Careless handling of glassware may cause serious accidents. Before inserting glass tubing into corks or rubber tubing, moisten the tubing or cork with water or glycerine. Always grip the glassware at a point adjacent to the section to be inserted. Never use force to remove rubber tubing or corks from glass tubing. Dangerous Chemicals Special care must be exercised in handling dangerous chemicals, e.g., strong acids, cyanides, benzene, ether, etc.
Hydrofluoric acid is extremely dangerous and a small splash on the skin can be fatal.
Do not use this acid without supervision. If in doubt, seek advice. All experiments in which any toxic, obnoxious or irritating gas or vapour is produced must be carried out in a fume cupboard. Flammable liquids must never be handled near an open flame. Disposal of Waste Particular care should be exercised in disposing waste or spilt chemicals and reaction residues.