Middle School Science Laboratory Safety
Guidelines
Directions: After reviewing with your
teacher, please review the following safety
guidelines for laboratory work with your
parent/guardian at home. Once you are
finished reading, please sign indicating your
agreement to comply with the safety rules
and return to your teacher.
Overview:
Safety in the science classroom is the #1
priority for students, teachers, and parents.
In order to help ensure a safe science
classroom, a list of guidelines has been
developed and provided to the student.
These rules must be followed at ALL
TIMES, WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
General Rules
1. Always follow written and verbal
instructions and make sure you ask
questions if you do not understand either
the written or verbal instructions.
Students should not touch equipment,
chemicals or other materials unless
instructed to do so.
2. Students must always be accompanied
by an instructor when conducting or
preparing science experiments.
3. No food or drinks during lab time.
4. Unauthorized side-experiments are not
allowed.
5. Always read instructions clearly before
entering and performing an experiment,
6. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks
are not allowed in the laboratory.
7. Always keep your lab area neat and
clean and be sure to keep aisles clear.
School supplies and materials other than
laboratory materials (backpacks, books,
jackets, etc.) should be left in the
classroom area.
8. Know the locations and operating
procedures of all safety equipment
including the first aid kit, eyewash
station, fire extinguisher, and fire
blanket. Also be familiar with the
location of the fire alarm and emergency
exits.
9. Always be aware of immediate
surroundings. Notify your instructor
immediately if you observe unsafe
conditions in the laboratory.
10. Labels and equipment instructions
should be read carefully.
11. Keep hands away from face, eyes,
and mouth and do not rub hands on
any part of your body while using
chemicals or preserved specimens.
Always wash your hands with soap
and water after all experiments.
12. Students are never allowed in storage
rooms or prep areas unless
accompanies by a teacher.
13. Students should exit quickly in case
of a fire.
14. If an experiment involves live
animals, handle them in a humane
way.
15. When using sharp instruments,
always carry with the tips and points
pointing down. Always cut away
from your body, never try to catch
sharp instruments as they fall, and
only hold by the handles.
16. Always let your instructor know if
you have a medical condition or if
you are not well before entering the
laboratory.
 17. Certified teachers are responsible to
see materials are locked in a secure
location if lab is to be used for
instruction in any other subject.
Clothing
18. Any time chemicals, heat, or
glassware are used, students must
wear lab goggles, gloves, and a lab
apron as appropriate.
19. Long hair, dangling jewelry, or
loose / baggy clothes are dangerous in
a lab. Long hair must be tied back and
dangling jewelry or loose clothing
secured. Closed-toed shoes should be
worn, and not flip-flops or sandals.
Accidents and Injuries
20. Report any accident or injury to the
teacher as soon as it happens.
21. If a chemical splashes on you,
immediately flush with running water
from the eyewash station or safety
shower for 20 minutes. Notify the
instructor immediately.
22. Notify the instructor immediately if
mercury thermometers are broken.
Handling Glassware
23. All chemicals are dangerous. Do not
touch, taste, or smell chemicals unless
told to do so.
24. Check the label on chemical bottles
twice before removing any contents.
25. Never return unused chemicals to
original containers.
26. Never use your mouth as suction.
27. When transferring chemicals from
one container to the other, hold away
Middle School Science Laboratory Safety
Guidelines
Parent-Student Agreement Form
from your body and use a secondary
container.
28. Acids must be handled with care.
Always add acid to water first.
29. Never remove chemicals from the lab
areas.
Handling Glassware
30. Carry glass tubing, especially long
pieces in vertical position to minimize
likelihood of breaking.
31. Never handle broken glass with bare
hands. Always use a brush and
dustpan to clean up.
32. When removing electrical plug from
socket, grasp the plug not the cord.
Do not touch when hands are wet.
33. Examine glassware before using.
34. Report damaged items immediately.
35. Ask instructor for help if you do not
understand how to use something.
36. Do not put hot glass in cold water, as
it may shatter.
Handling Glassware
37. Do not touch a hot surface. Keep hair,
clothes, and hands away from hot
surfaces/flames. Never light a fire
unless told to do so.
38. Never leave a hot surface unattended.
Always turn off when not in use.
39. Let glass cool down before touching.
40. Do not place heating tool on a desk
directly, using a insulating pad.
This safety contract is based on the Flinn
Scientific, Inc. Safety Contract (2017)
Please return this form to your teacher by
________________________________

Questions:
1. Do you wear contacts? Yes No

2. Are you color blind? Yes No

3. Do you have any allergies? Yes No

If so, please specify what those allergies are:

Student Agreement:
I, ____________________________________________ and my parent have
read and agree to follow all of the rules in this contract. I realize that I must
obey these rules to ensure my safety, and that of my fellow students and
teachers. I am aware that violating this contract may result in me being
removed from the laboratory and/or disciplinary action. By my parent signing
this contract, they acknowledge the rules and allow me to participate in lab.

____________________________________________
______________________
Student Signature Date

____________________________________________
______________________
Parent Signature Date