Science Laboratory Safety

Laboratory investigations are designed to give you a hands on knowledge of science. In order to make your laboratory experience a place of learning and discovery,
it must be a safe place in which to work. Safety is the responsibility of each student. Unsafe procedures endanger not only you but your classmates as well.
PRE-LAB SAFETY RULES
1. Familiarize yourself with the location of all safety equipment (i.e. safety
shower, fire extinguisher, eye wash station, first aid kit, fire blanket).
2. Read & study all instructions carefully. If you have any questions, ask
your teacher. Be extra careful if you see the word CAUTION.
3. Wait until you are told to begin any investigation.
4. Check your equipment for cracks or breakages. Let your teacher know if
you find any.
POST-LAB RULES
1. Be sure all power buttons and water faucets are turned off at the end of the
investigation and electrical devices are unplugged.
2. Be sure all glassware is washed and hanging to dry.
3. ALWAYS dispose of (throw away) chemicals, matches and broken
glassware as your teacher instructs.
4. Be sure your lab bench has been washed and tidied.
5. ALWAYS wash your hands and the lab bench after completing an
experiment.
DRESS CODE
1. Protect yourself from possible eye injury by wearing safety goggles
whenever experiments involve glass, chemicals, or heat.
2. Wear a laboratory coat whenever you are working with chemicals or
heated substances.
3. Tie back long hair to keep it away from chemicals, burners or other
laboratory equipment.
4. Roll up long sleeves above the wrists. Dont wear bulky sweaters and/or
jackets.
5. Remove or tie back loose articles of clothing or jewelry.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES: (a list of nevers and always!)

1. NEVER eat, drink or taste anything in the science lab.
2. NEVER smell or touch a chemical without specific instructions. (i.e. fan
the fumes to your nose with your hand)
3. NEVER run, push or engage in horseplay or practical jokes in the lab.
4. NEVER perform unauthorized experiments.
5. NEVER sit on or lean on the lab bench.
6. NEVER sit on stools when glass is being used during a lab.
7. NEVER work alone in the lab.
8. ALWAYS keep your work area clean and clear of unnecessary materials.
9. ALWAYS report any injury or accidents to your teacher immediately.
10. If you spill a chemical, clean it up immediately. ALWAYS report spills to
your teacher.
HEATING & FIRE SAFETY
1. Put on safety goggles and a lab coat.
2. NEVER heat a chemical you are not instructed to heat.
3. Keep your work area clean and uncluttered.
4. NEVER reach across a burner (a blue flame can look almost invisible)
5. When heating a test tube or bottle, always point it AWAY from you and
others.
6. NEVER leave a flame unattended.
7. NEVER heat a liquid in a closed container.
8. Use extra CAUTION when dealing with hot equipment. Use tongs to
move or carry hot glassware.
9. Let the equipment cool off before putting it away.

USING COMMON SENSE WILL MAKE THE LAB SAFER AND MORE FUN. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE OF WHAT IS SAFE
ASK YOUR TEACHER IMMEDIATELY.

FIRST AID
Injury
Burns
Cuts
Fainting
Something in Your Eye
Poisoning
Spills on Skin
Experiment Catches on Fire
Person Catches on Fire

Safe Response
Call your teacher immediately! Apply cold water.
Call your teacher immediately! Cover the cut and apply pressure.
Call your teacher immediately! Do not move or touch the person.
Call your teacher immediately! Flush out with plenty of water. Use eye wash station.
Call your teacher immediately! Note the suspected poisoning.
Call your teacher immediately! Flush with large amounts of water.
Turn off the gas!!! Call your teacher immediately!!!!
Shower by the door! Call your teacher immediately!

Safety Symbols
The following safety symbols may appear on laboratory experiments. Be sure to understand each symbol before you begin that activity.
EYE SAFETY
This symbol appears when a danger to the
eye exists. Safety goggles should be worn
when this symbol appears.

CLOTHING PROTECTION
ALERT
This symbol appears when
substances used could stain or
burn clothing.

FIRE SAFETY
This symbol appears when care
should be taken around open flames.

DISPOSAL ALERT
This symbol appears when there are
special directions concerning the disposal
of a chemical or experiment.

THERMAL SAFETY
This symbol appears as a reminder
to use caution when handling hot
objects.

POISON SAFETY
This symbol appears when
poisonous substances are used.

EXPLOSION SAFETY
This symbol appears when the misuse of
chemicals could cause an explosion.

SHARP OBJECT SAFETY

This symbol appears when a danger of
cuts or punctures caused by the use of
sharp objects exists.

CHEMICAL SAFETY
This symbol appears when chemicals
used can cause burns or are poisonous
if absorbed through the skin.

PLANT SAFETY
This symbol appears when poisonous plants
or plants with thorns are handled.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY
This symbol appears when care should
be taken when using electrical
equipment.

ANIMAL SAFETY
This symbol appears whenever live
animals are studied and the safety of
the animals and the student must be
ensured