All personnel must follow general safety rules to reduce the risk of accidents in the laboratory.
1. Carefully plan all lab activities.Practice experiments and demonstrations beforehand;make sure you thoroughly understand the science and procedure before performing a lab activity for the first time.
2. Review the properties and hazards of all chemicals you will be using in the lab by reading the Risk Assessment and Control Worksheet.
3. Reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals.Avoid contact of all chemicals with eyes and skin,and pay special attention to respiratory irritants and inhalation hazards.
4. Read all chemical labels prior to use.
5. Goggles must be worn at any time chemicals,heat,or glassware are used in the laboratory.
6. Be familiar with the location of safety equipment,so as to quickly find and use it in an emergency.Seriously learn how to use all safety equipment in the laboratory(e.g.,eyewash,safety shower,fire extinguisher,etc.).
7. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment,including closed-toed shoes,long pants,shirts with sleeves and lab coats,at all times.
8. Develop good chemical hygiene habits.Never eat in the lab or drink out of laboratory glassware.No food should be stored or even cooled in the laboratory refrigerator.Always wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the lab area.
9. When leaving the lab,make sure the prep area and laboratory doors and windows are locked.
10 .Know emergency procedures for a chemical spill,fire,and injury.
11 .Do not operate the electrical equipment with wet hands,do not leave the equipment unattended during use,and check it regularly.