Read and become familiar with the entire procedure before starting.

Listen to instructions. When you are in doubt, ask your teacher.

Know the location of emergency exits and escape routes.

Learn the location and operation of all safety equipment in your laboratory, including the safety shower, eye wash, first aid kit, fire extinguishers, and fire blanket.

Immediately report any accident, however small, to your teacher.

If you get chemicals on you, rinse the affected area with water.

In case of chemicals on your face, wash off with plenty of water before removing your goggles. In case of chemicals in your eyes, remove contact lenses and wash eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.

Minor skin burns should be held under cold, running water.

Clear your bench top of all unnecessary materials, such as books and jackets, before starting work.

Do not bring gum, food, or drinks into the laboratory.

Always wear protective safety goggles when working in the laboratory.

Avoid bulky, loose-fitting clothing; roll up long sleeves; and tie back loose hair. Lab coats or aprons may be required.

Wear long pants and shoes that cover the whole foot (not sandals) so your feet are protected from accidental spills or broken glassware.

Do not use chipped or cracked glassware or damaged equipment.

Be careful when handling hot glassware or apparatus. Remember, hot glassware looks like cold glassware.

Place hot glassware or apparatus (such as a crucible) on an appropriate cooling surface, such as a wire gauze.

xxi

Never point the open end of a test tube toward yourself or anyone else.

Never fill a pipette using mouth suction. Always use a bulb.

Keep electrical equipment away from sinks and faucets to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Never taste substances in the laboratory and avoid touching them if possible.

Check chemical labels twice to make sure you have the correct substance. Some chemical formulas and names differ by only a letter or a number.

Read and follow all hazard classifications shown on the label.

Never pour anything down the drain unless instructed to do so by your teacher.

When transferring chemicals from a common container to your own test tube or beaker, take only what you need. Do not return any extra material to the original container, because this may contaminate the original.

Mix all substances together slowly. Add concentrated solutions to dilute solutions. When working with acids and bases, always add concentrated acids and bases to water; never add water to a concentrated acid or base as this can cause dangerous spattering.

If you are instructed to smell something, do so by wafting (fanning) some of the vapor toward your nose. Do not place your nose near the opening of the container.

Clean your lab station and return equipment to its proper place.

Make sure that gas lines and water faucets are shut off.

When discarding used chemicals, carefully follow the instructions provided.