The school laboratory presents risks not found in any other school setting. Being aware of these risks and taking steps to mitigate them is very important.
Workplace accidents contribute to personal injuries, reduced productivity, higher health-care costs, and higher prices for goods. Your experience in a school laboratory can prepare you for a lifetime of safe practices at work. If you can develop good, safe work habits you will not only protect yourself but also increase your value to future employers.
Please read the following rules carefully before each lab activity. Following them will greatly enhance your chances of working in the lab without injury.
Wear chemical splash goggles, gloves, and an apron in the laboratory.
Wear appropriate clothing. Shoes must completely cover the foot with leather or a similar material. Long pants are required in the lab. Coats, sweatshirts and other bulky clothing is not permitted. Do not wear expensive clothing in the lab.
Tie back long hair.
Remove dangling jewelry such as necklaces and earrings.
Follow all written and verbal instructions. Do not attempt experiments beyond those that have been approved by your instructor.
Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in the lab.
Horseplay is strictly forbidden.
Be familiar with the locations of all safety equipment, including safety shower, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, spill controls, and eyewash.
Do not use flammable liquids near ignition sources such as burners and hot plates.
Keep glassware and thermometers away from the edge of your work table.
When using thermometers or other long pieces of glassware always set them down flat where they will not roll away when not in use. Do not leave a thermometer standing upright in a beaker or cup!
Do not use chipped, cracked, or broken glassware.
Be prepared for lab. Read the laboratory instructions before class. Do not proceed unless you understand all the instructions.
Report any chemical spills to your instructor immediately.
Do not leave a lit Bunsen burner unattended.
Read all labels carefully before using a chemical. Check the name twice.
Do not touch, taste or smell chemicals.
Keep chemical containers covered when not actually in use.
Leave chemical containers in their central location so that others can locate them easily.
Return unused chemicals to the designated container.
Follow your instructor’s directions regarding disposal of chemicals.
Maintain a lab space free of paper, texts, and other clutter. Only lab handouts and lab notebooks are allowed.
Know the locations of fire exits and the proper procedure for exiting the building.
Wash your hands before leaving the lab.
To indicate that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the above rules please sign here:
Signature: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________
Always keep this handout with your lab materials for this course.