1. Chemistry is a laboratory science, and its study is less meaningful without a laboratory experience. To make this experience positive one, it is useful to establish a few common-sense rules for laboratory safety, general laboratory operations, and proper use of equipment.
2. Do not attempt unauthorized experiments! Prevent accidents by being sensible and well informed. Read each experiment thoroughly before coming to the laboratory, and follow directions carefully.
3. Know the location of exits and safety equipment, and learn how to use the equipment properly. Be familiar with procedures to be followed in the specific emergencies as described by your teaching assistant. Know where to get help fast, generally from a TA. If an emergency occurs, remain calm, think a moment to plan the best action, then act with common sense. Report all accidents and unusual occurrences to your TA immediately.
4. Safety glasses, of satisfactory design, must be worn at all times when in the laboratory.
5. Dress appropriately: bare feet are not allowed in a chemistry laboratory. If chemicals are spilled on the body or clothing, dilute immediately with large amounts of water, and then get more specific help from a TA.
6. Never heat a liquid in a test tube over an open flame; use a water bath. Never use flames near combustible materials. Use fume hoods as directed.
7. Observe caution in using strong chemicals. Never pour water into concentrated acids; dilute an acid by pouring the acid slowly and carefully into the water with constant stirring. Use caution in mixing strong acids and bases.
8. Immediately clean up any chemicals that you spill. If necessary, obtain advice on the cleanup procedure from your TA.
9. Before leaving the lab, check to be sure that the gas and water are turned off.

Specific Laboratory Emergencies:

1. Chemical spills anywhere on the body: flush the area immediately with large volumes of water from the nearest faucet. Remove contaminated clothing if necessary. Use no medication on the injury, but bandage and obtain medical attention if necessary.
1. Eyes: Hold the eyes open while flushing for at least 15 minutes at eyewash stations. Obtain medical help immediately. 
2. Concentrated acids or bases spilled over a large body area. Use a safety shower, then obtain medical help. 
2. Fire: Extinguish all burners, remove flammable solvents from the immediate vicinity, and have all people not involved in fighting the fire leave the laboratory by the nearest exit. Do not attempt to fight a major fire. Pull the building alarm, shut the windows and fire doors, and leave by the nearest exit.
1. Clothing on fire: Prevent the victim from running. Have the victim lie down, and smother the flames with available clothing, a fire blanket, or by rolling the victim around on the ground. Towels, books, or other items aflame can be put or pushed in the sink with tongs and doused with water. 
2. Burns: Apply no medication to major burns. Cover the area with a sterile dressing and obtain medical help immediately. For minor burns, immerse in ice water or in cold water and bandage when comfortable. 
3. Cuts and punctures: Clean your hands and the victim's wound with soap and water, and remove any glass slivers from the wound. Apply a sterile dressing, and control any severe bleeding by applying pressure directly over the wound. Apply no medication. Always obtain medical attention for punctures or severe cuts because of the possibility of tetanus.
4. If the victim of an accident is sent to a medical facility, be sure the victim is accompanied by another person. Notify your TA and supervisor about any lab accident!