Safety Guidelines

Lab Safety

Eye Protection

• Always wear goggles when handling acids or bases, using an open flame or performing any other activity that could harm the eyes.

Eye Protection

• If a substance gets into your eyes, wash them with water and have a friend tell the teacher at once. There should be an eye washing station located in every lab to make this easier.

Eye Protection

• Never Place a chemical substance near your unprotected eyes. Never direct sunlight to illuminate a microscope

Safety Equipment

• Know the location of all safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire blanket, and first aid kit.

Neatness

• Keep work areas free of all unnecessary books, and papers. Tie back long, loose hair, and button or roll up loose sleeves when working with chemicals or near a fire.

Chemicals

• Chemicals and other substances can be dangerous if they are handled unsafely.

• When handling certain chemicals, such as acids or bases, you should protect your eyes and clothes with goggles, and an apron.

Heat

• Whenever possible, use an electric hot plate instead of an open flame. If you must use an open flame to heat a glass container, shield the flame with a screen that has a ceramic center.

Heat

• When heating chemicals in a test tube, do not point the test tube toward anyone.

Electricity

• Be cautious around electrical wires. When using a microscope with a lamp, do not place its cord where it can cause someone to trip.

Electricity

• Do not let cords hang over a table edge in a way that will cause equipment to fall if a cord is pulled. Do not use equipment with frayed cords.

Glassware

• Examine all glassware before using. Glass containers for heating should be made of heat-resistant material. Never use cracked or chipped glassware.

Glassware

• Use caution when inserting glass tubing into a rubber stopper. Hold the tubing and stopper with a towel to prevent puncture wounds.

Sharp / Pointed Objects

• Use knives, razor blades, and other sharp instruments with care. Do not use double-edged razor blades in the laboratory.

Cleanup

• Wash your hands immediately after handling hazardous materials. Before leaving the laboratory, clean up all work areas. Put away all equipment and supplies. Make sure water, gas, burners, and electric hot plates are turned off.