never carry lab equipment by the cord.

21. Dispose of all used chemicals properly. Nothing should be put down the drain without the approval of your
instructor. If you are unsure of the proper procedure for a specific chemical, ask your Instructor for assistance.

22. Trash (used paper towels, gloves, Kimwipes, etc.) and used/broken glassware should be disposed of properly.
a. Sharps Containers: red plastic bins used for broken glass, sharp plastic, empty sample vials, used Pasteur
pipets, etc. DO NOT put gloves or any other trash in the Sharps Containers.
b. Red Bag Containers: used for gloves and chemically contaminated paper towels. (PISB labs only)
c. Trash cans: used for gloves and chemically contaminated paper towels. (Disque only)

23. Never take chemicals or equipment out of the lab without the knowledge and consent of the Instructor.

24. Clean your lab bench and put away all equipment when you have finished the experiment.

25. Wash your hands with soap and water at the end of each lab session.

Please sign this agreement below and include your emergency contact information.

I have read carefully and understand all of the safety rules contained in this document. I recognize that it is my
responsibility to follow them faithfully.

I realize that many chemicals are potentially dangerous; therefore I will exercise care in handling them. If I am unsure of
the potential hazards of any chemical, I will ask my Instructor for information.

I understand that my adherence to the safety rules is a requirement for participation in this laboratory course. The
consequence for not following the instructions of the laboratory session or failure to adhere to the safety rules will
result in immediate dismissal from the laboratory period and a grade of zero given for that session.

Name (Please Print) ____________________________________ Drexel ID Number ______________________

Signature _____________________________________ Date ___________________________

Course _______________ Section ____________ Meeting Days ____________

Emergency Contact Information:

Name ____________________________________ Phone number _________________________________

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