Laboratory Guidelines
- Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.
- 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.
- Never work alone in the laboratory. No student may work in the science classroom without the presence of the teacher.
- When first entering the science room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so.
- Perform only those experiments authorized by your teacher. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral.
- Unauthorized experiments are not allowed.
- Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.
- 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.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area.
- Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times.
- Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the teacher immediately of any unsasafe conditions you observe.
- 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.
- Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use the equipment as directed by your teacher.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- In case of a fire all containers must be closed, and any electrical equipment turned off.
- 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 in the laboratory.
- Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the teacher immediately and do not panic.
- If you or your lab partner is hurt, immediately (and loudly) yell out the teacher’s name to get the teacher’s attention. Do not panic.
- If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water for at least 20 minutes.
- Immediately (and loudly) yell out the teacher’s name to get the teacher’s attention.
- All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Avoid handling chemicals with fingers. Always use a holder.
- When making an observation, keep at least 1 foot away from the specimen. Do not taste, or smell any chemicals.
- Check the label on all chemical bottles twice before removing any of the contents. Take only as much chemical as you need.
- Never return unused chemicals to their original container.
- Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.
- Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass.
- Place broken glass in the designated glass disposal container.
- Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped, cracked, or dirty glassware.
- If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ASK THE TEACHER FOR HELP!
- Do not operate a burner by yourself. Take care that hair, clothing, and hands are a safe distance from the hot plate at all times.
- Use of burner is only allowed in the presence of the teacher.
- Heated glassware is usually very hot for a long time. They should be set aside in a designated place to cool, and picked up with caution.
- Use tongs or heat protective gloves if necessary. Do not place hot apparatus directly on the laboratory desk.
- Never look into a container that is being heated.