It is almost impossible to remove contacts after chemicals have been splashed into the eyes.
Chemicals trapped under contacts will damage the eye even more than normal.
The plastic used for some types of contact lenses is permeable to vapors found in the laboratory. If these vapors are trapped behind the lens, extensive irritation may occur.
Long hair and bulky clothing are dangerous in the lab.
There is a danger of catching fire, as well as being drawn through chemicals.
Wear appropriate clothing.
Tie back long hair.
Rings, watches, and jewelry are dangerous in the lab.
Corrosive or irritating liquids may get underneath a ring or watch and produce irritation.
Dangling jewelry may catch on a piece of labware and cause an accident.
Did any of the spill get on your skin or clothing? Sometimes adding water is the worst thing you can do.
Depending on the chemical spilled, we might just have a mess to clean up or we might have a very dangerous situation.
The most potentially dangerous chemicals used in our lab are corrosive acids and bases. Even though you will normally be using chemicals that have been diluted, you should always treat acids and bases with care.
Spill Pillows to absorb large amounts of chemicals are stored in the chemical cart, if needed.
Elbow-length, chemical-resistant gloves to use during clean up are stored in the chemical cart, if needed.
Glass breakage often occurs along with chemical spills. If that happens, follow those safety precautions too.
The purpose of a lab experiment is to test a hypothesis. For most of our labs, you will be given a question or a hypothesis to design your own experimental procedures to test.
A Lab Key is often provided for additional research. It may provide all the additional information needed to design your lab.
To be successful in your laboratory experience, know how to:
Accidents Can Happen:
Types of Fire Extinguishers:
