Safety Rules

Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory. No horseplay, pranks or practical jokes. Keep your hands to yourself.

Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. You must listen carefully, not all of the directions are written down. When directions are written read the whole thing before you begin working.

Never work alone. You can only work in the lab when someone else is present.

Do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so. It is tempting to play with the supplies but you don’t do anything until the teacher tells you to.

Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Don’t use the lab containers (beaker) as plates or glasses.

Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor. Never just do your own experiment.

Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. On lab day you only need your journal, writing utensil and the things your teacher tells you that you need.

Keep aisles clear. Remember to keep all your things in your space (under the lab table) because I will be walking around in my space !

Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment. First Aid Kit Fire Blanket Fire Extinguisher Eye Wash Safety Shower Escape Route and Evacuation Bag

Always work in a well-ventilated area. This rule is something that the teacher will have to ensure. We have a ventilation system in the room.

Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Let the teacher know if there is any unsafe behavior going on in the room.

Dispose of all chemical waste properly. You cannot just pour things down the sink. Follow the rules for disposal as given by the teacher.

Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. You will need to wash your hands after we have worked with certain chemicals.

Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You cannot put something on a hot plate then walk away or get busy talking and not pay attention to what is happening.

Students are never permitted in the science storage rooms. You can only go in the storeroom with the teacher.

Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period. During a fire drill we cannot leave hot plates turned on.

Handle all living organisms used in a laboratory activity in a humane manner. Living animals should still be alive after you handle them.

Use sharp objects carefully. When using knives 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.

Always let the teacher know if you have allergies to anything used in the lab. Teachers have a list of allergies but it never hurts to tell them too.

Wear your goggles. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear laboratory goggles.

Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory. The teacher will tell you when you cannot wear your contacts.

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 allowed. Lab aprons have been provided for your use and should be worn during laboratory activities.

Report any accident or injury to the instructor immediately, no matter how trivial it may appear. Report all spills and breakage. Report all cuts or scratches. If you or your lab partner are hurt, immediately yell out “Code one, Code one” to get the instructor’s attention.

All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. If a chemical splashes in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the eyewash station or safety shower for at least 20 minutes. Notify the instructor immediately. When mercury thermometers are broken, mercury must not be touched. Notify the instructor immediately.

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 chemical fumes will be demonstrated to you. Wafting – use your hand to pull air from above the substance toward your nose. Never return unused chemicals to their original containers.