Rules and Safety Precautions

in the Laboratory
(MT633 Laboratory)

Presentation prepared by: Alifa Camille N. Santos, M.Sc.

The laboratory is a potentially dangerous place to be in.
If accidents CAN happen, it WILL happen, that’s according to Murphy’s
Law.

We could only minimize their occurrence and damage…

…minimize damage to
LIFE, LIMB, HEALTH
PROPERTY, etc.
Safety is a Cooperative Responsibility
- Dr. Jose H. Bergantin, Jr. (UST-RCNAS)
- Dr. Cristina A. Binag (UST-RCNAS)
ATTIRE
1. Wear and use proper personal protective equipment
(PPE). The prescribed lab gowns and safety goggles must
be worn at all times while in the lab. This rule applies to
all students inside the premises of the lab, whether the
student is handling chemicals or not.

2.Wearing contact lenses during experiments is

discouraged. Fumes from volatile chemicals may
accumulate under the contact lens even when wearing
safety goggles. This may cause serious injuries or even
blindness.
ATTIRE
3. If possible, minimize skin exposure inside the premises
of the laboratory. Closed toe shoes and long pants must be
worn in the lab. Sandals and shorts are not allowed.

4. For ladies, long hair must be tied back when performing

lab experiments.
CONDUCT

1. Eating and drinking are strictly prohibited inside

the lab.

2. Only the designated experiments should be

performed. Do not try any procedure not covered in
the experiment. Consult with your lab instructor if
you have questions, clarifications or suggestions
about the procedure.
CONDUCT
3. Never attempt to taste anything or put anything
used in the experiment into your mouth.

4. Avoid inhaling or sniffing any vapor or volatiles

direct from the stock bottle. However, if the
procedure requires it, use your cupped hand to waft
a small amount sample towards your nose.
CONDUCT
5. Bags and other belongings unnecessary for the
experiment should be place in the bag rack. Beware
that lab chemicals may damage your personal
possessions.

6. Always wash your hands with soap and water

after handling chemicals and before leaving the lab.
CONDUCT
7. Learn where to find the safety and first-aid
equipment. This includes fire extinguishers, showers,
and eye-wash stations.

8. Notify the instructor immediately in case of an

accident.
PROPER HANDLING OF CHEMICALS
AND EQUIPMENTS
1. Consider all chemicals to be hazardous unless
instructed. Take note of the chemical precautions
specified in each experiment.

2. Take note of the chemicals and the amount needed for

the experiment. Carefully read the label twice before
taking anything from its container. If in doubt about the
label, ask your instructors before using it or consult the
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
PROPER HANDLING OF CHEMICALS
AND EQUIPMENTS
3. Do NOT bring the reagent bottles to the working
table.

4. To avoid reagent contamination, use a transferring

apparatus that will be exclusive to a single reagent
throughout the entire duration of the experiment.

5. Always keep the container of the stock bottles

covered after use.
PROPER HANDLING OF CHEMICALS
AND EQUIPMENTS
6. Avoid getting excess reagents. Just get enough reagents
needed for the experiment.

7. Volatile solvents like some alcohols and acetone, are

highly flammable. Do not use them anywhere near open
flames.

8. Always pour acids into water. If you pour water into

acid, a violent reaction of the acid may cause the acid to
spatter.
PROPER HANDLING OF CHEMICALS
AND EQUIPMENTS
9. If chemicals come into contact with your skin or eyes,
flush immediately with water and consult with your
instructor.

10. Never point a test tube or any vessel that is being

heating at yourself or fellow students – it may violently
erupt and cause harm.
PROPER HANDLING OF CHEMICALS
AND EQUIPMENTS
11. Dispose of chemicals properly. Waste bottles will be
provided for specific chemicals. Unless you are explicitly
told otherwise, DO NOT dispose of any chemicals in the
sink.

12. Inform the lab instructors of any broken glassware.

Do not use bare hands to clean up the broken glass. Ask
the assistance of the technicians to dispose the
breakages.
PROPER HANDLING OF CHEMICALS
AND EQUIPMENTS
13. Contact the stockroom for clean-up of hazardous spills.

14. Never leave burners unattended. Turn them off

whenever you leave your workstation.

15. Beware of hot glassware, it looks exactly like cold

glassware.

16. Cameras and other electronic gadgets may only be

allowed if approved by the lab instructors.
PROPER HANDLING OF CHEMICALS
AND EQUIPMENTS
17. Be sure that the gas and water valves are shut off when
leaving the lab.

18. Always keep the reagent and apparatus station clean.

19. Before leaving the lab, make sure that the working area
is clean, the lockers are locked and chairs are properly
arranged.

20. Do not leave the lab without the permission of the lab
instructor.
In case of emergencies…

ACT IMMEDIATELY
BUT STAY CALM
Enjoy learning chemistry but always remember…

Should be given
the HIGHEST
PRIORITY
END