Laboratory 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 do not understand a direction or part of the 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 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

• pour cold water on it

• use tongs

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 and cracks

• clean any glassware that appears dirty

• randomly choose equipment and hope for the best

• choose the coolest looking piece of equipment