Science Lab Safety

I know it's not funny, but something about the corrosive materials sign always makes me laugh. I never dissolved my hand with acid, but the lab notebook I had for college general chemistry had pages with some holes. There is no doubt about the nature of the hazard marked by this particular safety sign. Other signs are more obscure, however, so it's a good idea to confirm you know the correct meanings of common signs.

In addition to knowing the hazards presented by chemicals (from Material Safety Data Sheets) and following safe lab protocol, one of your best defenses against a bad outcome from a lab accident is planning for what to do in case one happens. Do you know where the eyewash is located? Do you know how to use it? If there is a fire, do you have a plan for what to do? Will you try to put it out first? Do you know how to put out all types of fires? Would you seek help before addressing the emergency? You can extend these questions to your home. Think accidents through before they happen. For example, if you have a fire on your stove, did you think far enough ahead to not store pot covers or salt (used to suffocate a flame) where you would have to reach through the fire to access them?

Since I know some of you will ask: No, I didn't write this in response to a cooking disaster. I was asked why I keep salt in a different location from other spices and seasonings (stored over the stove, which isn't a great location for dried herbs because heat releases their volatile oils so they don't last long).

• Science Lab Safety Signs
• Lab Safety Rules
• Using MSDSs
• Lab Safety Quiz

Photo Credit: Yves Guillou, openclipart.org