Science Laboratory Regulations and Safe Laboratory Practices
The following regulations have been compiled for the safety of students performing laboratory work in a science class. All students in a science class are required to follow these regulations.
Students and parents must read the Science Laboratory Regulations And Safe Laboratory Practices, sign the Science Laboratory Regulations And Safe Laboratory Practices Acknowledgement/Consent Form and return the signed form to the teacher. This procedure must be completed before a student can begin any laboratory activity. The student should keep a copy of the regulations in his or her notebook for future reference.
General Guidelines for Laboratory Safety
- Behave appropriately in the laboratory. No fooling around.
- Be aware of your classmates’ safety as well as your own.
- Listen to and follow all directions and safety protocol.
- Do not perform experiments not specifically approved by your teacher.
- Use required personal protective equipment as directed by your teacher (lab apron/coat, safety glasses/goggles protective gloves, etc.)
- Tie back long hair; remove long hanging necklaces, bulky jewelry and adjust/fix loose or bulky clothing.
- Know the location of all safety and emergency equipment used in the laboratory (eye wash station, safety blanket, safety shower, fire extinguisher, first aid kit chemical spill kit, and disposal containers).
- Immediately report any accident, incident, or hazard to your teacher.
- Immediately report any spill to your teacher.
- Report any laboratory equipment not working properly.
- Be familiar with the proper school emergency drill procedures. Identify all emergency exits.
- Keep your work area neat and uncluttered.
- Clean and organize your work area at the conclusion of each lab period.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after each lab period. During the lab, keep hands away from face.
- Do not eat or drink in the laboratory.
Eye Safety
- Wear approved safety glasses/goggles as directed by your teacher.
- Always wear eye protection when you are working with a chemical or a solution, a heat source, or a mechanical device.
- In case of eye contact, do the following: Go to an eyewash station immediately, and flush your eyes (including under the eyelids) with running water for at least 15 minutes. Have another student notify the teacher.
- Do not wear contact lenses in the laboratory. If your doctor requires that you wear contact lenses instead of glasses, then you must wear safety goggles.
Chemical Safety
- Be aware of the chemicals being used in the laboratory. Check labels and know where the safety data sheets (SDS) are located.
- Always handle chemicals and solutions with care.
- Do not return unused chemicals or solutions to their original containers.
- Do not mix any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so by your teacher.
- Do not taste, touch, or smell any substance or bring it close to your eyes, unless specifically instructed to do so by your teacher.
- If you are directed by your teacher to note the odor or a substance, do so by waving the fumes toward you with your hand.
- Do not pipette any substance by mouth; use a suction bulb as directed by your teacher.
- Do not pour water into a strong acid or strong base.
Glassware Safety
- Inspect glassware before use; do not use chipped or cracked glassware. Report any unusable glassware to your teacher and follow the teacher’s directions for proper disposal.
- Do not attempt to insert glass tubing into a rubber stopper without specific instruction from your teacher.
- Immediately notify your teacher if a piece of glassware breaks.
- Do not attempt to clean up broken glassware. Your teacher has the proper equipment to clean up the glassware.
Sharp Object Safety
- Use extreme care when handling all sharp and pointed instruments, such as scalpels, shape probes, and knives. Pass them with handles extended when handing them to another person.
- Do not cut objects while holding them in your hand. Always cut objects on a suitable works surface and in a direction away from your body.
Heating Safety
- Be aware of any source of flames, sparks, or heat (open flame, electric heating coils, hot plates, etc.) before working in the lab, especially if working with flammable liquids or gases.
- When heating chemicals or reagents in a test tube, do not look into the mouth of the test tube or point the test tube toward anyone.
- Use tongs or other appropriate, insulated holders when heating objects. Hot glass looks the same as cool glass.
- Us a fire blanket to extinguish any flame on a person. Remember to STOP, DROP, and ROLL.
Electrical Safety
- Do not use equipment with frayed electrical cords or loose plugs.
- Adjust electrical cords so as not to trip over them.
- Do not use electrical equipment near water or with wet hands or clothing.
- Hold the plug base, not the cord, when you plug in or unplug equipment.
Proper Waste Disposal
- Clean and decontaminate all work surfaces and personal equipment after each laboratory period.
- Be sure all glassware is clean before use and after use.
- Dispose of all sharp objects (chipped or cracked glassware, toothpicks, razor blades, scalpel blades etc.) and other contaminated materials (biological or chemical) in special containers as directed by your teacher.
Note: Persistent or willful violation of the laboratory safety regulations will result in the loss of laboratory privileges and possible dismissal from the class.