Lab Safety

Milton High School

Steps to Prove You are a Responsible Science Student

Read lab safety contract Follow all lab safety procedures Notify the teacher immediately when a lab

accident occurs Correct your classmates when they fail to

follow lab procedures Follow instructions

Where and Why Science Accidents Occur

Student failure to read and understand instructions

Failure to enforce safety in the lab Poorly written lab instructions Overcrowded science classroomsOvercrowded science classrooms

Minimize your movement around classroom Bookbags should be placed out of the way

and not in the aisles Listen carefully to all instructions Ask questions when in doubt

Overcrowded Classrooms

When do student’s need to wear goggles?

Circumstances requiring eye-protective devices

Anytime a student is engaged in an activity or is observing the use of hazardous substances likely to cause injury to the eyes

Working with hot metal Working with hot liquids or solids or with chemicals

that are flammable, toxic, corrosive to living tissues, irritating, strongly sensitizing, or that generate pressure through heat, decomposition, or other means

Working with materials or equipment under stress, pressure, or force that might cause fragmentation

Should students wear safety goggles when heating water?

Do you see any safety violations in this picture?

You are working on a lab activity which involves the use of concentrated hydrochloric acid. You

begin to smell an unusual odor in the classroom. What actions do you take?

What are the safety precautions necessary for the dissection of a flower?

A very simple activity – what

might go wrong?

Goggles should remain on until all students have finished cleaning up after

the lab – there is still potential for chemical splashes and broken glassware

during clean-up

No sandals during lab

Closed-toe shoes will be worn

during lab

Do you see anything wrong in this picture?

When do you add water to

acid?

NEVER ADD WATER TO ACID – YOU SHOULD ADD ACID TO

WATER

If a chemical splashes in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water for at least 20 minutes and

notify the teacher immediately

Why are students not allowed in the lab storage room?

In case of an emergency be sure all containers are closed and gas valves and electrical equipment is turned off

No food or drink in the lab

No horseplay, practical jokes or pranks in the lab

Keep flammable liquids away from an open flame

Long hair should be tied back