PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ALGERIA

MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

FERHAT ABBAS UNIVERSITY OF SETIF 1

FACULTY OF SCIENCES
Department of Chemistry

General Chemistry Laboratory Guide Line

(Chemical-Laboratory-Safety-and-Security)

Dr. NOUAR Yacine Associate Professor

Dr. KHIREDDINE Ahlem Assistant Professor
Dr. MERABET Ayachi Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Sciences
University Ferhat Abbas of Setif 1

Academic Year: 2023/2024

 LABORATORY SAFETY

INTRODUCTION
The chemistry laboratory is a very interesting place to work. The chemist, analyst, and technician can
have a lot of fulfilling times enjoying the tasks and duties associated with being an analyst. However, the
practice of safety in the chemistry laboratory is a vital aspect to keeping a safe, productive, and healthy
environment for everyone. All those working in the laboratory need to realize the potential hazards of the
laboratory and must know the emergency procedures associated with laboratory accidents. All of the work or
experiments performed in the laboratory need to follow the specific safety instructions or procedures in
place. While there are specific rules associated with each laboratory, all laboratories follow the basic core
safety and emergency policies that are outlined in this chapter. As a good housekeeping practice, all the
chemicals must be properly organized (such as alphabetically on shelves or in flame cabinets for flammable
liquids), and labeled clearly. The proper and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn
at all times in the laboratory. Safety is something that is not only said in meetings and spoken about during
training, but must always be forefront in the thoughts and awareness of the laboratory worker, whether a
chemist, analyst, or technician.
There are some universal and general laboratory safety rules that must be followed in all chemistry
laboratories. In the simplest terms the most basic safety rules to follow include wearing proper PPE, insuring
to conduct oneself in a safe manner, and to properly handle samples, chemicals, glassware, and apparatus.
1. PROPER PERSONAL PROTECTION AND APPROPRIATE ATTIRE
1.1. Proper Eye Protection
Proper eye protection must be worn at all times in the laboratory. Safety goggles are the most effective PPE
for protecting the eyes in the laboratory. Goggles are the most effective protection for the eyes from splashed
chemicals. Unlike safety glasses, goggles cover, and enclose the eyes completely thus giving the maximum
protection from splashed chemicals. Figure 1 illustrates proper safety glasses (a) and goggles (b).
Prescription normal everyday eye glasses from the eye doctor are not considered proper eye protection. They
are not of sufficient strength to protect the eye from a hard contact such as from flying debris. Contact lenses
alone are never allowed to be worn in a chemistry laboratory.

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 FIGURE 1: Examples of proper safety glasses (a)
and goggles (b).

FIGURE 2: Typical white laboratory coat.

Many different chemical vapors may accumulate and then concentrate under the lenses, eventually causing
serious eye damage.
Special light such as lasers, ultraviolet light, welding and glassblowing require the use of specialized glasses
which are coated to block harmful radiation. Prescription safety glasses are allowed in the laboratory and are
often offered as a choice for safety glasses.
1.2. Proper Laboratory Coats
Proper laboratory coats should be worn at all times in the laboratory. The laboratory coat is very important to
protect against chemical spills, chemical splashes, chemical vapors, cold, heat, and moisture. The coat
protects both you and your cloths helping to minimize the contamination of clothes worn by laboratory
workers. Laboratory coats are available from chemical supply companies such as VWR International,
Laboratory Safety Supply, Fisher Scientific, and Sigma-Aldrich. Figure 2 illustrates examples of laboratory
coats. Laboratory coats must be worn and stored in the laboratory to prevent spreading chemicals outside the
laboratory such as wearing the laboratory coat home or in the car. This can possibly contaminate the car or
home with whatever chemicals are on the coat. If corrosive or toxic chemicals contaminate the laboratory
coats, the coat should be removed and disposed as a hazardous chemical waste. Usually, the laboratory that
the technician is working at will have a system of collecting and sending the dirty laboratory coats out for
washing and cleaning.
2. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a sheet providing detailed information of a specific chemical or
chemical mixtures regarding the chemical, physical, and safety properties. It is a very important component
for the safety environment and workplace.
It provides detailed safety procedure for employees and emergency personnel to safely expose to the
particular chemical.
All MSDS of chemicals should be saved and stored in an easy to access place for professional workers and
emergency personnel. Much useful information can be obtained from MSDS such as:

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1. Physical and chemical properties (chemical composition, melting point, boiling point, solubility,
density, pH, odor and flash point, etc).
2. Health effects.
3. Toxicological information.
4. First aid measures.
5. Stability and reactivity.
6. Handling and storage.
7. Disposal considerations.
8. Ecological information.
9. Spill handling procedures.
10. Exposure control/ protective equipment/ personal protection.
In working in chemical environments, safety and health information can be accessible to workers by the
MSDS, chemical product labels, and education/training programs. MSDS provides not only the particular
substance’s chemical and physical properties but also instructions and procedures for the chemical to be used
properly and safely as well as point out the potential hazards related to the specific substance. MSDS should
be available to all employees that are potentially exposed to chemicals or hazards.
This is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). MSDS is used for
professional workers as well as accessible to fire departments and emergency officials.
All chemical products are required to label clearly the following: name of product, name of
manufacturer, hazard symbols, hazard risk phrases, proper use of the product, first aid, and reference
to the MSDS. The product’s label provides brief, clear information of the chemical, where the detailed
technical data are contained in MSDS.
Chemistry Laboratory Exercises
Objective of Safety Rules:
 To maintain saftiness throughout the whole experiment (Explain Obligation / Prohibition).
Some safety rules:
 Do Not Pipette By Mouth – Ever
 Read the Chemical Safety Information
 Dress Appropriately (for chemistry lab, not fashion or the weather)
 Identify the Safety Equipment
 Don't Taste or Sniff Chemicals
 Don't Casually Dispose of Chemicals Down the Drain
 Don't Eat or Drink in Lab
 Don't Play Mad Scientist
 Take Data During Lab

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 Chemical-Laboratory-Safety-and-Security
General lab safety rules
The following are rules that relate to almost every laboratory and should be included in most safety policies.
They cover what you should know in the event of an emergency, proper signage, safety equipment, safely
using laboratory equipment, and basic common-sense rules.
1. Be sure to read all fire alarm and safety signs and follow the instructions in the event of an accident or
emergency.
2. Ensure you are fully aware of your facility's/building's evacuation procedures.
3. Make sure you know where your lab's safety equipment—including first aid kit(s), fire extinguishers, eye
wash stations, and safety showers—is located and how to properly use it.
4. Know emergency phone numbers to use to call for help in case of an emergency.
5. Lab areas containing carcinogens, radioisotopes, biohazards, and lasers should be properly marked with
the appropriate warning signs.
6. Open flames should never be used in the laboratory unless you have permission from a qualified
supervisor.
7. Make sure you are aware of where your lab's exits and fire alarms are located.
8. An area of 36" diameter must be kept clear at all times around all fire sprinkler heads.
9. If there is a fire drill, be sure to turn off all electrical equipment and close all containers.
10. Always work in properly-ventilated areas.
11. Do not chew gum, drink, or eat while working in the lab.
12. Laboratory glassware should never be utilized as food or beverage containers.
13. Each time you use glassware, be sure to check it for chips and cracks. Notify your lab supervisor of any
damaged glassware so it can be properly disposed of.
14. Never use lab equipment that you are not approved or trained by your supervisor to operate.
15. If an instrument or piece of equipment fails during use, or isn't operating properly, report the issue to a
technician right away. Never try to repair an equipment problem on your own.
16. If you are the last person to leave the lab, make sure to lock all the doors and turn off all ignition
sources.
17. Do not work alone in the lab.
18. Never leave an ongoing experiment unattended.
19. Never lift any glassware, solutions, or other types of apparatus above eye level.
20. Never smell or taste chemicals.
21. Do not pipette by mouth.
22. Make sure you always follow the proper procedures for disposing lab waste.
23. Report all injuries, accidents, and broken equipment or glass right away, even if the incident seems
small or unimportant.
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24. If you have been injured, yell out immediately and as loud as you can to ensure you get help.
25. In the event of a chemical splashing into your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush the affected
area(s) with running water for at least 20 minutes.
26. If you notice any unsafe conditions in the lab, let your supervisor know as soon as possible.
Laboratory housekeeping rules
1. Always keep your work area(s) tidy and clean.
2. Make sure that all eye wash stations, emergency showers, fire extinguishers, and exits are always
unobstructed and accessible.
3. Only materials you require for your work should be kept in your work area. Everything else should be
stored safely out of the way.
4. Only lightweight items should be stored on top of cabinets; heavier items should always be kept at the
bottom.
5. Solids should always be kept out of the laboratory sink.
6. Any equipment that requires air flow or ventilation to prevent overheating should always be kept clear.
Personal protection safety rules
1. When working with equipment, hazardous materials, glassware, heat, and/or chemicals, always wear face
shields or safety glasses.
2. When handling any toxic or hazardous agent, always wear the appropriate gloves.
3. When performing laboratory experiments, you should always wear a smock or lab coat.
4. Before leaving the lab or eating, always wash your hands.
5. After performing an experiment, you should always wash your hands with soap and water.
6. When using lab equipment and chemicals, be sure to keep your hands away from your body, mouth, eyes,
and face.
Dress code safety rules
1. Always tie back hair that is chin-length or longer.
2. Make sure that loose clothing or dangling jewelry is secured, or avoid wearing it in the first place.
3. Never wear sandals or other open-toed shoes in the lab. Footwear should always cover the foot
completely.
4. Never wear shorts or skirts in the lab.
5. When working with Bunsen burners, lighted splints, matches, etc., acrylic nails are not allowed.
Chemical safety rules
1. Every chemical should be treated as though it were dangerous.
2. Do not allow any solvent to come into contact with your skin.
3. All chemicals should always be clearly labeled with the name of the substance, its concentration, the date
it was received, and the name of the person responsible for it.
4. Before removing any of the contents from a chemical bottle, read the label twice.
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5. Never take more chemicals from a bottle than you need for your work.
6. Do not put unused chemicals back into their original container.
7. Chemicals or other materials should never be taken out of the laboratory.
8. Chemicals should never be mixed in sink drains.
9. Flammable and volatile chemicals should only be used in a fume hood.
10. If a chemical spill occurs, clean it up right away.
11. Ensure that all chemical waste is disposed of properly.
Chemistry lab safety rules
1. Before you start an experiment, make sure you are fully aware of the hazards of the materials you'll be
using.
2. When refluxing, distilling, or transferring volatile liquids, always exercise extreme caution.
3. Always pour chemicals from large containers to smaller ones.
4. Never pour chemicals that have been used back into the stock container.
5. Never tap flasks that are under vacuum.
6. Chemicals should never be mixed, measured, or heated in front of your face.
7. Water should not be poured into concentrated acid. Instead, pour acid slowly into water while stirring
constantly. In many cases, mixing acid with water is exothermic.

Hazard Categories and Risk Levels

Chemicals are grouped into categories based on their physical and health hazards. Most of the
chemical categories in the DRS laboratory hazard profile are based on the Globally Harmonized System
(GHS), a new system of chemical hazard classification and labeling that was adopted by OSHA. See
Chemical Hazard Classification (GHS) for more information on GHS hazard categories, SDS organization,
and label elements. The hazard assessment for chemicalsfocuses on the major chemical hazard categories
that are most relevant for establishing safe work practices in a laboratory. Not all GHS hazard categories are
captured. The following GHS categories are included:
 Acutely toxic (severe);
 Health hazard (carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, target organ toxicity, and respiratory
sensitizers);
 Corrosives;
 Flammable liquids;
 Flammable solids;
 Oxidizers;
 Pyrophorics;
 Water reactives;
 Explosive material;

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  Compressed gases (inert, flammable, oxidizing, toxic, pyrophoric).
In addition, the following non-GHS chemical hazards are included:
 Cryogens;
 Nanomaterials;
 Radioactives;
 Peroxide-forming chemicals.
Based on the severity of the hazard and/or the amount used in the laboratory, each chemical hazard category
is assigned a risk level of low, moderate, or high. The table below defines the risk levels for each category.
Be aware that the risk levels indicate an overall assessment for materials in the laboratory. A “low” risk level
does NOT mean that use of the chemical cannot pose a risk.
Risk Level Risk Level Risk Level
Hazard Category Definition
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Any substance that can cause minor or serious illness or death on
exposure. These substances have a GHS classification of acute toxicity Storage of Storage of
Acutely Toxic Liquids
Cat 1-3 and are identified by the skull and crossbones pictogram. *Due N/A Category 3 acute Category 1 or 2
and Solids
to the varying quantities of chemicals and their toxic effects, we do not toxins. acute toxins.
define the risk level by quantities of acutely toxic chemicals.
Inert gases are non-toxic and non-flammable but pose hazards because
Compressed Gases – they can displace oxygen, are highly pressurized, and can be extremely Present in the
N/A N/A
Inert cold or cryogenic. The placard for non-flammable gas has a green lab? Yes/No
background with white lettering.
A flammable gas is any material that is a gas at 20°C (68°F) or lower
and is also ignitable when in a mixture of 13% or less by volume with
Compressed Gases – Present in the
air, or that has a flammable range with air of at least 12% regardless of N/A N/A
Flammable lab? Yes/No
lower limit. The placard for flammable gas has a red background with
white lettering.
Oxidizing gas initiates or promotes combustion of materials, either by
Compressed Gases – Present in the
catching fire itself or by causing a fire through the release of oxygen or N/A N/A
Oxidizing lab? Yes/No
other gases.
Compressed Gases – Present in the
Toxic gases are poisonous or can cause death. N/A N/A
Toxic lab? Yes/No
Storage of
Storage of
10-20 L dilute
> 20 L dilute
Storage of (<1M) corrosive
(<1M) corrosive
< 10 L dilute liquid.
liquid.
(<1M) corrosive 5-10 L
>10 L
liquid. concentrated
Corrosive materials are chemicals that cause visible destruction or concentrated
<5L weak corrosive
Corrosives irreversible alterations in living tissue by chemical action at the site of weak corrosive
concentrated liquids.
contact. liquid.
weak corrosive <5L
≥ 5L strong
liquid. concentrated
corrosive
<100 g of strong corrosive
liquids.
corrosive solids. liquids.
>1 kg of
100 g -1 kg
corrosive solid.
corrosive solids.
Storage of Storage of
moderate cryogens in
Storage of small
quantities (5-20 excess of 20 L.
quantities (<5 L)
L) of cryogens Storage of
Materials at ultra-low temperatures (< -73.3 °C) are considered of cryogens in
in well cryogens that
Cryogens cryogenic. Hazards include freezing of tissue, asphyxiation, toxicity, well-ventilated
ventilated areas. are toxic, highly
high pressure gas hazards, flammability, and explosion hazards. areas. Examples:
Examples: Use flammable, or
1 gallon bucket
of a 10 L dewar oxidizers.
use of dry ice.
of liquid Examples: se of
nitrogen. liquid oxygen.
Chemicals that
can be explosive
in their pure form
Explosive substances are solids or liquids (or a mixture of substances) but that are
Storage of < 100 Storage ≥ 100 g
that are capable by a chemical reaction of producing gas at a shipped and
g of material of material
temperature and pressure and at a speed to cause damage to the stored in a
Explosive Materials labeled with the labeled with the
surroundings. Compounds classified as explosive, self-reactive,or stabilized form
explosive explosive
organic peroxides fall under this category. They are labeled either with (e.g. wetted) and
symbol. symbol.
the explosive symbol or the flame symbol. that are NOT
labeled with the
explosive symbol
on the container.

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 Risk Level Risk Level Risk Level
Hazard Category Definition
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Flammable liquids have a flashpoint equal to or less than 200 °F. Most
Storage of
solvents are flammable and can cause irritation and defatting when in Storage of Storage of
flammable
contact with skin. Inhalation of vapors can cause dizziness and a flammable liquids flammable
Flammable Liquids liquids in the
headache. Note: the low, moderate, and high storage quantities are less than 2 L/ 100 liquids > 6
range of 2-6
based on a conservative interpretation of NFPA 45. If you use large ft2. L/100 ft2.
L/100 ft2.
quantities of flammable liquids, contact DRS for clarification.
Flammable solids are solids that are readilycombustible or that may
Storage of less Storage of ≥500
cause or contribute to fire through friction. They can be easily ignited
Category 2 than 500 g of g Category 1
Flammable Solids by brief contact with an ignition source, and the flame spreads rapidly.
flammable solids Category 1 flammable
Pyrophorics and water-reactive solids will be captured in separate
flammable solid solids.
categories.
Compounds Compounds
classified as classified as
carcinogen, carcinogen,
mutagen, or mutagen, or
reproductive reproductive
Compounds that are identified as mutagens, carcinogens, reproductive toxin category 2. toxin category
toxins, target organ toxins, or respiratory sensitizers. Under GHS, these These 1a or 1b. These
Health Hazards compounds are identified by pictogram 1807 (“the exploding man”). N/A compounds are compounds are
Please note that this pictogram also describes other health hazards that suspected to presumed or
do not fall under this category (e.g., aspiration hazard). cause known to cause
carcinogenic carcinogenic
tumors, genetic tumors, genetic
mutation, or mutation, or
reproductive reproductive
defects defects
Non-destructive
use of
nanomaterials
Use of Use of dry
that are bound in
nanomaterials nanomaterials in
a solid matrix or
suspended in the state of
gel or
solvents with powders and
permanently
Engineered materials on the nano-scale with any external dimension potential for pellets with high
bonded to a
less than 100 nm that possess propertiesdifferent than the bulk release as potential for
Nanomaterials substrate with no
material. Biological materials such as proteins and DNA do not fall aerosols. release into air.
potential for
under this category. Example: Example:
release. Example:
Sonication of an Weighing or
using a glass slide
aqueous transferring dry
with metal nano
suspension of carbon nano
particles on the
quantum dots. tubes.
surface for
optoelectronic
measurements.
All areas in which radioactive materials are used or stored must
Radiation conspicuously display the symbol for radiation hazards and access
should be restricted to authorized personnel
A chemical not necessarily combustible that can initiate or promote
Oxidizers – Liquids and Storage of < 100 Storage of 100 – Storage of >
combustion in other materials, thereby causing fire either of itself or
Solids g 2000 g 2000 g
through the release of oxygen or other gases.
Storage of
Storage of < 100 Storage of 100 g
≥1000 g listed
Chemicals susceptible to formation of explosive peroxides over time g listed under – 1000 g listed
under Category
Peroxide forming when exposed to light or oxygen. Depending on the explosion hazard Category C. in Category C.
C. Storage of
chemicals of the peroxides formed, peroxide-forming chemicals are divided into 3 Storage of < 1000 Storage of ≥
any amount
groups. g listed in 1000 g listed in
listed under
Category B. Category B.
Category A
Use or storage
Pyrophorics A gas, liquid, or solid that ignites spontaneously in air. N/A N/A
of any quantity.
Materials that react, sometimes violently, on contact with water, Storage of < 100 Storage of 100 – Storage of >
Water Reactives
releasing toxic or flammable gas. g 1000 g 1000 g

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 Identifying Hazard Categories
Coding:
Hazards: H + number (e.g. 'R' risk phrases)
Example: H200 = Unstable explosive
Additional information: EUH + number
Example: EUH001 = Dry explosive
General precautionary statements: P + number (e.g. 'S' risk phrases)
Example: P102 = Keep out of reach of children.

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Information on the label
Labels that comply with GHS provide pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements that identify most of
the hazard categories:

Pictogram Signal
Hazard Statement Hazard Category
Word

Corrosives

Oxidizers

Explosive Material (moderate/high)

Fatal if swallowed/in contact with skin/if inhaled Acutely toxic ((1,2)

Toxic if swallowed/in contact with skin/if inhaled Acutely toxic ((3)

May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing

difficulty if …
May cause genetic defects ; May cause cancer Danger Health Hazard ((1)
May damage the fertility or the unborn child
Causes damage to organs
Suspected of causing genetic defects
Suspected of causing cancer
Warning Health Hazard ((2)
Suspected of damaging the fertility or the unborn child
May cause damage to organs
Extremely/Highly flammable liquid and vapor Flammable liquids
Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air Pyrophorics
In contact with water releases flammable gases
Water reactives
(which may ignite spontaneously)
Heating may cause a fire Explosive Material (low)
Flammable Solid (1)
Self-heating
heating (in large quantities); may catch fire
or flammable liquids
Flammable solid Danger Flammable solid ((1)
Flammable solid Warning Flammable solid ((2)

Milder health effects (Toxic/if

(Toxic inhaled) Danger Acutely toxic

Gas under pressure

Warning

Dangerous to the environment

Danger

All areas in which radioactive materials

are used or stored must conspicuously
Radiation Danger display the symbol for radiation
hazards and access should be restricted
to authorized personnel

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 Identifying Laboratory Equipment

Introduction
Scientists use a variety of tools to explore the world around them. Scientific tools are very important in
the advancement of science. The type of tools scientists use depends on the problems they are trying to
solve. A scientist may use something as simple as a metric ruler to measure the length of a textbook. In a
different investigation, the same scientist may use a thermometer to measure the temperature of a unknown
boiling liquid. However, glassware is an important and indispensible tool for the analytical laboratory
technician and chemist. Taking time to familiarize oneself with the different laboratory glassware and their
uses increases safety in the laboratory and also reduces work time and effort. Let us start by looking at some
examples of commonly used laboratory glassware.
In this activity, we will identify pieces of laboratory equipment likely to be used in a chemistry laboratory.
We will also learn the function of each piece of laboratory equipment.
Problem
What are the names and functions of some of the pieces of laboratory equipment found in a typical chemistry
laboratory?
Types of equipments and glasswares
There are several types of equipments and glasswares, depending on their fields of use, including:
- Preparation equipments ;
- Measuring equipments ;
- Reaction equipments.
Procedure
1. Look at the drawings of the laboratory equipment in Table 1 below. In the chart that follows, write the
name of each piece of laboratory equipment under the column titled “Identify It”.
2. Carefully inspect the different types of laboratory equipment that have been set out by your teacher. In
the space provided, draw the item and record the function of each piece of laboratory equipment.

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Table 1. Laboratory equipments and glasswares

Erlenmeyer Flask Beaker (becher) Monocôl Balloon Tricôl Balloon

Flat-bottomed balloon Bicôl Balloon Crystallisoir Funnel (Entonnoir)

Volumetric flask Graduated Cylinder Bromine bulb (for

Test tube (tube à essai)
(fiole jaugée) (eprouvette graduée) decanting)
0

10

20

30

40

50

Refrigerator (glass cooler) Glass coil Burette Thermometer

Mortar and Pestle Watch Glass

Bunsen burner Stand (Support, Statif)
(pillar) (Verre de montre)

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 Bowl (Pissette) Petri dish (Boite de Pétri) Bottle (Bouteille) Florence Flask

Vacuum flask and Buchner pycnometer

Dryer (desiccator) Spatula (Spatule)
(fiole à vide et Buchner) (pycnomètre)

Evaporating Dish (Plat à Pipette bulb (propipette; Crucible Tongs Ring Clamp (pince à
évaporation) piston) (pince à creuset) anneau)

5 6 5 6
4 7 4 7

3 8 3 8

2 9 2 9
1 11
10 1 10

Beaker Tongs (pince à Stir Rod (Baguette Magnetic stirrer

Forceps (Pince)
becher) d’agitation) (Agitateur magnétique)

Pipettes and Pipettes Holder Laboratory hood (Hotte)

( pH meter Analytical balances

5 6 5 6
4 7 4 7

3 8 3 8

2 9 2 9
1 11 1 10

Heating plate
Crucible (creuset) A drying oven (Etuve) Furnace (Four)
(plaque chauffante)

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