Safety in the Laboratory

Safety in the Laboratory

1. What safety equipment is available to you while you do your experiments? How far are they from you while you are conducting your experiments? This includes fire extinguishers, phones, showers, etc.

I plan on doing my experiments in my kitchen. The sink is 3 feet away from me and it has a sprayer hose that extends to about a foot. My shower is at the end of my hallway. My cell phone is usually in my pocket, and I have a house phone that is approximately a foot away. I currently do not own a fire extinguisher, but in case of fire that water cannot extinguish or smothering it, the fire department is about a quarter mile away.

2. What is an MSDS?

MSDS means Material Safety Data Sheets. They are safety labels that explain the chemicals you are working with. MSDS are required by OSHA. They describe physical and chemical characteristics, health and safety information, manufacturer’s information, and emergency procedures.

3. What can make glassware unusable?

Using glassware that has cracks/stars in it, makes it dangerous to use and heat.

4. When should you wear goggles in the lab?

You should wear goggles at all times in the lab.

5. How long should you wash your eyes if you get a chemical in them?

You should wash your eyes for at least 15 min if you get chemicals in them.

6. What should you do if your clothing catches on fire?

If your clothes catch on fire you should use the safety shower if possible, or stop, drop, roll, and yell. You should also use a fire blanket.

7. How should you heat the liquid in a test tube to a temperature