Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for an individual substance should always be consulted before a chemical is used for any reason.

Selecting Chemicals

1. Is the chemical selected going to demonstrate an effective way to illustrate its property, process, or concept?
2. Know proper handling and safeguards of the chemical.
3. Students or the audience should be instructed of proper handling prior to use.
4. Be sure that proper chemical storage is available.
5. Make sure the facility is capable of the chemical experiment.
6. Have appropriate safety equipment available.

1. Have secure storage.
2. Any vents should be ducted to the outside.
3. Use appropriate storage and/or cabinets.
4. Store chemicals in compatible family types. Do not alphabetize.
5. Read warning labels before opening any chemical.
6. Check containers periodically for rust, corrosion, or leakage.
7. Maintain a complete inventory.
8. Keep storage areas clean and orderly at all times.
9. Have spill clean up supplies in any room chemicals are stored.

1. Spills should be contained immediately.
1. For acids – use a powdered sodium bicarbonate.
2. For bromine – use sodium thiosulfate solution or lime water.
3. For organic acids, halides, nonmetallic compounds, or inorganic acids – use commercial absorbents or spill kits, small particles of clay absorbents (kitty liter), or vermiculite.
2. Wear rubber gloves and use a dustpan and brush to remove materials. Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water and mop dry.
3. Waste should be disposed of appropriately.

1. Use the appropriate method of disposal for any chemical used in the lab. When in doubt, refer to the MSDS or a disposal manual.
2. For drain disposal, make sure the sewer flows to a waste water treatment plant and not to a stream or natural watercourse.
1. Flush any substance with a multitude of water.
2. Any acids or bases should be above pH 3 or below pH 8.
3. For compounds not suitable for drain disposal, label and package the compound and ship by a shipper approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation to a landfill designated by EPA to receive chemical and hazardous waste.