SCIENCE SCHOOL LABORATORY SAFETY RULES

Lab Safety

Laboratory activities are a very exciting part of science. Students will be instructed on proper lab safety and will be expected to follow them at all times. The practice of individual lab safety will ensure safety for everyone within the laboratory.

     In US, students will be required to take a lab safety quiz and pass it with an 85% or higher to participate in any lab activities. Make up quizzes will be given before each lab activity, if necessary. If a student misses a lab, he/she will need to make arrangements to make it up within one week.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.

2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully.  If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ASK YOUR TEACHER BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE ACTIVITY.

3.Never work alone in the laboratory.  No student may work in the science classroom without the permission of the teacher. 

4.When first entering a science laboratory, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so.

5.Perform laboratory work only when your teacher is present. Unauthorized or unsupervised laboratory experimenting is not allowed.

6.Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory.  Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.

7.Be prepared for your work in the laboratory.  Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory.  Never fool around in the laboratory.  Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.

8.Observe good housekeeping practices.  Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Clear your bench top of all unnecessary materials such as books and clothing before starting your work.

9. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory.  Notify the teacher immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.

10. Dispose of all chemical waste properly.  Never mix chemicals in sink drains.  Sinks are to be used only for water. Check with your teacher for disposal of chemicals and solutions. 

11.Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use.  Set up and use the equipment as directed by your teacher.

12.Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals or lab equipment.  Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments. 

13.Experiments must be personally monitored at all times.  Do not wander around the room, distract other students, startle other students or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.

14.Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including: first aid kit(s), and fire extinguisher.  Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.

15.Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, and any electrical equipment turned off.

16.Dress properly during a laboratory activity.  Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the laboratory.  Long hair must be tied back, and dangling jewelry and baggy clothing must be secured.  Shoes must completely cover the foot.  No sandals allowed on lab days.

HANDLING CHEMICALS

1. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Avoid handling chemicals with fingers. Always use a tweezer. When making an observation, keep at least 1 foot away from the specimen. Do not taste, or smell any chemicals. 

2.Check chemical labels twice to make sure you have the correct substance. Some chemical formulas and names differ by only a letter or number. Pay attention to the hazard symbols shown on the label.

3.Never return unused chemicals to their original container.

4.Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.

<Download> Student Lab Safety Contract here


Take a lab safety quiz here