Do And Don't In The Science Lab

Though learning real science can be fun and exciting, hazards might also be lurking in many lab situations. Pay close attention to the safety practices that go with your lab activities, such as handling chemicals and glassware or using machinery. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when the situation calls for it. Above all, stay safe and healthy as you explore the mysteries of science.

Science labs contain glassware, caustic chemicals, vapors, open flames and other substances that may harm your eyes. Goggles or safety glasses help protect your eyes in case of accidents or spills.

Open flames from Bunsen burners or alcohol lamps are necessary for experiments that involve heating, boiling and burning chemicals or other specimens. Keep your hands and arms away from the open flames, wear safety glasses, tuck in loose clothing, and keep long hair tied back.

Eliminate potentially dangerous chemical reactions by thoroughly washing beakers, test tubes, flasks and other glassware before and after use. This also helps ensure that results are not tainted by chemical residue from previous experiments. Glassware can break, leaving behind potentially harmful shards. Report any broken glass immediately and dispose of it properly.

Write proper laboratory procedures, observations and instructions in a laboratory notebook, with permanent binding and large pages. Lab notebooks help keep track of data, maintain records of experiments and facilitate thinking.

Protect your hands with the proper gloves for each job. Handle hot and cold items with insulated gloves, wear latex gloves during dissections, and use chemical-resistant gloves when working with caustic chemicals.

Protect your feet from spills, hot items and heavy objects by wearing shoes with closed toes. Sandals and other open-toed footwear leave your feet vulnerable to burns and broken bones.

Some experiments require electrical equipment. Before plugging in anything, make sure the plug includes a ground prong. Whenever plugging or unplugging equipment, hold the plug by its insulating cover. Never unplug anything by pulling or tugging the cord. Reduce the risk of shock or shorts by keeping electrical equipment away from water and other liquids.

Eat before entering or after leaving the lab. Food, gum, mints, cough drops and beverages are messy. They may get equipment dirty, contaminate samples, absorb chemicals or cause accidents.

Some experiments require connecting glassware with glass tubes and rubber grommets or plugging glassware with stoppers. Using excessive force can potentially chip or break the glass.

Clean up spills immediately. Cover the spill with paper towels and then wipe it up from the outside in, pushing the mess toward the center of the table, rather than the floor. Dispose of the paper towels in a proper container. Clean up all laboratory equipment, materials, supplies and work surfaces before leaving the lab. Make sure Bunsen burners and other sources of heat or gas are properly turned off.