Guidelines for care & Use of Dry Solvent Stills [Example]

11. Do not force glass tubing into rubber stoppers. Lubricate the tubing and introduce it gradually and
gently. Protect your hands with a towel when you are inserting lubricated tubing into a stopper.
Alternately, use the glass tube/stopper tool located in the stockroom In clamping glass tubing or
glassware for apparatus setups, do not tighten the clamps any more than necessary to hold the glass
in place (i.e. do not squeeze the glass).
12. Do not wear open-toed shoes or shorts in the laboratory, since they do not offer enough protection
to the body.
13. Never point a test tube containing a reacting mixture (especially when you are heating it) toward
another person or toward yourself.
14. Be extremely cautious when you are lighting a Bunsen Burner. Most laboratory fires can be
smothered if handled at once. A cloth towel should be kept handy for this purpose. In the event of
a fire near your desk, immediately turn off the gas cock that feeds your burner. If necessary, use
the fire extinguisher (if your TA or instructor is nearby, let either one of them use the fire
extinguisher).
15. Never engage in horseplay in the laboratory.
16. Read the label carefully before removing a chemical from its container.
17. Never work in the laboratory alone.
18. Do not wear contact lenses in any chemical laboratory, period.
19. The areas where balances have been located are to remain clean. Anyone who spills any chemicals
on the balance or on the table is responsible for the cleanup and the notification of the instructor.
No weights are to remain on the balance and the balance doors are to be closed when you have
finished.
20. Everyone is responsible for keeping his/her own work area clean. All equipment is to be put away
and the table top wiped clean. No trash is to be placed in the sinks.
21. Many chemicals must be collected in proper containers for waste disposal. You will receive
special instructions about disposing of any unusually dangerous chemicals. Otherwise, follow the
instructions listed in your lab texts and manuals, or those given by your Teaching Assistant.
22. Learn to estimate your chemical needs as closely as possible. Do not waste chemicals; other labs
may need to use the same chemical.
23. In using chemicals, be sure to replace all stoppers or droppers tightly; it is very hazardous to leave
bottles open. Do not insert any medicine droppers into reagent bottles.
24. The distilled water tap is located at the sink in the back of the lab. Be frugal in your use of
distilled water.
25. Place all papers and match sticks in the waste crocks at your desk (not in the sink). Place all
broken glass in the designated waste container in the back of the room.
26. Never stop a centrifuge with your fingers.
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