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 the instructor.
• run for the fire extinguisher.
  run for the fire extinguisher.
  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 do not 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 

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

After completing an experiment, all chemical wastes should be

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

If a lab experiment is not completed, you should

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

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

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

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

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

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

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