General Safety Practices

1.	Know all the safety rules and procedures that apply to your work. IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND - ASK!
2.	Determine the potential hazards, appropriate safety precautions and proper waste disposal techniques before beginning any new operation.
3.	Know the location and proper use of emergency equipment (safety showers, eye baths, fire extinguisher, and first aid kits)
4.	Be familiar with emergency procedures (exits, alarm stations, and evacuation routes)
5.	Do not eat, drink, smoke or apply cosmetics in any laboratory.
6.	Do not pipette or start siphons by mouth.
7.	Wash hands with soap and water before leaving the work area. This applies even if one has been wearing gloves.
8.	Know what protective equipment is available and use the proper type for each experiment.
9.	Ensure that all chemicals are correctly and clearly labelled.
10.	Use laboratory equipment only for its designated purpose.
11.	Combine reagents in appropriate order. (i.e., pour water first and then acid; and avoid adding solids to hot liquids)
12.	Wipe up spills immediately.
13.	Keep sinks clean. Practice good housekeeping and clean up at the end lab work.
14.	Keep aisles free of obstructions (chairs, stools, boxes, etc.). Apparatus set up should be as far back on bench as conveniently possible so it will not tip onto floor.
15.	Do not set up apparatus so that it is necessary to reach through the assembly to turn water, gas, or electricity on or off. Assemble apparatus so that control valves and switches will remain accessible if a fire should occur.
16.	Confine long hair and loose clothing or jewelry when in the laboratory
18.	Avoid exposures to gases, vapours, and aerosols (USE FUME HOODS)
19.	Do not leave experiments in process unattended. (If you must leave equipment running over night please post contact information near experiment)
20.	Identify shut off switches and ensure they are easily accessible.
21.	Children should not be allowed in the laboratory.
22.	Avoid working alone at night.
23.	Keep laboratories locked when unoccupied. (leave doors unlocked while working in laboratory in case assistance is needed)