Lab Safety Tips

Written by Staff Writer

Science labs are a place for hands-on learning, but they also come with serious responsibilities. Many dangers can lurk in a laboratory, even a school lab, but taking a few basic precautions can help you avoid accidents and make the most of your scientific training.

Dress for the Lab

• Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from fumes or liquids that could splash into your eyes and cause injury.
• Wear a lab coat or a protective apron to protect your clothing from spills and stains.
• If you have long hair, tie it back and secure it with a clip or hair tie.
• Remove loose jewelry like bracelets, long necklaces or dangling earrings before you start your experiment.
• Roll up long sleeves so they don't catch on fire or get dipped in chemicals accidentally.
• Wear closed-toe shoes with rubber soles.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during labs involving fumes or chemicals unless your teacher says it's OK.

Before You Begin

• Read all instructions twice before starting your experiment, and ask your teacher to explain anything you don't understand.
• Know the locations of the nearest fire extinguisher, eye wash station and exit from the room, just in case something goes wrong.
• Check all equipment for cracks or damage before using it.

Setting Up Your Workspace

• Keep your work area neat. Only materials you need for the lab should be out.
• Never block your lab station's sink or gas valve.
• Do not sit on lab tables or lean on work surfaces during experiments.
• Keep backpacks and personal items off the floor to avoid tripping hazards.

Handling Chemicals Safely

• Never assume that a chemical is harmless. No matter what you're working with, always treat it with caution.
• Double-check the label before using any chemical to make sure that you're using the right one.
• Use small amounts: You can always add more if you need to, but adding too much at once can be dangerous.
• Keep chemical containers closed when they're not in use.
• If you spill a chemical, do not try to clean it up without asking your teacher what to do.
• Always use proper glass or plastic tools to mix chemicals together.

Heat and Flame Safety

• Keep flammable liquids away from flames or sparks.
• Turn off gas valves immediately if you smell gas.
• Extinguish your burner as soon as you're done using it.
• Point test tubes and containers away from yourself and others when heating them.
• Place hot glassware on a heat-resistant pad; never set it directly on the desk.
• Hot glass looks the same as cold glass, so always use tongs or gloves while you're working with test tubes around a heat source.

Equipment Handling Tips

• Handle glassware carefully to avoid breakage.
• Never use chipped or cracked items.
• Don't force glass tubing into rubber stoppers; ask your teacher to show you how to connect them.
• Carry sharp tools like scalpels or scissors with the blade pointed down.
• When using electrical equipment, keep the cord away from water and make sure that the equipment is turned off before you plug it in or unplug it.

What if Something Goes Wrong?

• Stay calm: Panicking can make things worse.
• Tell the teacher immediately about chemical spills, fires, broken glass, burns or cuts. They'll have the proper fire safety, first aid and/or hazardous materials training to know what to do.
• Know how to use a fire blanket in case someone's clothes catch on fire.
• If there's a fire drill or emergency, turn off all burners and equipment, then evacuate according to your teacher's instructions.

End-of-Lab Checklist

• Double-check that all burners, gas valves and electrical tools are turned off.
• Clean all tools and return them to their correct locations.
• Wipe down your lab station with disinfectant or as directed.
• Dispose of waste materials properly. Don't pour anything down the sink unless you're instructed to do so; listen to your teacher's hazardous materials safety training and follow the proper procedures.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if you wore gloves.

Smart Habits to Remember

• Do not bring food, drinks, gum or candy into the lab.
• Don't touch your face, eyes or mouth while you're working with chemicals.
• Never run, horse around or play games in the lab. You don't need safety training courses to know that you should take lab safety seriously.
• Communicate with your lab partner, and divide up your tasks fairly.
• Never try an experiment that isn't assigned, even if it seems harmless.
• Pay attention to your surroundings; watch out for cords, spills and other people and be aware of potential hazards.