Laboratories are inherently more dangerous places. Within them are materials and equipment that can be dangerous if not handled properly. Many materials are inert; however, a great many more materials are hazardous and can be toxic, flammable, caustic or even explosive if handled improperly. Therefore, no tolerance will be allowed for those that fail to follow instructions.You will be issued a numbered drawer containing most of the equipment needed for the experiments. These drawers will be locked at the end of the laboratory period. You will not be sharing a lab drawer with any other labs. You have paid a laboratory fee that will cover the replacement cost of any lost or broken items. To replace something ask the Laboratory Teaching Assistant or the Instructor and we will replace the missing item. You may leave your goggles or any other personal items in your drawer.
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You are never to go into the chemical stockroom for any reason.
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Learn where the safety and first-aid equipment is located. This includes fire extiguishers and eye-wash stations. Notify the instructor immediately in the case of an accident.
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Laboratory goggles will be required at all times. Students failing to comply will be asked to leave. Also at all times in the laboratory you will have on appropriate lab wear. This includes not wearing shorts, short skirts, any open-toed shoes, tank tops, any short shirts or any clothing the instructor deems inappropriate.
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NO food or drinks are allowed in the lab.
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Proper laboratory conduct is essential. Unauthorized experimentation will not be tolerated. Students observed improperly handling chemicals would be asked to leave the lab. Persistent violations will result in withdraw from the lab.
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A laboratory assistant will be present to help answer questions and to assist with equipment and chemicals. This assistant has authority in the lab and is fully supported by the instructor, which has the authority in the lab.
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Laboratory work is required to be neat and consistent with university quality work in all ways including grammar and syntax. Calculations are required to be complete, showing work for 1 complete set of data, and must include appropriate significant figures and units. Work not living up to a reasonable quality will not be graded.
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For your information, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are located at a Right-to-Know station in the laboratory.
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Individuals are responsible for equipment in their possession. Insure that equipment is properly put away and the laboratory drawers and work areas are clean. This includes maintaining cleanliness of reagent chemicals and laboratory balances.
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The greatest hazard to laboratory success and an important safety issue is the contamination of chemicals. Always strive to maintain reagent cleanliness at all times. Utilize techniques taught.
