Experiment 1: Safety Measures During Use and Preparation of Chemical Substances
Experiment 1: Safety Measures During Use and Preparation of Chemical Substances
Experiment 1: Safety Measures During Use and Preparation of Chemical Substances
CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES
Objectives
1. Practice the laboratory safety rules and regulation when working in the laboratory.
Procedures
Activity 1
In chemistry lab, there are various safety aid/equipment that are provided for the
students. Identify and make a list of this lab safety aid/equipment (at least 5), state the
function.
Activity 2
One of the safety measures when preparing chemical substances is to read the label
on the chemical bottles or container to make sure the right substance is used. Work in
pairs, choose 5 different labels presented on the chemical bottle or container. Then,
make a list of the safety labels and its function.
Activity 1
Names of Safety Aids Function
Activity 2
Chemical Hazard Type Labels Function
Symbols
Discussion
Based on the result in activity 1, now we know how to handle the chemicals and equipment in
the proper way. It is very important to know the safety aid/equipment when you are in the
laboratory while handling the various type of chemicals.
For activity 2, we learn how to handle the waste disposal. Chemical wastes should be divided
into aqueous solutions, solutions containing heavy metals, water-insoluble waste, chlorinated
solvents and peroxides. Besides that, we also learn the chemical hazard symbols for each of
the chemicals in the laboratory.
Questions
1. According to the dress code, what should you wear in the laboratory?
- A shirt that covers the stomach and lower back as well as the upper arms. Long
pants (An acceptable, but not reccommended, alternative is to wear shorts, a skirt,
or a lab coat such that your knees are covered when you are sitting down.)
2. What type of goggles should you wear and when should you wear them?
- The type of safety eye protection you should wear depends on the hazards in your
workplace: If you are working in an area that has particles, flying objects or dust,
you must at least wear safety glasses with side protection (side shields). If you are
working with chemicals, you must wear goggles.
-It is recommended that contact lenses not be permitted in the laboratory. The
reasons for this prohibition are :
(1) if a corrosive liquid should splash in the eye, the natural reflex to clamp the
eyelids shut makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to remove the contact lens
before damage is done.
(2) the plastic used in contact lenses is permeable to some of the vapors found in the
laboratory. These vapors can be trapped behind the lenses and can cause extensive
irritation.
Conclusion
From this experiment, we are able to practice the laboratory safety rules and regulation when
working in the laboratory. We are also can explain the function of safety equipment in the
laboratory and the chemical signs on chemical bottles/containers.
References
(1) Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work : An ILO code of practice. Geneva, Internal
Labour Office, 1993.
(2) Prof. Robert H. Hill, Jr., Prof. David C. Finster . (2011). Laboratory safety for
chemistry students. United Kingdom.