Lab Safety

Flammable materials, like alcohol, should never be dispensed or used near

• an open door
• an open flame
• another student
•  a sink

If a laboratory fire erupts, immediately

• notify your instructor
•  run for the fire extinguisher
• throw water on the fire
•  open the windows

Approved eye protection devices (such as goggles) are worn in the laboratory

•  to avoid eye strain
• to improve your vision
• only if you don’t have corrective glasses
•  any time chemicals, heat or glassware are used

If you wear contact lenses in the school laboratory

• take them out before starting the lab
• you do not have to wear protective goggles
•  advise your science instructor that you wear contact lenses
•  keep the information to yourself

 If you do not understand a direction or part of a lab procedure, you should 

• skip it and go on to the next part.
• ask the instructor before proceeding
• try several methods until something works
• figure it out as you do the lab

 After completing an experiment, all chemical wastes should be

• taken home
• dumped in the sink
• disposed of according to your instructor’s directions
• left at your lab station for the next class

 If a lab experiment is not completed, you should 

• make up some results
• come in during lunch and finish while eating lunch
• sneak in after school and work alone
• discuss the issue with your instructor

You are heating a substance in a test tube. Always point the open end of the tube 

• away from all people
• toward another classmate
• toward your lab partner
• toward yourself

You are heating a piece of glass and now want to pick it up. You should 

• pour cold water on it
• use tongs
• pick up the end that looks cooler
• use a rag or paper towels

You have been injured in the laboratory (cut, burn, etc.). First you should

• apply first aid yourself
• tell the science instructor at once
• see a doctor after school
• visit the school nurse after class