The reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas is a popular and engaging experiment to illustrate chemical reactions that result in the production of gases. It also provides a useful model for teaching concepts related to the effects of concentration on reaction rates. Although a prepared hydrochloric…

General safety and chemical training of undergraduate students is typically held at the first-year level. In this technology report, we propose a flexible strategy to improve students' general knowledge of safety for a second-year inorganic chemistry laboratory. The strategy is composed of an online interactive revision approach through the…

Accidents occur in laboratories due to a lack of proper knowledge regarding laboratory safety measures, perilous attitudes, and unacceptable laboratory practices. This study assessed the chemistry laboratory safety knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of teachers and laboratory technicians in secondary schools of South Wollo, Ethiopia. The…

An inexpensive self-made apparatus for photochemical experiments was developed and has been tested to facilitate the inclusion of photoreactions in undergraduate teaching laboratories despite budget constraints. The core setup allowing the selection of defined wavelengths in the visible and UV regions is made of commercially available components…

Although hydrogen-oxygen balloon explosions are popular demonstrations, the acoustic impulse created poses a hearing damage risk if the peak level exceeds 140 dB at the listener's ear. The results of acoustical measurements of hydrogen-oxygen balloons of varying volume and oxygen content are described. It is shown that hydrogen balloons may be…

We developed and implemented a yearlong safety program into our organic chemistry lab courses that aims to enhance student attitudes toward safety and to ensure students learn to recognize, demonstrate, and assess safe laboratory practices. This active, collaborative program involves the use of student "safety teams" and includes…

Describes an activity in which teams of students locate laboratory safety equipment in a scavenger hunt contest. (WRM)

Provides information regarding spill control systems in chemical and biological laboratories. Various methods currently in use are described. Suggestions are made for the use of absorbents. (CS)

Presented are the results of a survey conducted to identify occupational health efforts in university chemistry laboratories. (HM)

Expresses concern over the dangers in presenting chemical demonstrations at regional and national conventions. Lists the interim minimum guidelines for chemical demonstrations to be required for future meeting sessions of the Division of Chemical Education of the American Chemical Society. (TW)

Compares safety in the chemical industry to academic chemistry laboratories based on the incidence rate for minor industrial injuries compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and the author's estimate of academic rates. Provides a list of over 50 errors and omissions commonly found in chemical laboratories. (JM)

Describes safety practices for laboratory fume hoods based on certain assumptions of hood design and performance. Also discusses the procedures in preparing to work at a hood. A checklist of good hood practices is included. (JM)

Safety issues specifically related to the analytical laboratory are discussed including hazardous reagents, transferring samples, cleaning apparatus, eye protection, and equipment damage. Special attention is given to techniques which not only endanger the technician but also endanger expensive equipment. (CW)

Enumerates variables involved in the safe operation of a fume hood. Describes a test to measure hood performance. Discusses variables which effect hood performance. Lists design changes sometimes necessary to provide more space and encourage good practices. Concludes with a summary of good hood practices. (CW)

Characterizes a number of the bench-type chemical laboratory hoods. Reports results of a study that determined the levels of protection each type provides, exploring variables such as laboratory air supply systems, face velocity, work practices, personnel movement, and the effect of equipment location in the hood. (CS)