Discussed are accidents that occur in the laboratories of highly trained chemists. Four examples are provided to illustrate potential hazards that are often overlooked in chemistry laboratories, molten inorganic salt baths, the reaction of acetone and hydrogen peroxide, halogenated acetylene compounds, and the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and…

Describes an apparatus that uses liquified gases to wash solids. Discusses the procedures and processes used to do a wash with liquid sulfur dioxide. (CW)

Presented is an experiment in which students recover almost 90 percent of the original lead chloride thus saving on costs of chemicals and disposal. Included are experimental procedures and a discussion of typical results. (CW)

Findings from a survey of 20 liberal arts colleges which did not have graduate programs in chemistry are presented. Discussed are regulations, actions taken and costs of academic laboratories regarding the disposal of hazardous waste. (CW)

Discussed are the potential hazards associated with nitric acid, inorganic and organic nitrate salts, alkyl nitrates, acyl nitrates, aliphatic nitro compounds, aromatic nitro compounds, and nitration reactions. (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)

Highlights aspects of safety that are unfamiliar to most laypersons and to many chemists as well. Presents findings that may lend themselves to presentation in chemistry classes. Details flammability tests, vapor space hazards, and the special case of gasoline containers. Provides experimental data relating vent area and internal pressure. (CW)