Lab Safety and Lab Equipment/Procedures

I will read the entire experiment and complete all pre-lab reports before entering the lab. Correct Answers Be familiar with the instructions for the experiment, paying special attention to the safety precautions. Only materials and equipment authorized by your teacher should be used. When you do the lab work, follow the instructions and the safety precautions described in the directions for the experiment. I will wear the right clothing for lab work. Correct Answers Necklaces, neckties, dangling jewelry, long hair, and loose clothing can cause you to knock things over or catch items on fire. Tuck in neckties or take them off. Pull back long hair, and tie it in place. Do not wear a necklace or other dangling jewelry, including hanging earrings. It isn't necessary, but it might be a good idea to remove your wristwatch so that it is not damaged by a chemical splash. Nylon and polyester fabrics burn and melt more readily than cotton, so wear cotton clothing if you can. It's best to wear fitted garments, but if your clothing is loose or baggy, tuck it in or tie it back so that it does not get in the way or catch on fire. Wear shoes that will protect your feet from chemical spills - no open-toes shoes or sandals and no shoes with woven leather straps. You will not be allowed to do lab with open shoes. Shoes made of solid leather or holy polymer are much better than shoes made of cloth. Also, wear pants, not shorts or short skirts. If you happen to have shorts or a skirt, make sure you wear a long lab apron that covers all of your legs. I will always wear a lab apron and safety goggles in the lab. Correct Answers Even if you aren't working on an experiment, laboratories contain chemicals that can damage your clothing, so wear your apron and keep the strings of the apron tied. Because chemicals can cause eye damage, even blindness, you must wear safety goggles. If your safety goggles are uncomfortable or get clouded up, ask your teacher for help. Try lengthening the strap a bit, or washing the goggles with soap and warm water. I understand that wearing contact lenses is not a safe practice in the lab. Correct Answers Even while wearing safety goggles, chemicals could get between contact lenses and your eyes and cause irreparable eye damage. If your doctor requires that you wear contact lenses instead of glasses, then you should wear safety goggles designed for contact lenses in the lab. It will be imperative that you wear the goggles at all times. I will never work alone in the laboratory. Correct Answers Work in the lab only when supervised by your teacher. Do not leave assembled equipment unattended.