Safety in the Chemistry Lab

Studying chemistry requires that students apply their comprehension and understanding in a laboratory setting.  This means that you, as a student, will be required to participate in hands-on activities which allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of the classroom concepts.  You will learn some basic skills that all chemists use and apply these when necessary.

It will be critical that we are all aware of the inherent risks found within the lab.  Being aware of these dangers allows us to reduce the risk of accident or injury.  The better prepared we are, as experimenters, the more success we will be in lab. 

A. Lab Safety Rules & Conduct in the Lab.

We will follow a set of adopted rules, (Flinn, 2000), which sets guidelines for a safe and successful laboratory experience.  The contract simply acknowledges that you and your parents have read the safety rules, agree to follow the rules, and understand the consequences for non-compliance. 

LHS LAB RULES & SAFETY CONTRACT

B. Understanding Chemical Hazards:

Chemicals hazards basically fall into 2 categories:  Physical and health hazards. Physical hazard means a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive..  Health hazard means a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.  d Health Hazard levels are described in terms of toxicity and measured by LD-50s (Lethal Dose-50%). The range in toxicities of chemicals range from relatively harmless (>15 mg/kg body weight) to extremely toxic (<1 mg/ kg body weight). 

Understanding the Routes of Entry can reduce the potential for health hazards.  There are 3 major routes:  Absorption, Ingestion, & Inhalation.  Understanding how chemicals can enter the body and some simple chemical properties can reduce the injury related risks.  

Here is a list of some the most toxic substances known to man. 

The hazards associated with any chemical is outlined by a NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) placard.  Each colored portion of the diamond describes the potential hazard.

C.  Defining Specific Chemical Properties

Chemical laboratories are required to maintain MSDS (Material's Safety Data Sheet) sheets available for each chemical they have in stock.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has created a format for the maintenance of MSDS information. OSHA has a suggested format for MSDS's, Form 174 (OMB #1218-0072). You can download this form in HTML or PDF format

MSDS Sheets for common chemicals, (Carolina Science & Math)

MSDS FAQs

D. Other important Information

Fire Extinguishers & Protocols for Fires.