Opening the book…
The science laboratory is an exciting and rewarding place to explore and learn, but it must be approached with care, maturity, and respect. Each student is responsible for maintaining a safe environment for themselves and others. Staying alert, prepared, and cautious at all times will help prevent accidents and ensure productive lab experiences. Review and follow the safety rules below before beginning any laboratory activity.
General Safety Guidelines
- Always wear safety goggles or glasses when working with heat and chemicals glassware. Goggles may be worn over prescription glasses.
- Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling chemicals.
- Tie back long hair and remove loose jewelry.
- Ensure you only perform experiments authorized by your professor.
- Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory without the professor present.
- Know the locations and proper use of safety equipment, including the exits, safety shower, eyewash station, and fire extinguisher.
Pre-Lab Preparation
- Prepare for the experiment by reading and understanding all directions before starting.
- Clean the lab table surface with soap and water (or other cleaner) and dry it with a paper towel.
- Wash your hands before beginning the experiment.
During Lab Work
General Conduct
- Conduct yourself in a responsible manner—no running, pushing, horseplay, or practical jokes.
- Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in the laboratory. Never use laboratory glassware as food or beverage containers.
- Keep work areas clean and tidy. Only your lab manual, writing utensil, and lab equipment/supplies should be on your lab bench. All personal items (bags, phones, jackets, etc.) should remain at lecture tables.
- Observe good housekeeping practices and stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
- Follow all professor instructions carefully and ask questions if unsure.
Accidents and Injuries
- Report any accident, spill, or injury to the professor immediately, regardless of severity.
- If a chemical splashes in your eye(s) or on your skin, flush immediately with running water from the eyewash station or sink.
- Report all fires to your professor and evacuate safely after turning off electrical equipment (if safe to do so). Do not attempt to extinguish a fire yourself.
Handling Chemicals
- Treat all chemicals as dangerous. Only smell a chemical when instructed, using the proper wafting technique.
- Check chemical labels twice before using.
- Never taste or touch chemicals.
- Keep hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth while working with chemicals.
- Never remove chemicals or materials from the laboratory.
- Always add acid slowly to water while stirring carefully.
- Take only the chemicals you need and never return unused chemicals to stock bottles. Dispose of all chemicals as instructed.
Handling Glassware and Equipment
- Always grasp electrical plugs by the plug—not the cord—and make sure hands are dry before handling electrical equipment.
- Report any damaged equipment (frayed cords, exposed wires, loose parts) immediately.
- Inspect glassware before each use; do not use chipped, cracked, or dirty glassware. Avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent shattering.
- Never handle broken glass. Instead, notify your professor for cleanup.
Post-Lab Procedures
- Cleanup is your responsibility.
- Dispose of all used and unused materials as instructed in lab manual and/or as directed by your professor.
- Clean the lab table surface with soap and water (or other cleaner) and dry it with a paper towel.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after each experiment.
- No student may leave until all areas and equipment are cleaned, dried, and replaced properly.
This page titled 0.3: Lab Safety Guidelines was last modified on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:47:24 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Beth Cliffel.
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