Safety in the Chemistry Laboratory

To participate in the experiments, all students should:

1. submit the signed safety contract

2. pass the safety quiz

3. prepare the Prelab report assigned for each lab activity

4. wear proper lab attire - legs covered/wear long pants and closed toe shoes. Skirts, shorts, sandals, and flip flops are not allowed and

5. observe ALL safety rules and regulations.

Anyone absent during a lab day is responsible not only for the work missed but also for studying and understanding the concept behind the activity.

Note that 50% of the Final Exam grade is Practical/Laboratory Test.

Articles / Videos by the US Chemical Safety Board

"After the Rainbow", a video safety message focused on potential dangers in high school chemistry laboratories

www.csb.gov/videos/after-the-rainbow/

and

"Experimenting with Danger" concerning laboratory accidents in three major universities.

www.csb.gov/videos/experimenting-with-danger/

www.csb.gov/csb-releases-safety-message-on-preventing-accidents-in-high-school-chemistry-labs/

Jan 2014 Beacon School, an elite high school in Manhattan, NY

Rainbow Flame experiment resulting to flash fire injured two students, and left one with life-threatening burns

www.nytimes.com/2014/01/09/nyregion/8-violations-for-school-in-wake-of-lab-fire.html

Sept 2013 Frisco, Texas

Accident involving strontium chloride and methanol (Rainbow Flame experiment) injured/burned the teacher and two students

www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/science-lab-accident-at-frisco-middle-school/2090312/