Chemical Safety and Laboratory Skills
Working safely
Why safety matters
Chemistry involves substances that can be hot, toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive. Safe habits protect you and others.
Lab rule
Never eat, drink, or taste anything in a chemistry lab unless a qualified instructor specifically tells you it is safe and appropriate.
Basic lab safety habits
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1
Wear appropriate protective equipment.
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2
Read instructions before starting.
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3
Label substances clearly.
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4
Keep your workspace clean.
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5
Report spills or accidents immediately.
Measuring carefully
Good chemistry depends on accurate measurement. Common tools include balances for mass, graduated cylinders for volume, and thermometers for temperature.
Useful lab tools
Balance
- Measures mass
- Used in grams
Graduated cylinder
- Measures volume
- Used for liquids
Which tool is best for measuring mass?
A balance measures mass.
Correct answer: Balance
Name one basic chemistry lab safety rule.
Many valid safety rules exist; the key is safe behavior.
Correct answer: Answers may vary, such as wear goggles or never taste chemicals
Why should you read instructions before an experiment?
Understanding the procedure helps prevent mistakes and accidents.
Correct answer: To understand the procedure and stay safe