8

Research with
Chemistry
Quarter 1 – Module 3 & 4:
Chemistry Laboratory Safety
Precautions, Rules,
and Techniques
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Chemistry Laboratory Safety Precautions, Rules and Techniques
First Edition, 2020

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 8
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Chemistry Laboratory Safety
Precautions, Rules,
and Techniques
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the Research with Chemistry 8 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on
Chemistry Laboratory Safety Precautions, Rules and Techniques!
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both from
public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping the learners
meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social,
and economic constraints in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent learning
activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help learners acquire
the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of the
module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that will
help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module. You also
need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage their own learning.
Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks
included in the module.
For the learner:
Welcome to the Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Chemistry Laboratory Safety
Precautions, Rules and Techniques!
The hand is one of the most symbolized parts of the human body. It is often used to depict
skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create, and accomplish. Hence,
the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner is capable and empowered
to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your
academic success lies in your own hands!
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for guided
and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to process the
contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

This will give you an idea of the skills or

What I Need to Know
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.
This part includes an activity that aims to check
What I Know
what you already know about the lesson to take.
 If you get all the answers correct (100%), you may
decide to skip this module.
This is a brief drill or review to help you link the
What’s In
current lesson with the previous one.

In this portion, the new lesson will be introduced

What’s New
to you in various ways such as a story, a song, a
poem, a problem opener, an activity or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of the
What is It
lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent practice

to solidify your understanding and skills of the
topic. You may check the answers to the exercises
using the Answer Key at the end of the module.
This includes questions or blank
What I Have Learned
sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process what
you learned from the lesson.
This section provides an activity which will help
What I Can Do
you transfer your new knowledge or skill into real
life situations or concerns.
This is a task which aims to evaluate your level of
Assessment
mastery in achieving the learning competency.

In this portion, another activity will be given to

Additional Activities
you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the lesson
learned. This also tends retention of learned
concepts.
This contains answers to all activities in the
Answer Key
module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing this

module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to
consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.
 We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain
deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master the
Chemistry Laboratory Safety Precautions, Rules and Techniques. The scope of this module
permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence
of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the
textbook you are now using.

The module is composed of two lessons:

• Lesson 3 – Chemistry Laboratory Safety Precautions
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. become familiar with the chemistry laboratory rules and safety precautions; and
2. explain the rules for safety in the chemistry laboratory

• Lesson 4 – Chemistry Laboratory Rules and Techniques

1. determine the basic techniques and common operations used in the chemistry
laboratory; and

2. appreciate the importance of following proper laboratory techniques to avoid accidents

and achieve maximum efficiency

What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What laboratory symbol is used to denote the presence ionized substances which
carries energy to liberate electrons from molecules/atoms? Refer to the photo on the
right side.

A. Biohazard C. Ionizing radiation hazard

B. Toxic material D. Non-ionizing hazard

2. In reading the measurement of a volume using graduated cylinder, your eyes must be
in what position?
A. Above the level of the meniscus of liquid inside the graduated cylinder
B. Below the level of the meniscus of liquid inside the graduated cylinder
C. Directly above the level of the meniscus of liquid inside the graduated cylinder
D. Directly to the level of the meniscus of liquid inside the graduated cylinder
3. Which of the following statements BEST describes the proper protective equipment to
be worn inside a laboratory?
A. Laboratory gown, goggles, face shields, medical gloves, and closed shoes
B. Apron, face shield, medical gloves, sandals
C. Laboratory gown, goggles, and closed shoes It holds the glassware and
porcelain during heating
D. White apron, slippers, plastic gloves, and face shield
4. Which of the following steps should not be performed in diluting an acid solution?
A. Use a stirring rod to guide the acid solution into a beaker.
B. Gradually pour the acid solution into the water.
C. Gradually pour the water into acid solution.
D. Slightly tilt the stirring rod at an angle of 45° to prevent spilling.
5. Common Chemistry laboratory equipment include a wide range of tools,
apparatuses and instruments that are all essential for performing and conducting
research and experiments. If evaporating dish is used in evaporation, Fractioning
flask and condenser are tools used to perform what particular laboratory
technique?
A. evaporation B. Filtration C. Decantation D. Distillation

Lesson Chemistry Laboratory Safety

3 Precautions

Chemistry is an experimental science that would require you, as students, to

investigate chemical phenomena, verify chemical principles, test hypotheses or explore the
environment. An ideal laboratory should be equipped with scientific apparatus and
equipment to ensure; moreover, the students must be aware of the different safety
precautions and rules to observe inside a chemistry laboratory. As well as the proper way of
handling chemical substances, apparatuses and equipment in order to have smooth and safe
performance all the activities required. In order to obtain efficiency, safety and conclusive
results performance of appropriate laboratory techniques is required.

What’s In

In the previous lesson, you have learned about the Common Laboratory Apparatuses and
Equipment used in Chemistry Laboratory.

• Laboratory apparatuses can be classified into two: glass wares and porcelains
and metal equipment and its accessories. These classifications help you to
distinguish and determine the different usage of common laboratory
apparatuses you always see inside a laboratory.
• The material, composition and structures of each laboratory apparatus have
been significantly considered in the usage for experiments. Thus, apparatus
made from hard glass that composed of boro-aluminosilicate is highly
recommended to be used in advanced experimentation. Also, porcelain
 apparatuses are recommended to be used in experiments which require
extremely hot temperature.
• Glass wares are divide into two groups: Volumetric glasswares and Non-
Volumetric glasswares in which volumetric apparatuses includes apparatuses
that measure the amount of liquids in accurate and precise manner,
Furthermore, Non-Volumetric glasswares include all the apparatuses that
measure the estimated amount of liquid substance but more often used to
contain, to mix, to heat, to stir, and to transfer solutions/substances in a
simple and advanced experimentation.
• Metal equipment and accessories are also important devices in experiments
because these apparatuses are used to support, to hold, to maintain the
stability of porcelain and glass wares upon doing the different laboratory
experiments such as heating process, evaporation, distillation, decantation
processes and even in titration processes.
• Moreover, heating apparatuses have a big role in different processes to
administer. The use of alcohol lamp over Bunsen burner, also using of wire
gauze or clay triangle to support/protect the glass wares in direct contact
with heat.

Let’s Review:
Matching Type: Match the description and usage of each laboratory apparatus in
Column A to its laboratory name in Column B. Write your answers in a separate
sheet of paper.

Column A
Column B
1. used to separate mixtures of two
liquids with different boiling A. Condenser
points
2. a graduated glass tube used to B. Bunsen Burner
measure accurate measurement
of fixed volume C. Separatory Funnel
3. a device used to furnish heat
using gas or fuel D. Graduated Pipette
4. used for cooling the vapors back
to liquid state
E. Crucible and Lid
5. a container used for heating or
melting small amount of
substances that requires extreme F. Fractioning Flask
heat and temperature
 What’s New
Activity 1 - True or False: Determine whether the following statement/s
are true or not. If the statement/s is true write the word SAFETY and the
statement/s is incorrect write the word DANGER. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. ____________ Dispose of broken glassware in designated containers.
2. ____________ Directly inhale the fumes of the chemical substances you
examine to determine its odor.
3. ____________ Slowly pour and stir the acids in water when diluting acid
solution.
4. ____________ When heating a liquid in a test tube, direct the mouth of the
test tube towards yourself and the others.
5. ____________ Read and understand all the steps in the procedure before
doing the activity.

What is It
Inside a laboratory there are rules and safety precautions to
be observed upon doing simple or advanced experiments. Teachers, students, and
professionals must be aware of these rules and precautions to avoid accidents and
injuries inside a laboratory. Moreover, it enables us to do our work safely and enjoy
the learning you can get from different laboratory activities. Here are some of the
Rules and Safety precautions to be observed and remembered.

A. Personal Safety
1. Use safety goggles, remove dangling jewelry, and wear a laboratory gown or
apron in the laboratory.
2. Tie back or pin long hair and fasten long sleeves when working with flames.
3. Wear closed shoes and keep your shoes on in the laboratory to protect your
feet in cases of breakage or spills.
4. Keep your hands off your face and never taste any chemicals or edible materials
when working in laboratory.
5. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after each laboratory activity.
6. Bring only necessary materials needed in laboratory activities, gadgets or any
electronic devices must be put away from the laboratory table.
7. Eating and drinking while performing an activity is prohibited inside the
laboratory room.
8. In case you cut or burn yourself accidentally, wash your wound with water.
Then, report to the teacher for proper treatment.
9. In case you accidentally splash a chemical substance in your eyes, wash your
eyes with water for five minutes and get first aid from the teacher or medical
staff.
B. Safe Laboratory Techniques

1. Read and understand all the steps in the procedure before doing the activity.
When in doubt, clarify the steps with your teacher.
2. Perform only the assigned activity with supervision of your teacher. Also do not
take any chemical or equipment outside the laboratory without permission of
your teacher.
3. In pipetting use a suction bulb not your mouth to suck air. Also never leave
lighted burners or ongoing experiments unattended.
4. Always pour and stir slowly the acid into water when diluting acid solutions to
release heat. Never pour water directly into concentrated acids.
5. Never point the test tube to yourself or anyone when heating a liquid.
C. Safety in using Laboratory Equipment
1. Determine the location and learn how to use the following equipment such as
fire extinguisher, safety shower, eye-wash faucet, fume hood, fire blanket and
first aid cabinet.
2. Use a hot plate instead of an open flame whenever a flammable liquid is within
the working area.
3. Use dispensing apparatuses such as droppers or capillary pipette when getting
liquid chemicals from their containers.
4. Clean and return all equipment used for every experimental activity.
5. Use different ceramic spatula in getting solid chemicals from their containers
and do not pour back the excess chemicals to its container when it is exposed
in the air already.
D. Safe Disposal of Glasswares or Chemicals
1. Dispose of broken glassware in designated containers.
2. Dispose of chemicals as follows:
a. Neutralize acids and bases before flushing them down the drain or disposing
of them in designated waste containers.
b. Dilute salt solutions before flushing them down to drain
c. Place heavy metal solutions in designated containers provide for them.
3. Do Not Throw solid wastes in the sink as these can clog.
 Lesson Chemistry Laboratory Rules and
4 Techniques

What’s More

Aside from learning the different safety precautions, rules, and hazardous
symbols to be observed inside a chemistry laboratory, you must also study and learn
the proper techniques and processes to be performed from a simple experiment to
advanced experiments. These common laboratory techniques must be observed and
important for you to perform to your utmost ability and to gauge conclusive data,
results, and recommendations.

I. Determining and Measuring volume of liquids

A. Using Graduated Cylinder

1. In measuring the volume of liquids using the calibrated glassware,
position your eye with reference to the “curved surface” of the
liquid called the meniscus.
2. To obtain the correct volume reading, the eye level should be at the
level of the meniscus.
3. If the position of the eye is above the meniscus, the volume reading
is “too low”.
4. If the position of the eye is below the meniscus, the volume reading
is “too high”.

Too high

Proper line of sight

Too low meniscus

Figure 1. Measuring Volume using Graduated Cylinder

B. Using Pipette
 1. Use pipette to measure small and exact volume desired.
2. Rinse pipette with liquid to be measured before using.
3. After rinsing, add enough liquid to the beaker to fill the pipette above
the mark. Dip its tip in the liquid.
4. Hold the pipette vertically and draw liquid up the graduation mark
using aspirator.
Note: Suction by mouth should never be done with corrosive and
volatile liquids.
5. Use index finger to maintain liquid level above graduation mark.
6. Tilt pipette slightly and wipe any spill on the outside surface.
7. Allow the liquid to flow freely down the wall of the receiver.

Figure 2. Measuring Volume using Pipette

II. Heating Liquids and Solids/Chemicals

A. Heating using test tube

1. Pour the desired amount of liquid into the test tube and be sure that
the level of the liquid is only half the length of the test tube.
2. Grip the test tube firmly with a test tube holder.
3. Hold the test tube at an angle of 45° and heat its contents by passing
the filled portion back and forth above the flame.
4. Never look directly into the tube and never point it to anyone.
Note: Formation and expansion of steam may cause the hot solution
to spatter out of the test tube.
5. Do not cover the test tube with rubber or cork while heating. This may
cause breakage of test tube due to pressure build up.
Note:
If the liquid is heated above the level of the liquid, the test tube
is most likely to crack.
B. Heating using test tube mounted on an Iron stand
1. Clamp test tube at the upper portion on an iron stand.
2. Hold the burner and pass the flame underneath.

C. Heating using test Beaker or Flask

1. Use beaker or flask when heating large amount of liquid.
2. Clamp an iron ring into an iron stand.
3. Place wire gauze over an iron ring to prevent direct heating.
 Note: The wire gauze produces a more uniform heating of vessels and
prevent cracking of vessel due to sudden temperature.
4. Light the burner to a blue flame and place it under the iron ring. The
tip of the burner should be 1 inch from the wire gauze.

D. Heating solid in a porcelain crucible

1. Solids may be heated to a high temperature in a porcelain crucible
supported by a clay triangle.
2. The crucible is carefully placed in a triangle, either upright or at an
angle.

Figure 3. Heating Liquids and Solids in a test tube, test tube mounted in an
iron stand, in a beaker and crucible

III. Measuring thermometer reading

1. When taking thermometer reading, your eye should be at the same level as
the top of the mercury column.
IV. Handling Acids
1. In preparing acid solution, always add ACID to WATER.
2. The acid must be poured gradually to prevent sudden generation of heat.
3. If water is added to the acid, there might be a sudden generation of heat,
which might cause spattering burn to your skin or garments.

acid water
acid
water

Right Wrong

Figure 4. Handling of Acids

V. Preparing Filter Paper
1. Fold the filter paper along its diameter then fold
it again to a quadrant. Trim the edge fit to the
funnel.
2. Tear off the corner of the closed fold.
3. Open with three folds on one side and one other.
4. Fit filter paper into the funnel, moistening with
water so that it adheres to the glass funnel.

Figure 5. Preparing Filter

Paper
VI. Determining Odor
1. Open the reagent bottle and hold it about 15 cm from
your face. Same procedure when determining the
order of the heated substance you are examining.
2. Gently fan the vapors towards your nostrils. Do not
inhale fumes directly.
3. Just sniff it since many substances are poisonous.
Figure 6. Smelling of
solutions

VII. Transferring Solid and Liquid Chemicals

1. Wipe off the dust from the cover of the container.
2. Prepare the watch glass or dish for solid reagent to be scooped out. It
should be clean and dry with proper label.
3. It is advised that you shake the bottle to separate its contents before
opening the bottle.
4. Solids may be transferred from a stock bottle using a clean spatula.
5. To transfer large quantities into wide mouthed containers, tilt the bottle
and rotate it back and forth.
6. To transfer solid substances into a test tube, pour the granulated solid in
a creased paper strip and transfer it into the test tube.
7. Be sure to close the reagent bottle tightly with the correct stopper.

Figure 7. Transferring Solid and Liquid Chemicals

Activity 2: Choose the best statement/explanation in each practical scenario
demonstrated below.

1. John was instructed by her teacher to read and record the volume of water
and colored liquid prepared by his classmates. How should he read the volume
of a colored and clear liquid using the graduated cylinder?

A. Lay the graduated cylinder on a flat surface with the liquid surface is above
your eye level. Then read the measurement above the meniscus.
B. Hold and put the graduated cylinder on your palm and look at the liquid
substance in downward motion. Then read the measurement at the bottom
of the meniscus.
C. Lay the graduated cylinder on a flat surface and position your eye directly
to the level of the curved surface of the liquid. After that read, the
measurement using the horizontal line that you will see near the meniscus.
D. Look at the height of the liquid in the cylinder with your eyes directly to
the level with the liquid while handling it in your palm. Read the
measurement at the bottom of the meniscus.

2. Max was assigned to heat the sugar solution they prepared. How will she
perform this without any problem?

A. Hold the test tube together with the solution on it and directly place it
over the flame of Bunsen burner.
B. Hold the test tube with sugar solution using test tube holder. Then tilt
the test tube at 45° angle before passing the filled portion back and
forth above the flame of Bunsen burner.
C. Hold the test tube with sugar solution using test tube holder. Then tilt
the test tube at 35° angle before passing the filled portion back and
forth above the flame of Bunsen burner.
D. Hold the test tube at 45° angle using crucible tongs and put a cover in
it while heating.

3. Loraine was performing a heating process experiment in which the experiment

requires her to determine the color changes, appearance and odor of copper
(II) sulfate pentahydrate after the heating process. How can she determine the
odor of the chemical substance she was using?

A. Gently remove the solution from the flame and hold the test tube right
in front of her nose and inhale the fumes coming from the solution.
B. Gently remove the solution from the flame and hold it about 15 cm from
your face.
C. Gently fan the vapors towards your nostrils and sniff the fumes that
comes from the solution.
D. The statement in option B and C.
4. Claudia was about to transfer the concentrated solution he made in
Erlenmeyer flask into a beaker. How can he transfer the concentrated solution
into a wide-mouthed container without spilling it?

A. Let the neck of the Erlenmeyer flask touch the rim of the beaker and slowly
pour the concentrated solution.
B. Put a glass rod inside the beaker and use this as guide in pouring the
concentrated solution from the Erlenmeyer flask into the beaker.
C. The statements in option A and B is both correct.
D. The statements in option A and B is both incorrect.

5. Kyle and his members wipe and clean the working table every time they are
using it in experiments. Why do you think Kyle and his members always check
the orderliness and neatness of the working table while doing their laboratory
experiments?

A. Kyle and his friends are trained by their parents to become neat and
organized.
B. They are following the process of scientific method and prevent the
unnecessary chemical reaction to their work.
C. They are preventing any confusion in the processes to follow also avoid
contaminants present in the working table that may affect the results of
their work.
D. The statement in option A and C is significantly incorrect.
E. The statement in option B and C is significantly correct.
 What I Have Learned

Activity 3: Direction: Complete the concept map below by filling up the boxes with
the appropriate concepts using the linking words/phrases as guide on how these
concepts are related to each other. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Concepts:
Know the first aid station Clean and return all the Use droppers in transferring
equipment used liquid
Laboratory gown Safety Medical gloves
Personal Safety Goggles Tie up your long hair
Danger Safe laboratory symbols Toxic material
Neutralize acids before Broken glassware put in a Explosive hazard
flushing closed container
Safety in using laboratory General warning Safe disposal of Glassware or
equipment chemicals
Do not leave burners Flammable material Avoid throwing solid wastes
unattended in sinks

Safety Laboratory Rules and

Precautions

may be grouped into

2 3 4
1

May be examples are examples are

examples are
15
5 6

16 17
11 12 18
examples are

13
14 20
9 19
7

8
10
 Activity 4: Direction: Complete the concept map below by filling up the boxes with
the appropriate concepts using the linking words/phrases as guide on how these
concepts are related to each other. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Funnel Wire gauze Heating substances

Spatula Creased paper Transferring liquid chemicals
Glass rod Test tube holder Transferring solid chemicals
Chemistry laboratory Chemistry laboratory Chemistry safety rules
techniques precautions

includes

3 4
2

uses uses uses

5 6

7 8

10
9

References
Book Sources:
Dizon, M.T.A. et al. Chemistry I Laboratory Manual. Jendel Printing Press.
Guiguinto, Bulacan. 2011.
Baguio, S.M. & Butaran, R.M. Breaking Through Chemistry Laboratory Manual. C &
E Publishing, Inc. Quezon City. 2007
Maderal, C. & Domingo, M.C.C. Chemistry: Skills Builder and Exercises. Great Minds
Book Sales, Inc. 2005
Online Sources:
Editorial Team Laboratory Info “Lab Safety Rules and Precautions” February 14, 2020
https://laboratoryinfo.com/lab-safety-rules-and-precautions/
For pictures:
https://cnx.org/contents/cmRrJEBI@1/To-measure-the-volume-of-liquid-substances
https://www.google.com/search?q=clipart%20heating%20test%20tube&tbm=isch&h
l=en&sa=X&ved=0CCAQtI8BKAFqFwoTCJCs3q3ituwCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAH&biw=
815&bih=635#imgrc=YW8zgOOYQefxkM