LABORATORY SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT

LABORATORY SAFETY AND EQUIPMENTLABORATORY SAFETYWhile working in the science laboratory, you will have certain important responsibilities that do not apply to other classrooms. You will be working with materials and apparatus which, if handled carelessly or improperly, have the potential to cause injury or discomfort to someone else as well as yourself.

http://lansce.lanl.gov/training/FST2004/images04/chemicals1.gif3Safety Symbols

4http://www.lindnerlogistics.com/images/placards.gifNFPA CHEMICAL HAZARD LABEL2340LeastSerious4MostSerious40Flammable vapor which burns readilySubstance is stable5NFPA CHEMICAL HAZARD LABELAvoid water.May detonate with heat or ignition.Severe health risk.Burns readily.Diborane434W6Health Hazard4Very short exposure could cause death or serious residual injury even though prompt medical attention was given.3Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury even though prompt medical attention was given.2Intense or continued exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury unless prompt medical attention is given.1Exposure could cause irritation but only minor residual injury even if no treatment is given.0Exposure under fire conditions would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials.

7http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/nfpa.htmlFLAMMABILITY4Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily.3Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient conditions.2Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high temperature before ignition can occur.1Must be preheated before ignition can occur.0Materials that will not burn.

8http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/nfpa.htmlINSTABILITY14Readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures and pressures.3Capable of detonation or explosive reaction, but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation, or reacts explosively with water.2Normally unstable and readily undergo violent decomposition but do not detonate. Also: may react violently with water or may form potentially explosive mixtures with water.1Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures or may react with water with some release of energy, but not violently.0Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and are not reactive with water.

1 Prior to 1996, this section was titled "Reactivity". The name was changed because many people did not understand the distinction between a "reactive hazard" and the "chemical reactivity" of the material. The numeric ratings and their meanings remain unchanged. 9http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/nfpa.htmlOXThis denotes an oxidizer, a chemical which can greatly increase the rate of combustion/fire. Unusual reactivity with water. This indicates a potential hazard using water to fight a fire involving this material.

This section is used to denote special hazards. There are only two NFPA 704 approved symbols10http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/nfpa.htmlACIDThis indicates that the material is an acid, a corrosive material that has a pH lower than 7.0ALKThis denotes an alkaline material, also called a base. These caustic materials have a pH greater than 7.0 This denotes a material that is corrosive (it could be either an acid or a base). The skull and crossbones is used to denote a poison or highly toxic material. The international symbol for radioactivity is used to denote radioactive hazards; radioactive materials are extremely hazardous when inhaled. Indicates an explosive material.

11http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/nfpa.htmlLaboratory Equipment1. BeakerBeakers hold solids or liquids that will not release gases when reacted, or are unlikely to splatter if stirred or heated.Very poor to measure volume with (+/-5%) accuracyNote the size capacity (250 mL in this case)

2. Erlenmeyer FlaskErlenmeyer flasks hold solids or liquids that may release gases during a reaction or that are likely to splatter if stirred or heated.

Note the size3. Florence Flask

Rarely used in first year chemistry, it is used for the mixing of chemicals. Narrow neck prevents splash exposure.4. Graduated CylinderA graduated cylinder is used to measure volumes of liquids probably your best everyday measuring tool.

Note the rubber bumpers, and also the size.

Others that are smaller may not have bumpers, but have reinforced glass.5. Test Tubes

18 x 150 mm13 x 100 mmIgnitionTube (25 x 200 mm)Test tubes are used to mix chemicals, and also to heat chemicals.6. Test Tube HolderA test tube holder is useful for holding a test tube which is too hot to handle.

Knowing where to hold this piece of equipment is important.

7. Test Tube Brushes

Test tube brushes are used to clean test tubes and graduated cylinders.Forcing a large brush into a small test tube will often break the tube. Dont worry about drying the inside of a test tube.Small test tube brushLarge test tube brush8. Test Tube RacksTest tube racks are for holding and organizing test tubes on the laboratory counter.

9. Rubber Stoppers

Rubber stoppers (also cork) are used to close containers to avoid spillage or contamination.Containers should never be heated when there is a stopper in place.10. Well Plates

Well plates are used when we want to perform many small scale reactions at one time.It is like having lots of test tubes available at one time. 11. Watch GlassA watch glass is used to hold a small amount of solid, such as the product of a reaction.

Can also be used as a cover for an evaporating dish or beaker.

12. Stirring RodThe stirring rod is used to: a) manually stir solutions; b) assist in pouring liquids; and c) to transfer a single drop of a solution.

Rubber policeman tip is used to remove precipitates.

Stir with this end. 13. Dropper PipetA dropper pipet is used to transfer a small volume of liquid, usually one drop at a time.

On top of each dropper is a rubber bulb never put your mouth on the dropper to provide suction 14. FunnelA funnel is used to aid in the transfer of liquids from one vessel to another, and will hold filter paper while filtering.

15. Graduated PipetA graduated pipet measures and delivers exact volumes of liquids uses a rubber bulb for suction (not your mouth).

16. Wash BottleA wash bottle has a spout that delivers a water stream to a specific area.

Distilled water is the only liquid that should be used in a wash bottle

During use, keep the bottle upright as shown, since ours have a tube that goes to the bottom of the bottle.Distilled Water17.Electronic BalanceElectronic balances are very accurate, highly dependable, and rugged.The digital display makes the mass value very easy to determine.

On buttonOff buttonTare buttonPlace item here to mass18.SpatulaSpatulas are used to dispense solid chemicals from their containers. Chemicals should never be transferred with your bare hands.

19.Beaker Tongs

Beaker tongs are used to move beakers containing hot liquids.

Note the rubber coating to improve grip on the glass beaker - do not hold this in a burner flame.20.Burner

Burners are used for the heating of nonvolatile liquids and solids.

Hot plates will be used to gently heat any flammable chemicals.21. Evaporating Dish

The evaporating dish is used for heating stable solid compounds and elements, as well as for evaporating nonvolatile solutions.22. Crucible and cover

Crucibles are used for heating certain solids, particularly metals, to very high temperatures. The cover can be used to contain any smoke particles.23. Clay Triangle

The clay triangle is used as a support for crucibles when being heated over a lab burner.

It can also be used to support a funnel when filtering.24. Crucible Tongs

For handling hot crucibles; also used to pick up other hot objects - NOT to be used for picking up beakers! 25. Ringstands

Ringstands are a safe and convenient way to perform reactions that require heating using a lab burner.

Can also be used as an insulating pad to place hot objects while they cool.Ringstands and their components

26. Ring Clamp

Ring clamps connect to a ringstand, and provide a stable, elevated platform for a beaker to be heated.

Will also hold a clay triangle and funnel during filtering.Ringstands and their Components

27. Test tube Clamps

Test tube clamps are used to secure test tubes, distillation columns, and burets to the ringstand.Ringstands and their Components

28. Double Buret ClampsDouble Buret clamps are used to secure burets (long graduated tubes used in titrations) to the ringstand.

Ringstands and their Components

29. Wire Gauze

Wire gauze sits on the iron ring to provide a place to stand a beaker. On older wire gauze, the white material was asbestos currently it is a ceramic.30. Lighter

These strikers are used to light lab burners. The flints on strikers are expensive. Do not operate the striker repeatedly just to see the sparks!31. Weighing Paper

Used to measure small amount of solids.

Never place chemicals directly onto the balance.32. Hot Plates

Used to gently heatliquids.

We cant regulate the heat In ours. To avoid spills, remove beaker or flask using tongs and place it on the labdesk.33. Triple Beam Balance

Used for weighing solids, liquids and powders.34. Mortar and pestle

Used to grind solids into powders