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No doubt about it — science is great fun. But you still have to be careful
when you're working with chemicals. Here are a few important guidelines
to keep in mind when you're using test kits and chemistries.

ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR. Trust us. If you accidentally get the wrong kind of chemical in your eyes, chances are it will ruin your whole day . . . and it may even ruin your eyesight for life. So play it safe. Put on a pair of protective glasses or goggles whenever you start working with chemicals.


NEVER TREAT POWDER PILLOWS AS TOYS. Most students find Hach test kits easy and fun to use. You need to remember, though, that the powder pillows, foil packets, and dropper bottles used in Hach tests contain real chemicals, many of which can cause serious internal injuries if they are ingested (swallowed) or come into contact with your skin. Read the labels and follow instructions carefully. As long as you follow the exact instructions printed on the water testing procedures, there's no harm in having a little fun with your science project.

REVIEW THE MSDS. It's easy to find out more about the chemical reagent you're using by referring to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that comes with it. Ask your teacher where they are kept if you don't know already. You might want to review "How to Read an MSDS" in the Teachers' Lounge area of this website. Find out what happens when the chemical gets too close to fire, what to do if you accidentally spill it, and how to dispose of the chemical properly (see number 4). You'd be surprised how much you can learn from an MSDS.

DON'T JUST POUR IT DOWN THE DRAIN! When you're done with your experiment, your sample may look as harmless as tap water. But the fish who swim around in the receiving stream may choke (and even die) from exposure to reagents you thoughtlessly toss down the drain. Be kind to fish and aquatic life. Follow the regulations that govern safe disposal of waste chemicals and reagents. If you are not sure how to dispose of your sample, there are several ways to find out what to do:
  • 1) Ask your teacher;
  • 2) Look up the disposal section in the MSDS;
  • 3) Call the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hotline at 1-800-424-9346; or
  • 4) Contact your State Department of Natural Resources.

FIND OUT BEFORE YOU START YOUR EXPERIMENT HOW TO DISPOSE OF CHEMICALS YOU WILL USE!

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This page was last updated 08/16/06