Lab Safety

If a laboratory fire erupts, immediately

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

 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

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

Long hair in the laboratory must be 

• tied back or kept entirely out of the way with a hair band, hairpins, or other confining device
• always neatly groomed
• held away from the experiment with one hand
• cut short

In a laboratory, the following should not be worn. 

• all of the answers
• dangling jewelry
• sandals
• loose clothing

 The following footwear is best in the laboratory. 

• shoes appropriate for the weather
• open-toed shoes
• closed-toed shoes
• sandals

 Horseplay or practical jokes in the laboratory are 

• okay if you are working alone
• not dangerous
• okay
• always against the rules

If an acid is splashed on your skin, wash at once with 

• weak base
• soap
• plenty of water
• oil

When you finish working with chemicals, biological specimens, and other lab substances, always 

• wipe your hands on your clothes
• wipe your hands on a towel
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
• treat your hands with skin lotion