In order to ensure that science experiments are safe and positive learning experiences, students and teaching assistants should read and discuss these rules and procedures. A copy should be kept with the laboratory text or lab notebook.
 

1. Perform the experiments as directed. Do not do anything which is not part of an approved experimental procedure. Follow all instructions given by your professor or teaching assistant.
2. Be properly prepared to do the experiment. Read the written procedures in advance and understand what you are going to do. Lack of familiarity wastes your time and is a major cause of injury. Know the hazards before you do the experiment.
3. Never work without appropriate supervision. Never work alone.
4. Wear appropriate protective equipment. In chemistry and Biology laboratories, approved eye protection should be worn at all times.
5. Learn the locations and operation of emergency equipment. This includes eyewash fountains, safety showers, fire extinguishers, sinks, and first aid supplies. Know what to do in case of emergencies.
6. Act in a responsible manner at all times. No horseplay or joking should occur in the lab or experimental area.
7. Wear closed shoes which cover the entire foot. Clothing should not be loose and floppy, especially in the sleeves. Your legs should be covered. No shorts are permitted in the lab.
8. Tie back long hair to keep it away from flames and chemicals.
9. Never taste a chemical. Check odors only if instructed to do so, by gently wafting some of the vapor towards your nose with your hand. Be sure your work area is adequately ventilated for your experiment.
10. Turn off your Bunsen burner or other heat source whenever you are not using it. Never let it operate unattended.
11. Treat burns immediately by putting the burned area under cold water for at least 15 minutes. Cold water markedly reduces the subsequent pain and blisters.
12. Read the chemical labels very carefully. Read them 3 times: when you pick it up; just before you use it; and after you are finished. Many mistakes, some dangerous, result from mixing the wrong chemicals. Material Safety Data Sheets are available in the stockroom, Sci 305. Other safety information is available in the Chemistry Reading Room.
13. Smoking, eating, drinking, and applying cosmetics in the lab or experimental work area are forbidden.
14. Report all accidents, injuries, and close-calls to your professor or teaching assistant immediately.
15. Dispose of chemicals properly. Nothing goes down the drain unless your professor or teaching assistant instructs you to do so. Containers should be available for waste chemicals. Broken glass goes in special receptacles.
16. Never return unused reagents to the reagent bottle. Be careful to take only what you actually need. Do not contaminate the reagents.
17. Clean up all spills immediately. This includes water.
18. If the experiment deals with something to which you are allergic, consult with your professor or teaching assistant.
19. Treat all chemicals with the respect they deserve. Know the hazards before you handle the material.
20. Never take chemicals, supplies, or equipment out of the laboratory.
21. Wash off chemicals splashed or spilled on your skin, body, or eyes immediately and for 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Notify your professor or teaching assistant.
22. Clean your lab bench, put away all equipment and reagents, and wash your hands at the end of each work session.
23. Consult with your professor, teaching assistant, or the Chemical Hygiene Officer about any questions you may have regarding safety.

Adapted from Laboratory Safety Workshop, Science Safety Rules and Procedures Agreement.