1.2 : Lab Safety

Lab Safety

Lab safety is an important part of doing science. Following safety rules in the laboratory helps prevent accidents and ensures that experiments are carried out safely. Scientists follow strict safety procedures when working with chemicals, heat, or equipment, and students should do the same. Knowing and following lab safety rules helps keep everyone safe while conducting scientific research.

Important Lab Safety Rules

• Wear Safety Gear – Always wear goggles, gloves, and lab aprons when handling chemicals or experiments that could cause spills or splashes.
• No Eating or Drinking – Never eat, drink, or taste anything in the lab to prevent accidental ingestion of harmful substances.
• Handle Chemicals with Care – Always follow instructions when using chemicals. Never mix substances unless told to do so by the teacher.
• Report Accidents Immediately – If a spill, breakage, or injury occurs, inform the teacher right away instead of trying to clean it up alone.
• Properly Dispose of Materials – Follow the teacher’s instructions for disposing of chemicals, broken glass, or biological materials safely.
  

Science and Engineering Practices (SEP): Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

You can actively participate in lab safety by practicing proper procedures during experiments. A great way to do this is by identifying hazards in a simulated lab setup and creating a checklist of safety measures.

Activity:

• Observe a science lab setup (in your classroom or in a picture) and look for any safety hazards.
• Create a checklist of important lab safety rules that should be followed.
• Discuss what might happen if these safety rules are not followed and suggest ways to correct any issues.

If you see someone not wearing goggles, a chemical spill that hasn’t been cleaned up, or a backpack blocking an exit, you should think about how to prevent accidents before they happen. This helps you understand that safety is an important part of doing science.

Crosscutting Concept (CCC): Cause and Effect

Lab safety is based on understanding how actions lead to consequences. Every choice made in the lab has a positive or negative result. Some examples of cause and effect include,

• Cause: A student handles a glass beaker carelessly.
  Effect: The beaker falls and breaks, creating a risk of cuts and injuries.
• Cause: Two chemicals that should not be mixed are combined.
  Effect: A dangerous reaction occurs, possibly releasing toxic fumes.
• Cause: A student does not wear goggles while working with liquids.
  Effect: A chemical splashes into their eyes, causing pain or damage.

You can confidently conduct experiments while protecting yourself and your classmates by following lab safety rules.