Safety in the Laboratory

In 7^th grade science you will carry out many laboratory activities.  The following safety rules apply to all laboratory activities.  For your personal safety and that of your classmates, make following these guidelines second nature in the laboratory. Follow these safety rules at all times in the science classroom and during laboratory experiments.  

1.       No horseplay

2.       Eating, drinking, and/or tasting of chemicals is prohibited.

3.       Any laboratory accident, however small, should be reported immediately to your teacher. (An accident is anything you did not expect to happen.)

4.       Safety goggles must be worn during lab experiments at all times.

5.       Long hair should be pulled back and loose clothing should not be worn while in the laboratory.

6.       Know the location and operation of the eyewash, fire blanket, glass disposal bucket, and fire extinguisher.

7.       Check chemical labels twice to make sure you have the correct substance.

8.       If a fire breaks out, report the incident to the teacher, remain calm and evacuate the room.

9.       If you are instructed to smell something, do so by fanning some of the vapor towards your nose. 

10.   Never place your mouth on a pipette, always use a suction bulb or syringe to draw liquids.

11.    Never look directly down into a test tube.  View the contents of the test   tube from the side.       
 Never point the  open end of a test tube toward yourself or your neighbor.

 12.   Clear your bench top of all unnecessary materials such as books and 
       clothing before  starting your work.

 13.   Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands, near a pool of water or 
       near a  damp area.

 14.   Never transport a lit burner around the room or leave it unattended.

 15.   In the event of a chemical splash in the eye, flush with cool, aerated water 
       for 20 minutes by using the eyewash device located at the sink.

 16.   In the event of a chemical splash on the skin, flush for 20 minutes with cool 
       water.

 17.   In the event of broken glassware, the student must sweep the area with a  
       broom  and dustpan and dispose of  the glass in the designated waste receptacle.

 18.   Carry all equipment with both hands.

 19.   Carefully follow all laboratory instructions given by the teacher.

 20. Return equipment, chemicals, goggles and supplies to their designated locations.