Lab Techniques & Safety: Crash Course Chemistry #21

Summary

This Crash Course Chemistry episode offers essential lab safety tips, from personal protective equipment to proper chemical disposal. It emphasizes avoiding common accidents, using fume hoods, and understanding HazMat symbols and MSDS. The host shares personal anecdotes to underscore the importance of lab safety, ensuring viewers are both informed and entertained.

Takeaways

• 🧪 Always secure long hair and avoid loose clothing to prevent accidents in the lab.
• 👟 Never wear sandals in the lab; always wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and socks for full body coverage.
• 👓 Always wear eye protection in the lab, and use the eye wash station if necessary.
• 🍽 Do not eat or drink in the lab to avoid contamination and accidental ingestion of chemicals.
• 🔍 Work with a partner when possible, especially when handling hazardous materials or machinery.
• ⚠️ Understand the HazMat diamond to quickly assess the level of hazard associated with chemicals.
• 📄 Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detailed safety information on chemicals.
• 💨 Use a fume hood for experiments that may produce hazardous fumes and ensure it is functioning correctly.
• 🚨 Report any incidents or exposures to instructors immediately, even if the effects seem minor.
• 🧴 Never taste, pipette by mouth, or stick your face directly over chemicals to smell them.
• 🧴 When pouring liquids in the lab, commit to the action to overcome surface tension and avoid spills.
• 🗑 Dispose of chemicals and waste properly according to their classification and never dump them into the sink without permission.
• 🧣 Use an apron for extra protection when working with hazardous substances.
• 💦 Be aware of emergency safety equipment like emergency showers in case of a chemical spill or exposure.

Q & A

What are some of the best and worst moments mentioned in the lab experiences of the speaker?

The speaker mentions that the best moments of their life have happened in labs, while the worst include an incident where a classmate accidentally washed out the vials containing a sample that took a week to prepare, and the speaker's own injury from punching a paper towel dispenser in frustration.

What are the two basic safety lessons the speaker learned from their experiences?

The two basic safety lessons are to never wash out a vial you aren't familiar with and to avoid punching paper towel dispensers in frustration.

Why is it important to keep long hair up in the lab?

Long hair should be kept up in the lab to prevent it from catching on fire, knocking things over, obstructing vision, or falling into flasks.

What type of clothing is recommended to wear in the lab to ensure safety?

Clothing that covers the body as much as possible is recommended, including long-sleeves, long pants, closed-toed shoes, and socks. Sandals should never be worn in the lab.

Why are eye protections essential in the lab and what should one do if their eyes start to tingle or hurt?

Eye protections are essential to prevent exposure to harmful substances. If eyes start to tingle, hurt, or if a foreign substance gets into the eyes, one should use the eye wash station immediately.

Why should one avoid eating or drinking in the lab?

Eating or drinking in the lab should be avoided to prevent accidental ingestion of chemicals or contamination of food and drink with hazardous substances.

What is the purpose of the HazMat diamond and what does each color represent?

The HazMat diamond provides information about the hazard level of a material. Blue represents health hazards, red indicates flammability, and yellow signifies chemical reactivity.

What is an MSDS and how can it be accessed quickly if needed?

An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) provides detailed information about a chemical's hazards and how to handle it safely. It can be accessed quickly by searching online using the chemical's name or identifier, such as 'MSDS HCl'.

What is the proper way to use a fume hood and why is it important?

A fume hood should be used by turning it on and adjusting the sash to the correct level to ensure proper ventilation of noxious fumes. It is important to prevent inhalation of hazardous vapors and to maintain a safe working environment.

What are some common lab injuries and how can they be prevented?

Common lab injuries include cuts and punctures from broken glass or forcing glass equipment through a stopper. They can be prevented by using proper cleanup tools for broken glass and applying lubricant when forcing glass equipment, while ensuring hands are not on the receiving end.

What should be considered when disposing of chemicals after an experiment?

When disposing of chemicals, one should follow the proper disposal methods approved by the person in charge of chemical safety. Different chemicals require different disposal methods, and it's important to know the correct way to dispose of each chemical before starting the experiment.

What is the role of an apron in a lab setting and when should it be removed quickly?

An apron provides additional protection for the wearer and their clothes when working with hazardous substances. It should be removed quickly if a significant spill occurs, especially if it involves harmful substances.

What is the purpose of a safety shower in a lab and when might it be used?

A safety shower is used to quickly drench a person with water in case of emergencies, such as chemical spills on the body. It helps to minimize the effects of exposure to hazardous substances.