Lab Safety

 If you do not understand a direction or part of a lab procedure, you should 

• skip it and go on to the next part.
• ask the instructor before proceeding
• try several methods until something works
• figure it out as you do the lab

 After completing an experiment, all chemical wastes should be

• taken home
• dumped in the sink
• disposed of according to your instructor’s directions
• left at your lab station for the next class

You are heating a substance in a test tube. Always point the open end of the tube 

• away from all people
• toward another classmate
• toward your lab partner
• toward yourself

Long hair in the laboratory must be 

• tied back or kept entirely out of the way with a hair band, hairpins, or other confining device
• always neatly groomed
• held away from the experiment with one hand
• cut short

In a laboratory, the following should not be worn. 

• all of the answers
• dangling jewelry
• sandals
• loose clothing

When you finish working with chemicals, biological specimens, and other lab substances, always 

• wipe your hands on your clothes
• wipe your hands on a towel
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
• treat your hands with skin lotion

Hot glass looks the same as cold glass.

• True
• False

Return all unused chemicals to their original containers.

• True
• False

Chipped or cracked glassware is okay to use.

• True
• False

You are heating a piece of glass and now want to pick it up. You should... 

• pour cold water on it.
• use tongs.
• pick up the end that looks cooler.
• use a rag or paper towels.