Abi Rodgers Physics 1401- Boren Lab Safety Report Lab Safety is of the utmost importance when performing experiments in the laboratory. Whether it is making sure chemicals are properly labeled, glassware is not broken, heat sources are accounted for, or having the proper attire and safety equipment around, there are numerous rules to be followed in lab. One of the most important rules that I have learned over the years of taking chemistry labis that chemicals are NEVER to be returned to their original bottles, they are to be disposed of properly. This requires the student to first be able to properly read labels and know the hazards associated with the chemical and whether it needs to be disposed of in a proper waste container, or it can just be poured down the sink. If there are any special requirements for the certain chemical’s disposal, it will be noted in the lab manual or by the instructor. Waste containers will be set up around the laboratory, with proper ventilation, if necessary. However, some chemicals are not hazardous and do not require special attention and waste disposal. With this being said, it is still important to never return unused chemicals back to their original containers. Even if you think that it is completely unused and unharmed, cross contamination that you were not aware about could occur, ruining the entire sample. Instead, if the lab manual allows, pour the remainder of the chemical down the sink while rinsing with water. Safety when using chemicals is vital, some are hazardous and dangerous, and the last thing you want to happen is for cross contamination to occur. Last year, in general chemistry lab, we almost experienced a close call when disposing of chemicals. After performing an experiment, it was time to properly dispose of the chemicals we had used for the day. Having read the lab manual and documented the chemicals that must be disposed in the inorganic waste container, I was aware of the necessary disposal procedure. However, my lab partner was not. He began to pour the unused sample back into its original bottle but luckily, I was standing right next to him to stop him. I informed him that chemicals never go back into their containers, and that this particular chemical needed to be disposed of properly into the inorganic waste container. Had I not known the lab safety rules, cross contamination of chemicals could have occurred and chemical samples could have been ruined.Lastly this is me, Abigail Rodgers �, I look forward to a great semester in this
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