Activity #1

The picture below shows three students working in a laboratory. They are following some
safety rules, but they are breaking others. In the space below, list the rules they are
following and the rules they are breaking:
 Lab Station Instructions

1. Each station has access to a sink.

a) ALWAYS transfer chemicals over a sink. Unless otherwise instructed.
b) NEVER throw solid materials into the sink.
c) ALWAYS keep the sink strainer in place, it should never be removed.
d) ALWAYS ask the lab technician before disposing of any liquid into a sink.

2. Use and care of the digital balance are very important.

a) Keep it level at all times.
b) Always calibrate a digital balance before using it.
c) When using a balance never place chemicals directly on the balance top. Always use
a container, weighing boat or piece of paper to protect the surface of the
balance.
d) Never mix chemicals next to a balance.
e) If any chemical should spill onto the balance, it should be cleaned
immediately.
f) Keep the balance away from the sink.

3. DO NOT use a Bunsen burner unless you have been given the full instructions on its care and use.
Always ensure the gas is fully closed when finished using the Bunsen
burner.

4. ALWAYS keep your lab station clean. Keep glassware away from the edge of the lab table.

5. ALWAYS clean your glassware when you have completed your experiment, and leave them rinsed
and brushed at your station.

6. ALWAYS, ALWAYS wear goggles in the lab when working on ANY experiment.
 Lab Safety Rules

Please read the following safety rules carefully, and sign the document at the end.

1. DO not enter the lab without your teacher present.

2. Always read the safety instructions before you start any part of a lab.

3. You MUST wear safety goggles at all times when in the lab.

4. Always work at your assigned place. Stand while doing an experiment. In case of an
accident, you can get away faster if standing.

5. Wear your lab coat and tie back long hair when working in the lab.

6. Lab tables should be clear of student belongings. The only things that should be on your lab
table are your lab instructions, your pen or pencil, the required equipment, and the chemical
materials provided.

7. Never sit on lab benches or tables. Some chemicals may have been spilled on them.

8. Never perform an experiment without permission.

9. Learn the fire-exit route.

10. Learn the location of the fire alarm nearest the lab. Never pull a fire alarm as a joke.

11. Learn the location of the fire blanket. If your clothes catch fire, you will need the fire
blanket quickly. Wrap yourself in the blanket and roll on the floor.

12. Do not use matches or the flint without permission.

13. Avoid playful, distracting, or boisterous behavior at all times in the lab.

14. Never eat or drink anything in the lab.

15. Do not taste any chemical.

16. If a chemical comes into contact with your skin, wash it off under cool running water first.
Then, report the accident to your teacher. Keep chemicals away from your face.

17. Rinse your hands after any experiment, especially before lunch. You may have chemicals
on your hands or under your fingernails.

18. Check all glassware for cracks. All glassware must be heat resistant if it is to be heated.

19. When heating a test tube, use a test tube holder. Be sure that the open end is not pointing
toward anyone.
20. Do NOT visit friends at another workstation, even if there is a “waiting” period during the
lab.

21. Do not pour chemicals back into their bottles. Pour liquids down the drain or into the
appropriate storage bottle as directed.

22. Do not throw solid waste into the sinks.

23. Clean up spills and accidents immediately.

24. Never leave a heating container unsupervised. Never leave a lighted Bunsen burner
unattended.

25. If your Bunsen burner does not light as soon as you turn on the gas and use a spark, turn
off the gas. Wait a few minutes for the gas to clear and try again. When the gas is turned
on, it comes out of the Bunsen burner. The longer it remains unlit, the more gas surrounds
you. When it eventually lights up, you may get burned.

26. Use a hotplate when heating flammable substances.

27. Use tongs to handle hot equipment. Remember hot metal and glass look cold!

28. If you experience a problem with your experiment, stop and ask your teacher for help. Do
not ask friends for help.

29. Report all accidents to your teacher.

30. After using a spatula with one chemical, always use another clean spatula OR clean and dry
the spatula before using it with another chemical. If you do not use a clean spatula, the
second chemical will become contaminated with the first.

31. If the chemical is stored in a container with a lid, always replace the lid properly after use.
Do not leave the container open for someone else.

32. Always clean your own equipment. Although equipment may look clean, it usually is not!

33. Use a clean glass rod when pouring a liquid from one container into another.

34. Never try to push glass tubing through a hole with a stopper.

35. Do not add water to a chemical. Always add the chemical to water. Many chemicals,
especially concentrated acids, will react violently if water is added to them. Adding them to
water reduces the violence of the reaction.

36. To smell a chemical, use your hand to wave some of the vapour towards your nose.

37. Put any broken glass in the special “broken glass” container, not in the regular
garbage container.
 Questions on Lab Safety

Instructions: Complete these questions on a separate sheet of paper.

(1) Give three rules you should follow with regards to “dress” while doing a lab.

(2) When a chemical comes in contact with your skin, what should you do?

(3) Give at least three safety precautions you would use when heating a liquid.

(4) If you accidently burn yourself, what should you do?

(5) Are chemicals to be placed directly on the balance pan?

(6) Where is the pail for broken glass?

(7) Give the location of the following safety features in/near the lab:
(a) eye wash station
(b) first aid kit
(c) fire extinguisher.

(8) I have read and understand all the safety rules in this module.

Print your name Signature Date