Basic Safety Precautions to take in a Chemistry Lab

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Chemistry lab is a platform where future scientists and chemical engineers are born. The facility is found in school, colleges and universities where students as well as teachers perform several experiments with multiple chemicals. Though being a place offering proactive learning environment, it’s also open to potential hazards. With glass equipment, Bunsen burners, caustic chemicals and several flammable sources at-hand, chemistry lab is filled with dangers however there’re steps you can take to alleviate risk. Consider safety precautions as highlighted below.

Workmen/personal safety

Safety eyewear/goggles are a must for all working in the lab along with other precautionary measures. Avoid wearing contact as fumes from strong chemical can seep into the eye and amass between cornea and lens; may result in eye diseases such as rash or inflammation. Besides this, wear full-boots, long pants and a full sleeve lab coat! If you’ve long hairs, tie them back away for safety against dipping in a chemical compound.

Before working with any chemical, remove all dangling objects like jewellery, baggy vests, scarves and other accessories that may ignite if handled sloppily. Always wash your hands from anti-bacterial soap after each experiment. Lest your hands are exposed to any chemical, prevent touching any of your body parts especially eyes and mouth. Always keep spare rubber/cotton gloves for you need them frequently.

Standards within the lab

Personal safety is directly associated with one’s behaviour inside the facility. There’re particular standards to follow the moment you enter like no eating, drinking or chewing a bubble gum. Don’t ever use any apparatus for food and resist tasting or inhaling any chemical. However, some compounds are identified by their peculiar smell so wave your hand to waft the scent rather than inhaling directly. Store personal belongings such as bags and all away from workplace; knowing that few chemicals may corrode them.

Safety handling

While working with harmless chemicals, treat them the same way as hazardous ones. When labelling different compounds, double check or it may cause fatal accidents later especially with strong acids. Leftover or spilled chemicals mustn’t be put back into the container, rather dispose them carefully in waste containers. Don’t flush them down the toilet or sink to prevent landfill or any other environmental damage. Likewise, keep all chemicals away from open flame sources as some are highly flammable.

Workstation norms

Always keep the counter and workplace clean, free of dust and debris. Take special care with glass equipment as they can break, crack and contract while pouring treated chemicals or simply placing over flames for heating. Don’t submerge overheated apparatus into cold water and while placing over rubber stoppers, lubricate it. Handle wearing cotton gloves or a towel and never point open end in anyone’s direction as chemicals may erupt from the tube. Once done with an experiment; shut-off gas valve, clean the workstation, close the water faucets and place all chemicals in their desired cupboard.

Deal with potential emergencies

Lest some accident or any other emergency situation arises, contact your instructor immediately and don’t leave anything unattended. If exposed to eyes, flush them with clear, cold water for almost 10 to 15 minutes. Other safety equipment includes spill and first-aid kit, safety shower, fire extinguisher and blanket.

While dealing with operations as big as butyl acetate production or simply working in a chemical lab, the above guidelines are for all to read and adhere.