Lab Safety

Always follow the instructions in your laboratory manual and these general rules:

Lab preparation

• Please thoroughly read the lab exercise before starting!
• If you have any doubt as to what you are supposed to be doing and how to do it safely, please STOP and then:

	Double-check the manual instructions.
	Check www.esciencelabs.com for updates and tips.
	Contact us for technical support by p hone at 1-888-ESL-Kits (1-888-375-5487) or by email at Help@esciencelabs.com.

• Read and understand all labels on chemicals.

  	If you have any questions or concerns, refer to the Material Safely Data Sheets (MSDS) available at www.esciencelabs.com. The MSDS lists the dangers, storage requirements, exposure treatment and disposal instructions for each chemical.

• Consult your physician if you are pregnant, allergic to chemicals, or have other medical conditions that may require additional protective measures.

Proper lab attire

• Remove all loose clothing (jackets, sweatshirts, etc.) and always wear closed-toe shoes.
• Long hair should be pulled back and secured and all jewelry (rings, watches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc.), should be removed.
• Safety glasses or goggles should be worn at all times. In addition, wearing soft contact lenses while conducting experiments is discouraged, as they can absorb potentially harmful chemicals.
• When handling chemicals, always wear the protective goggles, gloves, and apron provided.

Performing the experiment

• Do not eat, drink, chew gum, apply cosmetics or smoke while conducting an experiment.
• Work in a well ventilated area and monitor experiments at all times, unless instructed otherwise.
• When working with chemicals:

  	Never return unused chemicals to their original container or place chemicals in an unmarked container.
  	Always put lids back onto chemicals immediately after use.
  	Never ingest chemicals. If this occurs, seek immediate help.

  Call 911 or "Poison Control" 1-800-222-1222

• Never pipette anything by mouth.
• Never leave a heat source unattended.

  If there is a fire, evacuate the room immediately and dial 911.

Lab Clean-up and Disposal

• If a spill occurs, consult the MSDS to determine how to clean it up.
• Never pick up broken glassware with your hands. Use a broom and a dustpan and discard in a safe area.
• Do not use any part of the lab kit as a container for food.
• Safely dispose of chemicals. If there are any special requirements for disposal, it will be noted in the lab manual.
• When finished, wash hands and lab equipment thoroughly with soap and water.

Above all, USE COMMON SENSE!