It just takes a second...

..to be safe.  This reminder is especially useful during routine tasks.  Indeed, safety has been a hot topic lately in the chemistry blogosphere.   It is abuzz about recent charges brought against UCLA over the tragic death of a research assistant in an organic chemistry laboratory.  According to C&ENews, the young chemist was using tert-butyllithium when it spilled and autoignited.  This tragedy has become a teachable moment for chemistry labs everywhere.  Subscribe to The Safety Zone at CENtral Science for the latest chemical safety news and tips.