Lab Safety Rules
Mrs. McCloy’s
Lab Safety Rules
PURPOSE:
Science is a hands-on laboratory class. Safety in the science classroom is my #1 priority for students and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules has been developed and provided to you. These rules must be followed at all times. A copy of the lab safety contract is provided and must be signed by both student and parent/guardian before participation is allowed in the lab. This copy of the rules is to be kept in your science notebook as a constant reminder.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the teacher before proceeding.
3. Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory without a teacher present.
4. When first entering the room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so.
5. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.
6. Perform only those experiments authorized by the teacher. Never do anything in the laboratory that is not called for in the laboratory procedures or by your teacher. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.
7. Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly before beginning the lab.
8. Never fool around in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.
9. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Bring only your lab instructions, worksheets, and/or lab notebooks to the work area. Other materials (books, purses, backpacks, etc.) should be stored at the front of the classroom.
10. Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the desk when not in use.
11. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the teacher immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.
- Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals in sink drains. Sinks are to be used only for water and those solutions designated by the teacher. Solid chemicals, metals, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed of in the proper waste containers, not in the sink.
13. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use the prescribed apparatus as directed in the laboratory instructions or by your teacher.
14. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash your hands with hand sanitizer after performing all experiments. Clean all work surfaces and apparatus at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the instructed area.
15. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You will be assigned a laboratory station at which to work. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.
16. Students are never permitted in the science storage rooms or preparation areas unless given specific permission by their teacher.
17. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed and any electrical equipment turned off.
18. When using scissors and other sharp instruments, always carry with tips and points pointing down and away. Always cut away from your body. Never try to catch falling sharp instruments. Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles.
19. If you have a medical condition (allergies, contact lenses, etc.), inform your teacher prior to working in lab.
CLOTHING:
20. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear laboratory goggles. There will be no exceptionsto this rule!
21. Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the laboratory. Long hair must be tied back and dangling jewelry and loose or baggy clothing must be secured. Shoes must completely cover the foot. No sandals are allowed on lab day.
22. Lab aprons are provided for your use and should be worn during laboratory activities.
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES:
23. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the teacher immediately, no matter how trivial it may appear.
24. If you or your lab partner are hurt, immediately yell out “Code one, Code one” to get the teacher’s attention.
25. When glass is broken, do not touch it. Notify the teacher immediately.
HANDLING CHEMICALS:
26. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Do not touch, taste, or smell any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so. The proper technique for smelling will be demonstrated to you.
27. Check the label on chemical bottles twice before removing any of the contents.
Take only as much chemical as you need.
28. Never return unused chemicals to their original containers.
29. When transferring materials from one container to another, hold the containers away from your body.
30. Acids must be handled with extreme care. The proper method for diluting strong acids is to always add acid to water, swirl or stir the solution.
31. Handle flammable hazardous liquids over a pan to contain spills. Never dispense flammable liquids anywhere near a source of heat.
32. Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.
33. Take great care when transporting acids and other chemicals from one part of the lab to another. Hold them securely and walk carefully.
HANDLING GLASSWARE AND EQUIPMENT:
34. Carry glassware, especially long pieces, in a vertical position to minimize the likelihood of breakage and injury.
35. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching an electrical switch, plug, or outlet.
36. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped or cracked glassware. Never use dirty glassware.
37. Report damaged electrical equipment immediately. Look for things such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections. Do not use damaged electrical equipment.
38. If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ask the teacher for help.
39. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water; it may shatter.
HEATING SUBSTANCES:
40. Exercise extreme caution when using a hot plate. Take care that hair, clothing and hands are a safe distance from the heat at all times.
41. Never leave anything that is being heated or is visibly reacting unattended. Always turn the hot plate off when not in use.
42. You will be instructed in the proper method of heating and boiling liquids in test tubes. Do not point the open end of a test tube being heated at yourself or anyone else.
43. Heated metals and glass remain very hot for a long time. They should be set aside to cool and picked up with caution. Use tongs or heat-protective ware if necessary.
44. Never look into a container that is being heated.
45. Do not place hot apparatus directly on the laboratory desk. Always use an insulating pad. Allow plenty of time for hot apparatus to cool before touching it.
END-OF-EXPERIMENT RULES:
46. Turn off and unplug any electrical equipment that you used.
47. Clean up your work area and return all equipment to area instructed.
48. Dispose of waste materials as instructed by your teacher.
49. Wash your hands using hand sanitizer.
50. Turn in required handouts as instructed by teacher.