In order for student laboratories to be safe, all possible precautions must be taken in preparation to insure that students are provided well maintained equipment, properly labeled and prepared chemicals, adequate safety gear (gloves, goggles, lab aprons), and access to first aid and safety equipment. Throughout this preparation manual we have tried to give safety precautions but, as in any situation the authors encourage you to "think safety" as there are always associated safety risks in any laboratory.
In order to prepare materials in this manual you will need access to safety equipment such as fume hoods, goggles, gloves, eyewash, safety shower, fire extinguishers, MSDS, and first aid kit. Federal law requires that materials safety data sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals used in the lab be available in the lab so that students and workers can examine them. You can access many www sources of MSDS sheets through the Interactive Learning Paradigms Incorporated homepage at http://www.ilpi.com/msds/index.chtml. MSDS sheets also can be obtained from the vendors where you purchase chemicals. Always remember to dispose of chemicals, sharps, and biological specimens in accordance with your state’s and/or institutions specific guidelines.