Basic Chemistry Lab Safety

by mattfred

The world of science, especially chemistry can be absolutely loads of fun to explore and learn about. Everything around us from the air we breathe to the food we eat as well as anything else you can think of is made up of fundamental chemicals or molecules. Learning about what different materials are made of and how these materials react or interact with other materials is a field of study that dates back literally thousands of years. Even ancient civilizations, as far back as ancient Greece had individuals within their societies that practiced and ancient form of this branch of science. But regardless of what time period an individual practicing chemistry may have lived in the hazards of working with chemicals have always been present. For this reason, basic lab safety equipment is required when working with chemicals of any nature.

Eye Protection. Your eyes are very delicate instruments. When working with chemicals of any nature, your eyes must always be protected. Regardless of the type of chemical you are working with, the potential for solids such as salts or liquids such as solvents can easily splash. For this reason, safety goggles are recommended at all times. Goggles reduce the probability of chemicals that may burn or scratch your eye from getting in your eyes. By wearing safety goggles, you are taking an important step towards preserving one of your most important assets, your vision.

Skin Protection. As with the case of your eyes, the protection of your skin is also important. Just as in the case of your eyes, your skin can easily be damaged by many common chemicals, even common ones found in the household. For this reason, your skin must be protected at all times. Two items that will assist in protecting your skin are a lab coat and gloves. A lab coat is necessary so as to provide a protective barrier between the chemical being handled and your skin. Certain chemicals, depending on the type, can burn your skin and leave permanent marks or worse. Having on a lab coat can reduce the probability of this from happening. Your lab coat should always be clean. Never wear a lab coat that has chemicals on it. Additionally, gloves designed for use with chemicals will help protect the skin on your hands from being affected by the chemicals you are working with. One note of caution. Not all gloves protect from all chemicals. To find out what gloves are to be used for any certain chemical, check the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as found on that chemical’s Manufacturer Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Respiratory Protection. Just as important as your eyes and skin are your lungs. Chemical vapors can easily and almost instantly enter your bloodstream through your respiratory system. Two of the main things that are required to help prevent this from happening are a chemical respirator and a well-ventilated work area. A chemical respirator reduces the amount of vapors that are present in the air you are breathing in. However, a chemical respirator should not be your first line of respiratory defense against vapors. Your first and primary method of protection should be from mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilation removes the vapors and takes them away from the work area.

Practicing chemistry can be a lot of fun, if it is practiced safely. Reading this article does NOT qualify you to work with chemicals. Do not handle chemicals unless you have been trained by appropriately authorized and qualified personnel.