Safety

Safety in the laboratory uses multiple layers of preparation, prevention, and protection.¹ The acronym we use to remember the steps of safety basics is RAMP.²

R: Recognize the hazards associated with chemicals and processes in the lab
A: Assess the risks of these hazards using reputable resources and the context of your planned work
M: Minimize the risks of these hazards by using safer methods, environmental controls, and personal protective equipment
P: Prepare for emergencies by knowing emergency procedures and the location of safety equipment

The following videos and associated resources from the American Chemical Society will help you use the RAMP approach to prepare your prelab notebooks and enter the laboratory space ready to enjoy a safe experience each week.

ACS RAMP video 1

From Chemical Safety Rules to Risk Management

ACS RAMP video 2

Chemical Safety Information Resources

ACS RAMP video 3

Assessing Risks in the Chemistry Laboratory

ACS RAMP video 4

Minimizing Risks in the Chemistry Laboratory

ACS RAMP video 5

Minimizing Risks in the Chemistry Laboratory: Techniques

ACS RAMP video 6

Emergencies in the Chemistry Laboratory

Dress Code/Safety Policy:

Students working in the lab must be covered from shoulders to toes, as illustrated by the shaded areas to the left. No skin should show below the collarbone when standing, sitting, or bent over a lab bench. Midriff and ankles should similarly remain covered during normal movement in the lab.

The following chart gives examples of what violates the dress code and what should be worn instead.

Lab Dress Code

Laboratory Rules

You will not be allowed in the laboratory for experiments if inappropriately dressed.
Chemical splash goggles (ANSI Z87.1) must be put on as soon as you enter lab. Failure to follow this policy may result in your ejection from lab with no possibility of a make-up.
Loose hair must be tied back.
No food or drink is allowed in the labs. Chewing gum during lab is not permitted.
No coats or book bags are allowed on the lab benches or the floor. Shelving is provided for these items inside the door.
Report all chemical spills, broken glassware, or injuries immediately to your instructor.
Experimental waste must be properly managed. Follow posted and verbal instructions for disposing of any chemical.
Unused chemicals should not be returned to their original containers.
Keep your work area clean. Before leaving lab:
1. Put away all lab equipment
2. Wash your bench top
3. Wash your hands
Keep aisles and exits clear.
Contact lenses are safe to wear in the general chemistry laboratory, as long as you are wearing goggles.

Waste Disposal

Example of a waste container that a student might use in a lab. Container is labelled for which chemical is being disposed. Lid should be screwed on when students are not pouring in waste.

When pouring in waste, funnel should be used to prevent spilling.

Arrow indicates the shoulder of the container. Container should NEVER be filled past this point. If it gets too full, ask the teacher or lab assistant to locate an empty disposal container.

Secondary waste containers may also be in the hood. Students should double check that they are disposing their waste into the correct container.

A Few Notes on Waste Procedures:

Paper and plastic waste (ig. filter paper, weigh boats) can be thrown in the trash.
Rinse water does not need to be disposed of in the aqueous waste container.

Waste Form

This sheet will be taped to the hood with the disposal containers. Students should record which chemicals are being added and the amount (volume) of each. The total volume of chemicals added should be as close to equal to the actual volume of waste in the container as possible.

References

ACS Committee on Chemical Safety. Safety in the Academic Chemistry Laboratory, 8th edition; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017. https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/about/governance/committees/chemicalsafety/publications/safety-in-academic-chemistry-laboratories-students.pdf (Accessed July 24, 2024)
American Chemical Society. What is RAMP? https://institute.acs.org/acs-center/lab-safety/safety-basics-and-ramp/what-is-ramp.html (Accessed July 24, 2024)
ACS. From Chemical Safety Rules to Risk Management https://youtu.be/DWSymRPCDN4 (accessed Aug 1, 2024)
ACS. Chemical Safety Information Resources. https://youtu.be/iQDbrR04tbU (accessed Aug 1, 2024)
ACS. Assessing Risks in the Chemistry Laboratory. https://youtu.be/PhwyPQ0_5K0 (accessed Aug 1, 2024)
ACS. Minimizing Risks in the Chemistry Laboratory. https://youtu.be/DUm4hFUXEvw (accessed Aug 1, 2024)
ACS. Minimizing Risks in the Chemistry Laboratory: Techniques. https://youtu.be/NHBRlHzifMU (accessed Aug 1, 2024)
ACS. Emergencies in the Chemistry Laboratory. https://youtu.be/rPNQH3usdzI (accessed Aug 1, 2024)
Harvard Campus Services. Laboratory Glove Removal Technique. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dux4wqySF50 (accessed Aug 1, 2024)
ACS. Hazardous Waste and Disposal. https://www.acs.org/education/policies/middle-and-high-school-chemistry/safety/hazardous-waste-and-disposal.html (accessed Aug 1, 2024)
Leigh Krietsch Boerner. C&EN’s favorite chemical splash goggles to wear in the lab in Chemical & Engineering News, 98 (33). 2020. https://cen.acs.org/safety/lab-safety/CENs-favorite-chemical-splash-goggles/98/i33 (accessed August 29, 2024)
Plackett, Benjamin. Adapting Hijabs for Lab Safety: Experts Share Best Practices and New Materials for Women Who Wear Traditional Muslim Clothing in ACS Chemical Health & Safety. 27 (4) 2020. https://cen.acs.org/safety/lab-safety/Adapting-hijabs-lab-safety/98/i30 (accessed August 29, 2024)

Sources for Safety Information

NIH National Library of Medicine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ (accessed January 22, 2025)

Shown in ACS RAMP videos

Hart, Jonathan. Hazardous Materials Identification in NFPA. https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2021/11/05/hazardous-materials-identification (accessed January 22, 2025)

NFPA labels shown in ACS Ramp videos.

Millipore Sigma. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Search. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/documents-search (accessed January 22, 2025)
Fisher Scientific. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Search. https://www.fishersci.com/us/en/catalog/search/sdshome.html (accessed January 22, 2025)
Avantor Sciences. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Search. https://www.avantorsciences.com/us/en/advanced-search (accessed January 22, 2025)

Click the SDS search tab

Chemical Safety Software. Safety Data Sheet Search. https://chemicalsafety.com/sds-search/ (accessed January 22, 2025)

Search for a chemical and then determine the SDS source to use

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