Science Lab Safety

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

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

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

• figure it out as you do the lab
• try several methods until something works
• ask the instructor before proceeding
• skip it and go on 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 in the sink
• taken home

If a lab experiment is not completed, you should

• discuss the issue with your instructor
• 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 a doctor after school
• tell the science instructor at once
• apply first aid yourself

When gathering glassware and equipment for an experiment, you should

• read all directions carefully to know what equipment is necessary
• examine all glassware to check for chips or cracks
• clean any glassware that appears dirty
• All of these options