Burton
 Learning Goals: I will
be able to describe how
to behave in a science
lab in order to maximize
my own safety as well as
the safety of others
around me
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
YOUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY
OF THOSE AROUND YOU.
Failure to act in a safe and
responsible manner will result in
removal from the classroom and
loss of all science lab privileges.
 NO HORSEPLAY!
 This is a no
warning offense.
You will go to the
office.
 You will get at
least a detention
from me and lose
lab privileges
until you earn
them back.
• No student should be in the lab or preparation room unsupervised.
• Be prepared for your lab. READ your procedure for any safety precautions.
• Do not sit or stand on the lab tables
• Keep books, backpacks, etc. picked up out of the aisles
• Keep work areas clean and free from clutter when performing experiments.
• No unauthorized experiments.
Be alert and responsible 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 BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE
ACTIVITY.
 I will explain the specific safety practices for each lab. I expect you to listen
carefully and follow the protocols. Each lab is different.
 I do not expect to be using chemicals other than household safe chemicals, but
it is still integral to treat chemicals like they are toxic. These are the basics:
 Use PPE
 Dispose of them properly
 DO NOT put any chemical in your mouth, nose, or eyes!
 Notify me of any spills immediately.
 Never smell a chemical directly, waft or fan the fumes toward you.
 I do not expect that we will be using heat or burners.
 Use all items ONLY as they are intended.
 Microscopes should be held with both hands, one underneath and one on the
arm. When handling glassware be sure to hold it with both hands when can. If
something is hot, then make sure to use tongs.
 Always cut away from fingers and body
 Always carry sharp objects with points and tips facing down and away
 Never try to catch falling sharp instruments
 Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles
 Broken glass and sharp objects do not go in trash cans
 We do not want to hurt the people who clean up the classrooms!
 Teacher will clean up broken glass
 Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut,
burn, etc.) to the teacher immediately, no matter how
trivial it seems. 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.
 I will be much more upset if you wait to tell me, than if
you tell me honestly and promptly.
 Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the
laboratory. Notify the teacher immediately of any
unsafe conditions you observe.
 Do not eat or drink or chew gum in the lab.
 Your food may pick up harmful chemicals.
 Never taste chemicals or materials in the lab.
 DO NOT inhale chemicals unless instructed to do so. Use the wafting technique.
Please make sure to WASH YOUR HANDS after you do a lab. You do not know
who has previously touched the equipment, if chemicals may have splashed it,
etc.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEANED YOUR HANDS!
 Dress properly during a lab
activity.
 Long hair must be tied back.
 Dangling jewelry and baggy
clothing must be secured.
 Shoes must be completely cover
the foot. No sandals are allowed
on lab days.
 If you do not want to dress
appropriately, you will spend the
lab in the office and there will be
follow up consequences
depending on the situation.
 Locations of all safety equipment in the lab:
 Fire extinguisher (front by door)
 Fire blanket (back of room, under paper towel holder)
 Shower (front counter)
 WORKING sink (front of room, utility sink). Some of the other sinks work, but the make a
giant mess, do not use them. If you make a mess, you clean it up.
 I may require additional safety equipment, which must be worn. I will advise you
where it is when it is needed.
 Fire drills & lockdowns: FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS. STAY WITH ME. STAY QUIET
AND ATTENTIVE. DO NOT USE AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE.
 There may be something that I have not covered in this presentation. Please use
your common sense and good judgement.
 By participating in a lab you are agreeing to the lab safety rules.
 I do reserve the right to ask you to leave a lab at any time for any reason that I
deem makes the situation potentially unsafe.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEIXRLcC6RA