GOOD DAY!

Everyone!
LABORATORY SAFETY
RULES
SCIENCE IS A HANDS-ON LABORATORY CLASS. YOU WILL
BE DOING MANY LABORATORY ACTIVITIES WHICH
REQUIRE THE USE OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS. SAFETY
IN THE SCIENCE CLASSROOM IS THE NUMBER ONE
PRIORITY FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND PARENTS. TO
ENSURE A SAFE SCIENCE CLASSROOM AND
LABORATORY, A LIST OF RULES HAS BEEN DEVELOPED
AND PROVIDED TO YOU IN THIS STUDENT SAFETY
CONTRACT. THESE LABORATORY SAFETY RULES MUST BE
FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES. BOTH YOU AND YOUR PARENT
OR GUARDIAN MUST SUBMIT A SIGNED LABORATORY
SAFETY CONTRACT BEFORE YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN
LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND
OTHER ACTIVITIES.
GENERAL RULES
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 THE INSTRUCTOR
BEFORE PROCEEDING.

3. NEVER WORK ALONE. NO STUDENT MAY WORK IN

THE LABORATORY WITHOUT AN INSTRUCTOR PRESENT.
4. WHEN FIRST ENTERING A SCIENCE ROOM, DO NOT TOUCH ANY
EQUIPMENT, CHEMICALS, OR OTHER MATERIALS IN THE
LABORATORY AREA UNTIL YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.

5. DO NOT EAT FOOD, DRINK BEVERAGES, OR CHEW GUM IN THE

LABORATORY. DO NOT USE LABORATORY GLASSWARE AS
CONTAINERS FOR FOOD OR BEVERAGES. DO NOT BRING ANY
FOOD OR DRINK INTO THE LABORATORY. ANY FOOD OR DRINK
BROUGHT INTO THE LABORATORY WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DISPOSED
OF IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY.
6. PERFORM ONLY THOSE
EXPERIMENTS AUTHORIZED BY THE
INSTRUCTOR. NEVER DO ANYTHING IN
THE LABORATORY THAT IS NOT CALLED
FOR IN THE LABORATORY PROCEDURES
OR BY YOUR INSTRUCTOR. CAREFULLY
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS, BOTH
WRITTEN AND ORAL. UNAUTHORIZED
EXPERIMENTS ARE PROHIBITED.
7. BE PREPARED FOR YOUR WORK IN THE
LABORATORY. READ ALL PROCEDURES
THOROUGHLY BEFORE ENTERING THE
LABORATORY.

8. Never fool around in the laboratory.

Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks
are dangerous and prohibited.
9. OBSERVE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES. WORK AREAS
SHOULD BE KEPT CLEAN AND TIDY AT ALL TIMES. BRING ONLY
YOUR LABORATORY INSTRUCTIONS, WORKSHEETS, AND/OR
REPORTS TO THE WORK AREA. OTHER MATERIALS (BOOKS,
PURSES, BACKPACKS, ETC.) SHOULD BE STORED IN THE
CLASSROOM AREA.

10. Keep aisles clear. Push your

chair under the desk when not in
use.
11. KNOW THE LOCATIONS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES,
WHERE APPROPRIATE, FOR ALL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
INCLUDING FIRST AID KIT, EYEWASH STATION, SAFETY
SHOWER, FIRE EXTINGUISHER, AND FIRE BLANKET. KNOW
WHERE THE FIRE ALARM AND EXITS ARE LOCATED.

12. Always work in a well-ventilated area.

Use the fume hood when working with
volatile substances or poisonous vapors.
Never place your head into the fume
hood.
 13. BE ALERT AND PROCEED WITH CAUTION AT ALL TIMES IN
THE LABORATORY. NOTIFY THE INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY
OF ANY UNSAFE CONDITIONS YOU OBSERVE.
14. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never
mix chemicals in sink drains. Sinks are to be used
only for water and those solutions designated by the
instructor. Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter
paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be
disposed of in the proper waste containers, not in
the sink. Check the label of all waste containers
twice before adding your chemical waste to the
container.
 15. LABELS AND EQUIPMENT INSTRUCTIONS
MUST BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE. SET
UP AND USE THE PRESCRIBED APPARATUS AS
DIRECTED IN THE LABORATORY
INSTRUCTIONS OR BY YOUR INSTRUCTOR.

16. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth

and body while using chemicals or preserved
specimens. Wash your hands with soap and
water after performing all experiments. Clean
all work surfaces and apparatus at the end of
the experiment. Return all equipment clean and
in working order to the proper storage area.
17. EXPERIMENTS MUST BE PERSONALLY MONITORED AT ALL TIMES.
YOU WILL BE ASSIGNED A LABORATORY STATION AT WHICH TO WORK.
DO NOT WANDER AROUND THE ROOM, DISTRACT OTHER STUDENTS,
OR INTERFERE WITH THE LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS OF OTHERS.

18. Students are never permitted in the

science storage rooms or preparation
areas unless given specific permission
by their instructor.
19. KNOW WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS A FIRE DRILL OR ALARM
DURING A LABORATORY PERIOD; CONTAINERS MUST BE
CLOSED, GAS VALVES TURNED OFF, FUME HOODS TURNED
OFF, AND ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT TURNED OFF.

20. Handle all living organisms used in a

laboratory activity in a humane manner.
Preserved biological materials are to be
treated with respect and disposed of
properly.
21. WHEN USING KNIVES AND OTHER SHARP INSTRUMENTS, ALWAYS
CARRY WITH TIPS AND POINTS POINTING DOWN AND AWAY. ALWAYS
CUT AWAY FROM YOUR BODY. NEVER TRY TO CATCH FALLING SHARP
INSTRUMENTS. GRASP SHARP INSTRUMENTS ONLY BY THE HANDLES.

22. If you have a medical

condition (e.g., allergies,
pregnancy, etc.), check with your
physician prior to working in lab.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND
EQUIPMENT

23. Any time chemicals, heat, or

glassware are used, students will
wear laboratory goggles. There will
be no exceptions to this rule.
24. CONTACT LENSES MAY BE WORN
PROVIDED ADEQUATE FACE AND EYE
PROTECTION IS PROVIDED BY SPECIALLY
MARKED, NON-VENTED SAFETY
GOGGLES. THE INSTRUCTOR SHOULD
KNOW WHICH STUDENTS ARE WEARING
CONTACT LENSES IN THE EVENT OF EYE
EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS
CHEMICALS.
25. Dress properly for lab activities. Long hair,
dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing
are hazardous. Long hair must be tied back
and dangling jewelry and loose or baggy
clothing must be secured. Shoes must
 25. DRESS PROPERLY FOR LAB ACTIVITIES. LONG
HAIR, DANGLING JEWELRY, AND LOOSE OR BAGGY
CLOTHING ARE HAZARDOUS. LONG HAIR MUST BE
TIED BACK AND DANGLING JEWELRY AND LOOSE OR
BAGGY CLOTHING MUST BE SECURED. SHOES MUST
COMPLETELY COVER THE FOOT. NO SANDALS
ALLOWED.
26. LAB APRONS HAVE BEEN
PROVIDED FOR YOUR USE AND
SHOULD BE WORN DURING
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES.
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
27. REPORT ANY ACCIDENT (SPILL,
BREAKAGE, ETC.) OR INJURY (CUT, BURN,
ETC.) TO THE INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY,
NO MATTER HOW TRIVIAL IT MAY APPEAR.
28. IF YOU OR YOUR LAB PARTNERS ARE
HURT, IMMEDIATELY YELL OUT TO GET
THE INSTRUCTOR’S ATTENTION.
29. IF A CHEMICAL SPLASHES IN YOUR
EYE(S) OR ON YOUR SKIN, IMMEDIATELY
FLUSH WITH RUNNING WATER FROM THE
EYEWASH STATION OR SAFETY SHOWER
FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. CHEMICALLY
CONTAMINATED CLOTHING AND CONTACT
LENSES MUST BE REMOVED DURING THE
FLUSHING PROCESS. NOTIFY THE
INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
30. WHEN MERCURY THERMOMETERS
ARE BROKEN, MERCURY MUST NOT BE
TOUCHED. NOTIFY THE INSTRUCTOR
IMMEDIATELY SO THAT THE MERCURY CAN
BE PROPERLY DISPOSED.
HANDLING CHEMICALS
31. ALL CHEMICALS IN THE LABORATORY
ARE TO BE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS. DO
NOT TOUCH, TASTE, OR SMELL ANY
CHEMICALS UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. THE PROPER
TECHNIQUE FOR WAFTING CHEMICAL
VAPORS WILL BE DEMONSTRATED TO YOU.
NEVER STICK YOUR NOSE INTO A
CONTAINER TO SMELL A CHEMICAL.
32. CHECK THE LABEL ON CHEMICAL
BOTTLES TWICE BEFORE REMOVING
ANY OF THE CONTENTS. TAKE ONLY
AS MUCH CHEMICAL AS YOU NEED.
33. NEVER RETURN UNUSED
CHEMICALS TO THEIR ORIGINAL
CONTAINERS.
34. NEVER USE MOUTH SUCTION
TO FILL A PIPET. USE A RUBBER
BULB OR PIPET PUMP.
35. WHEN TRANSFERRING REAGENTS
FROM ONE CONTAINER TO ANOTHER,
HOLD THE CONTAINERS AWAY FROM YOUR
BODY.
36. ACIDS MUST BE HANDLED WITH
EXTREME CARE. YOU WILL BE SHOWN THE
PROPER METHOD FOR DILUTING STRONG
ACIDS. ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER,
SWIRL OR STIR THE SOLUTION AND BE
CAREFUL OF THE HEAT PRODUCED,
PARTICULARLY WITH SULFURIC ACID.
NEVER ADD WATER TO CONCENTRATED
ACIDS.
37. HANDLE FLAMMABLE HAZARDOUS
LIQUIDS OVER A PAN TO CONTAIN SPILLS.
NEVER DISPENSE OR WORK WITH
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ANYWHERE NEAR
AN OPEN FLAME OR SOURCE OF HEAT.
38. NEVER REMOVE CHEMICALS OR
OTHER MATERIALS FROM THE
LABORATORY AREA.
39. TAKE GREAT CARE WHEN
TRANSPORTING ACIDS AND OTHER
CHEMICALS FROM ONE PART OF THE
LABORATORY TO ANOTHER. HOLD THEM
SECURELY AND WALK CAREFULLY.
PROPER HANDLING OF GLASSWARE
AND LAB EQUIPMENT
40. CARRY GLASS TUBING, ESPECIALLY
LONG PIECES, IN A VERTICAL POSITION
TO MINIMIZE THE LIKELIHOOD OF
BREAKAGE AND INJURY.
41. NEVER HANDLE BROKEN GLASS WITH
YOUR BARE HANDS. USE A BRUSH AND
DUSTPAN TO CLEAN UP BROKEN GLASS.
PLACE BROKEN OR WASTE GLASSWARE IN
THE DESIGNATED GLASS DISPOSAL
CONTAINER. NEVER PLACE BROKEN
GLASS IN THE NORMAL GARBAGE CAN.
42. INSERTING AND REMOVING GLASS TUBING
FROM RUBBER STOPPERS CAN BE DANGEROUS.
ALWAYS LUBRICATE GLASSWARE (TUBING,
THISTLE TUBES, THERMOMETERS, ETC.) BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO INSERT IT IN A STOPPER. ALWAYS
PROTECT YOUR HANDS WITH TOWELS OR
COTTON GLOVES WHEN INSERTING GLASS
TUBING INTO, OR REMOVING IT FROM, A RUBBER
STOPPER. IF A PIECE OF GLASSWARE BECOMES
“FROZEN” IN A STOPPER, TAKE IT TO YOUR
INSTRUCTOR FOR REMOVAL.
43. FILL WASH BOTTLES ONLY WITH
DISTILLED WATER AND USE ONLY AS
INTENDED, E.G., RINSING GLASSWARE
AND EQUIPMENT, OR ADDING WATER TO A
CONTAINER.
44. WHEN REMOVING AN ELECTRICAL
PLUG FROM ITS SOCKET, GRASP THE
PLUG, NOT THE ELECTRICAL CORD.
HANDS MUST BE COMPLETELY DRY
BEFORE TOUCHING AN ELECTRICAL
SWITCH, PLUG, OR OUTLET.
45. EXAMINE GLASSWARE CAREFULLY
BEFORE EACH USE. NEVER USE CHIPPED
OR CRACKED GLASSWARE. NEVER USE
DIRTY GLASSWARE.
46. REPORT DAMAGED ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT IMMEDIATELY. LOOK FOR
THINGS SUCH AS FRAYED CORDS,
EXPOSED WIRES, AND LOOSE
CONNECTIONS. DO NOT USE DAMAGED
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.
47. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW
TO USE A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, ASK THE
INSTRUCTOR FOR HELP BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO USE IT.
48. DO NOT IMMERSE HOT GLASSWARE
IN COLD WATER; IT MAY SHATTE
HEATING SUBSTANCES
49. EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
USING A GAS BURNER. TAKE CARE THAT
HAIR, CLOTHING AND HANDS ARE A SAFE
DISTANCE FROM THE FLAME AT ALL
TIMES. DO NOT PUT ANY SUBSTANCE
INTO THE FLAME UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. NEVER REACH
OVER AN EXPOSED FLAME. LIGHT GAS
(OR ALCOHOL) BURNERS ONLY AS
INSTRUCTED BY THE TEACHER.
50. NEVER LEAVE A LIT BURNER
UNATTENDED. NEVER LEAVE ANYTHING
THAT IS BEING HEATED OR IS VISIBLY
REACTING UNATTENDED. ALWAYS TURN
THE BURNER OR HOT PLATE OFF WHEN
NOT IN USE.
51. YOU WILL BE INSTRUCTED IN THE
PROPER METHOD OF HEATING AND
BOILING LIQUIDS IN TEST TUBES. DO NOT
POINT THE OPEN END OF A TEST TUBE
BEING HEATED AT YOURSELF OR ANYONE
ELSE.
52. HEATED METALS, GLASS, AND
CERAMIC REMAIN VERY HOT FOR A LONG
TIME. IF IN DOUBT, ALWAYS TREAT METAL,
GLASSWARE, AND CERAMIC AS IF IT IS
HOT. THEY SHOULD BE SET ASIDE TO
COOL AND PICKED UP WITH CAUTION.
USE TONGS OR HEAT-PROTECTIVE
GLOVES IF NECESSARY.
53. NEVER LOOK INTO A CONTAINER THAT
IS BEING HEATED.
54. DO NOT PLACE HOT APPARATUS
DIRECTLY ON THE LABORATORY DESKTOP.
ALWAYS USE AN INSULATING PAD OR TILE
SQUARE. ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME FOR
HOT APPARATUS TO COOL BEFORE
TOUCHING IT.
55. WHEN BENDING GLASS, ALLOW TIME
FOR THE GLASS TO COOL BEFORE
FURTHER HANDLING. HOT AND COLD
GLASS HAS THE SAME VISUAL
APPEARANCE. DETERMINE IF AN OBJECT IS
HOT BY BRINGING THE BACK OF YOUR
HAND CLOSE TO IT PRIOR TO GRASPING
IT.
HEALTH INFORMATION
SAFETY GOGGLES ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES IN THE
LABORATORY

ALTHOUGH SAFETY GOGGLES MAY NOT BE THE MOST

ATTRACTIVE ITEM, THEY ARE ESSENTIAL PERSONAL
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT THAT MUST BE WORN IN THE
CHEMISTRY LAB DURING ACTIVE EXPERIMENTS.

GOGGLES PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM COMING IN CONTACT

WITH CHEMICALS, CHEMICAL FUMES, DAMAGING UV LIGHT,
AND OTHER DEBRIS. STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO
WEAR GOGGLES AT ALL TIMES DURING CHEMISTRY
EXPERIMENTS AND CERTAIN DEMONSTRATIONS.
SAFETY GOGGLES ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES IN THE
LABORATORY

ALTHOUGH SAFETY GOGGLES MAY NOT BE THE MOST

ATTRACTIVE ITEM, THEY ARE ESSENTIAL PERSONAL
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT THAT MUST BE WORN IN THE
CHEMISTRY LAB DURING ACTIVE EXPERIMENTS.

GOGGLES PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM COMING IN

CONTACT WITH CHEMICALS, CHEMICAL FUMES,
DAMAGING UV LIGHT, AND OTHER DEBRIS. STUDENTS
WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR GOGGLES AT ALL TIMES
DURING CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENTS AND CERTAIN
DEMONSTRATIONS.
 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION: EYE AND FACE
PROTECTION STANDARD - 29 CFR
1910.133
THE TEACHER SHALL ENSURE THAT EACH STUDENT USES
APPROPRIATE EYE OR FACE PROTECTION WHEN THE POTENTIAL
FOR EXPOSURE TO EYE OR FACE HAZARDS FROM FLYING
PARTICLES, MOLTEN METAL, LIQUID CHEMICALS, ACIDS OR
CAUSTIC LIQUIDS, CHEMICAL GASES OR VAPORS, OR
POTENTIALLY INJURIOUS LIGHT RADIATION ARE PRESENT.
THANK YOU!
AND MAY THE FORCE BE WITH US.