SAFETY IN THE
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
LABORATORY
Science Learning Center, November 2001
Written by Bette Kreuz
Produced by Ruth Dusenbery, assisted by Pranjal Patel
Slide 1a-Introduction
It is mandatory to know about and to use
appropriate safety equipment and procedures
when working in ANY laboratory.
Different types of laboratories have specific
safety requirements based on the materials and
equipment used in them.
This module addresses the Safety Requirements
for the Chem 227 Organic Chemistry Laboratory.
Organic Chemistry Safety Requirements
Slide 2a-Organic Chemistry
Safety Requirements
The Organic Chemistry Laboratory requires
the use of concentrated and corrosive chemicals,
as well as volatile and flammable solvents.
Therefore, specific safety precautions and
procedures, relevant to these hazards, are
needed when working in this laboratory.
This module reviews these safety precautions
and procedures.
Health Considerations
Slide 3a-Health Considerations
Since all biochemicals (including our bodies and
clothing) are organic in nature, extra caution
should be utilized in the organic chemistry
laboratory.
Pay special attention to the Health Hazard
section of the label on all chemicals in use.
If you have any medical condition or allergies
that might require special consideration--consult
with your instructor and doctor immediately at
the beginning of the term.
Personal Safety Requirements
Z87 non-perforated chemical- and impact-resistant goggles
Slide 4a-Personal Safety Requirements
Safety goggles of the Z87 non-perforated,
chemical splash- and impact-resistant type
are REQUIRED of EVERYONE AT ALL
TIMES in the laboratory.
Lab coats are recommended and the use of
protective gloves during experiments is
necessary.
Prelaboratory preparation is essential for
both safety purposes and successful
completion of the experiment.
Gloves
Appropriate gloves should be worn whenever handling
caustic, corrosive or toxic materials.
Slide 5a-Gloves
Appropriate gloves should be worn whenever
handling caustic, corrosive or toxic materials.
If chemicals contact the gloves, remove,
discard and obtain a new pair. Gloves are
impermeable to chemicals for short periods of
time.
Remove gloves before leaving the laboratory.
Standard Safety Requirements
Eating, drinking and
smoking are
prohibited at all times
in the laboratory.
Food and drink must
be left OUTSIDE the
laboratory.
Slide 6a-Standard Safety Requirements
Any form of eating (including chewing gum),
drinking or smoking is prohibited at all times
in the laboratory.
All food and drink must be left OUTSIDE the
laboratory.
Use of Hoods
Measure chemicals and carry out reactions in the
chemical fume hoods.
Slide 7a-Use of Hoods
Because of the nature of the chemicals used
and produced in the organic chemistry
laboratory, the chemical fume hoods are the
primary places to both measure chemicals
and carry out reactions.
Check
thermometer
placement
Experimentation
Check
water
flow
Check power
setting
Slide 8a-Experimentation
Every experiment should be set up
correctly and watched continuously while
running.
Never leave an experiment unattended!
Chemical Waste Disposal
Specific guidelines
need to be
observed for waste
disposal.
NEVER dispose of
chemicals in the
waste basket or
down the drain!
Dispose of Waste
Chemicals in the
Proper Container
Dispose of Waste Chemicals in the
Proper Container
Be sure to check the
safety labels on all
chemicals for the
REACTIVITY and
SPECIFIC HAZARD
classifications prior to
disposal.
Cleaning Glassware
Slide 12a-Cleaning Glassware
Before using any cleaning reagent, such as
Isoclean, remove grease with a paper towel and
then rinse the glassware with an appropriate
solvent.
The choice of the solvent depends on the
particular material to be removed.
Frequently acetone is used to rinse residues into
the correct waste container and then Isoclean
soap is used to finish cleaning the glassware.
Lab Safety Equipment
In case the need would
arise, you should
always be familiar
with the location and
proper use of all of the
safety equipment
provided in the
laboratory.
Immediately inform
the instructor of any
accident.
Slide 13a-Lab Safety Equipment
In case the need would arise, you
should always be familiar with the
location and proper use of all of the
safety equipment provided in the
laboratory.
Immediately inform the instructor of
any accident.
Safety Eyewash
Any chemical
contacting ones
eyes should be
immediately and
thoroughly rinsed
out using the safety
eyewash found in
every laboratory.
Position head
between spigots.
Push handle to start
the flow of water!
Slide 15a-Safety Eyewash
Position the head with eyes open between
the spigots.
Push the handle to start the flow of water.
Washing for 20 minutes is standard
procedure
Safety Shower
Any large spill of
chemicals on a
person should be
washed off
immediately and
thoroughly using
the safety shower.
Pull chain to start
the flow of water!
Slide 16a-Safety Shower
Any large spill of chemicals on a person
should be washed off immediately and
thoroughly using the safety shower.
Remove all affected clothing and stand
under the shower.
Pull the chain to start the flow of water.
Washing should continue long enough to
insure complete removal of the chemical
(approximately 15 minutes).
Fire Extinguishers
(2)
Pull out
locking key.
(1)
Aim nozzle
at base of
fire.
(3)
Squeeze
handles.
Slide 17a-Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are suitable for
many of the potential fire hazards in most
instructional laboratories.
To operate this type of fire extinguisher, aim the
nozzle at the base of the fire,
fire pull out the locking
key and depress the handles together.
together
This will release a discharge of carbon dioxide that
will smother the fire.
Always inform the instructor of the use of a
fire extinguisher so that it can be recharged.
Fire Blanket
In case of a clothing
fire, a fire blanket
should be used.
Remove the fire blanket
from its container using
the straps.
Wrap it around the
person to completely
cover the person and
smother the fire.
Emergency Card and 911
In the event of an
emergency, the
phone located in
the front of the lab
(Rm 251A) should
be used to dial 911
to contact campus
safety for trained
assistance.
Storing Products
Slide 20a-Storing Products
Products need to be stored in an appropriate
manner until collected by the instructor.
Products should be dried first and then
placed in a dry vial of appropriate size.
The vial should be correctly labeled and
stored in the manner indicated by the
instructor.
Conclusion
Slide 21a-Conclusion
Proper preparation for an
experiment, combined with the
knowledge of and proper use of
laboratory techniques and safety
practices, leads to the successful
conclusion of experimental work.
