Subject: Testing the pH of a salt solution

Hello,
I am a Grad Dip of Ed student.  We are required to develop a lesson plan with
step by step instructions for year nine students, with special consideration of
safety.  Step 2 is to combine 0.1 M HCl and 0.1 M NaOH to make a salt solution.
 Step 3 is to test the pH of the resulting solution.  Step 4 is to evaporate the
salt solution.  For step 3 I have written "Use pH paper, to check that it
changes to a yellow green color (reference to pH color chart).  Add a drop of
the solution to a 1cm piece of paper."  Re safety considerations for this step I
have said "The hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide mixture will become hot as
the reaction is exothermic.  Students should be reminded not to touch the
glassware."  I am hoping that you can provide feedback on this.  Can you suggest
any other safety issues I should be including for this step?  Do you have any
references that would be helpful for this assignment?
I'd be extremely grateful for your help.
Emma Weatherly

Re: Testing the pH of a salt solution