LAB Safety

BEFORE THE EXPERIMENT

• do not enter the laboratory to conduct experiments without your teachers permission
•  read and understand instructions on how to carry out an experiment
• if you are unclear please clarify with the teacher
• wear safety goggles whenever you or your friends around are conducting experiments that involve heating and mixing of harmful chemicals.
•  check the label of the container that matches what you have to use and remember to close it properly after use
• if you have long hair or long sleeves please tie or roll them up to avoid them getting caught in an open flame or chemical spillage
• Do not bring food or drinks into the laboratory
• no eating or drinking is allowed during laboratory sessions

 DURING THE EXPERIMENT

• do not run in a laboratory, especially when you are carrying chemicals or laboratory apparatus
• do not insert wires, metal strips or sharp objects into electrical mains nor tamper with electric cables
• if you see any exposed electrical wires, report to your teacher immediately
• report any accident such as spillage of chemicals or broken apparatus to you teacher
• wash you clothes or any part of your body thoroughly with water immediately if any chemical spills on your clothes
• do not taste any chemicals in the laboratory, as some may be highly corrosive or poisonous
• when mixing chemicals or boiling liquids in a test tube, always point the mouth of the test tube away from anyone close to you, so as to prevent any injury caused by chemical reaction or boiling liquid
• do not leave any highly flammable substances near any naked flame
• follow instructions of experiments closely to ensure that you are handling chemicals and apparatus correctly

AFTER THE EXPERIMENT

• dispose of materials and chemicals properly as instructed by teacher
• pour away any excess chemicals back into their containers or sink
• do not remove any chemical or apparatus from the laboratory without permission
• wash, clean and tidy up all apparatus after each and every experiment
• return them to their proper storage area after washing
• wash your hands after each experiment, especially when you handle chemicals