Lab Safety

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

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

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 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

 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 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

When gathering glassware and equipment for an experiment, you should

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

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

 The following footwear is best in the laboratory. 

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

If a piece of equipment is not working properly, stop, turn it off, and tell 

• the science instructor
• your best friend in the class
• the custodian
• your lab partner

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