Safety in the Science Lab

Safety Rules for the Science Lab Do not start the lab without your teacher present Do not start the lab until the teacher has told you to begin Do not improvise, unless the lab is an inquiry-based activity

Goggles You MUST wear safety goggles when instructed to do so. The following uses of goggles are NOT acceptable:

Wearing goggles on the forehead

Having goggles next to you on the lab bench.

Having them off because you’re not doing anything at the moment

Taking off goggles when the lab is “done” but your lab bench is not clean

Wear gloves, a lab apron, and tie your hair back when told to do so. , Strong chemicals (concentrated acids and bases, oxidizing agents) require the use of gloves and a lab apron Tying hair back is required when bunsen burners are in use, and is highly recommended the rest of the time

Lab benches should be clear of student belongings, with the exception of your lab instructions, pen, required equipment, and materials provided by your teacher.

Don’t Even Think About It NEVER perform an experiment without your teacher’s permission. Do not use matches, lighters, etc. without your teacher’s permission.

Big Trouble! No playful, distracting, or boisterous behavior. Spraying of water or other chemicals on another person or around the room is an automatic referral and call home.

Don’t Bring It In! Never eat or drink anything in the lab. Do not taste any chemicals.

Getting Stuff On You If any chemical comes into contact with your skin, you should first wash it off with cool running water. Then you should report the accident to your teacher. Keep chemicals away from your face – and keep your goggles on! Rinse your hands after your experiment is completed, especially before lunch. You may have chemicals on your hands or under your fingernails.

Getting Stuff In Your Eyes In the event that you get something in your eyes, run to the eyewash, turn on the water, and put your head down for 10 minutes It is not advisable to wear contact lenses on lab days

Getting Stuff On Your Clothes You may need to borrow something to wear…

Glassware Check all glassware for cracks. If cracks are present, notify the teacher and it will be replaced immediately. Broken glass needs to be disposed of in a special garbage can. Be wary of glass that is heated – it is impossible to detect hot glass by looking at it! For test tubes, use a test tube holder.

Socializing Do not visit friends at other lab benches for social purposes. Visits related to the work at hand are OK.

Disposal of Chemical Waste Do not pour reagents back into their bottles. Pour liquids down the drain or into appropriate waste containers as directed. Do not throw solid wastes of any kind into sink, whether they be lab materials or your own personal garbage.

Accidents Report all accidents to your teacher. Clean up spills and accidents immediately.

Heat Source = Danger! NEVER leave an active heating device unattended.

Sign the Form Bring it Home Have Your Parent/Guardian Sign Bring it Back Tomorrow Gracias!