Procedure of Work in a Laboratory

Work in a chemical laboratory is effective only when it is performed conscientiously, with an understanding of its theory. Moreover, every chemical operation requires that the experimenter he careful and attentive. Even an experiment that seems to be quite harmless may result in serious consequences when it is planned improp- erly. This is why students are allowed to work in a laboratory only after preliminary briefing. 

A student must read the description of the experiments he is to perform in the guide to the practical work, acquaint himself in textbooks with the properties of the substances being studied, with the theory relating to the given topic, write the reaction equations, perform the required calculations, and also note the experiments that demand special attention and carefulness. 

The present guide contains a description of a large number of synthesis experiments requiring quite complicated equipment. Before beginning such an experiment, the student must think it out thoroughly as a whole, compile a concise plan of the operations to be performed consecutively, and understand the purpose of each component of the apparatus. All the pieces of equipment in which experiments are run must be assembled compactly, suitably, and attractively. 

Every student is given a permanent place in the laboratory (a working table and locker for laboratory ware), and he must keep it clean and in good order. Only the objects needed at the given time for work must be on the table. 

Put the reagents needed for work on the shelves above the laboratory tables or on special shelves. Concentrated acids and odorous substances are an exception. Store them in fume cupboards. 

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