Laboratory Safety Rules and Procedures

A comprehensive collection of vocabulary terms and safety protocols based on standard classroom laboratory guidelines.

Safety goggles

Protective eyewear that must always be worn when working with chemicals, burners, or any substance that may hurt your eyes.

Chemicals

Substances that you should never touch, taste, or smell.

Spill

An event that, should it occur, requires immediate cleanup.

Flame

A heat source you should never reach across; necessitates pushing up sleeves and pulling back hair.

Sharp objects

Items such as knives or blades that should be handled by an adult.

Well-ventilated area

A workspace condition, along with being well-lit, that is required for safety during experiments.

Closed container

A vessel that should never be used when heating liquids.

Tongs, clamps, or heat-resistant gloves

Tools that must always be used when moving hot containers.

Proper container

The designated location for disposing of broken glass or other sharp objects.

Teacher

The person who must be notified immediately if you are cut, burned, or otherwise hurt.

Unsupervised or unapproved experiments

Activities that must never be performed in the laboratory.

Apron

A protective garment worn to shield yourself and your clothes from chemicals.

Closed-toe shoes

The type of footwear required to be worn when performing experiments.

Cords

Electrical components that must be kept untangled and out of walking paths.

Plastic gloves

Hand protection worn when handling live animals, plants, or chemicals.

Work area

An environment that must be kept neat and organized and cleaned up once the experiment is completed.

Lab materials

Items that must be returned to their proper location once the experiment is completed.