2. Know what your colleagues are working with and how it affects what you are doing. Avoid working alone. Know the potential hazards and dangers of everything you are working with. For example, read material safety data sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals before you begin working. Be aware of possible chemical incompatibilities. Hoods must be used when working with solvents or chemicals that emit vapors. Do not use hoods for chemical storage.

3. Wear protective clothing. This includes wearing a lab coat and shoes that completely cover your feet. Do not wear sandals or shorts. Goggles should be worn at all times. Gloves are warranted under certain circumstances (e.g., working with acids). Rings should be removed from hands before working in the lab. If rings are not removed, gloves should be worn. This prevents prolonged contact with material trapped between finger and rings. Wash your hands before leaving the lab.

4. Know where the exit, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, spill kit, shower and eyewash are located and know how to use each of these devices. If an accident should occur: (1) assess the situation; (2) help or get help if needed; and (3) help the instructor fill out an accident report form.

5. No food or drink in the lab. Do not leave trash on floor or counters. Leave all equipment clean and covered. No books/backpacks in work areas, place them on the tables. Do not sit on tables or counters.

6. All containers/samples must be labeled: An appropriate label will include, but not be limited to: Chemical name, concentration, formula, course number, date prepared and preparer's initials, potential hazards. Ex: 6N HCl WT 1/5/99 JWE CORROSIVE. In addition, samples collected in the field should have the following information recorded: sample description, sample location, and any other important information, such as air temperature, water temperature, pH, etc. Ex: Duck Pond 1/5/99 Dr. E. Air Temp = 10 C Water Temp 15 C pH = 7.2 Taken from SE corner just above spillway.

7. If you use the last of something, tell the instructor. Never leave drawers or doors open. Label equipment in use but unattended with caution signs, denoting name, date, course and any special instructions.

8. Leave all glassware clean. Remove labels, wash with soap & water, rinse in tap water, and final rinse with De-ionized (DI) water (3 times). If glassware is found to be chipped or cracked, notify the Instructor and dispose in waste glass container.

9. Do not pour any solvents or chemicals down a drain without the instructor's approval. Most chemical wastes will need to be stored in appropriate waste containers. For non-chemical wastes, use 3 separate waste containers one for glass, trash, and biohazards.