When classrooms are used for laboratory experiments
 Don't Play Mad Scientist in the Laboratory
1. Classrooms lack emergency flushing equipment such
as safety showers or eye wash units. If a student is
splashed by an acid there is very little time to get to
an eye wash before permanent damage may occur.
2. The classrooms are not equipped with lab fume hoods
to control chemical vapors or gases.
3. The classrooms do not have emergency chemical
spill control materials, which should be immediately
available if a spill occurs.
4. The classrooms do not have table tops that are
chemically resistant.
5. Classrooms often lack sinks that serve as a water
source for proper clean up of work area after
experiments possibly resulting in student injury from
chemical residue left on the table tops. The lack of a
water source is a violation of the Chemical Hygiene
Plan, Administrative Controls section, which states
the following:
 5.2 g. “Wash hands or other exposed areas
thoroughly before leaving the laboratory.”
 5.2 m. “Keep the work area clean and
uncluttered and clean up the work area upon
completion of an operation.”
6. Work in classrooms creates problems with collecting
chemical waste generated from experiments and
increases the possibility of chemical spills in
transporting chemicals and/or waste to and from
classroom through the hallways.
7. The classrooms do not have personal protective
equipment (goggles) that students are required to
wear when handling chemicals.
8. The Building Code of the City (DOB) of New York
Local Law #76:
Requires a net floor area of 20 square ft per occupant
for classrooms and 50 square feet per occupant for
laboratories. The DOB considers labs an increased
hazard and mandates specific design elements not
found in classrooms.
9. Most high school classrooms lack available storage
space for student back packs/coats thus causing the
potential for trips and accidents involving laboratory
chemicals.
If your school is using classroom space for lab work, the
supervisor should be notified. The Department of Education
Chemical Hygiene Plan states:
Section 2.5 Responsibilities of the Employee
 Report potential health or safety hazards to the
supervisor or chemical hygiene officer so that
corrective actions can be taken
The 10 Most Important Lab Safety Rules
 Follow the instructions
 Know the Location of Safety Equipment
 Dress for the Lab
 Don't Eat or Drink in the Laboratory
 Don't Taste or Sniff Chemicals
 Dispose of Lab Waste Properly
 Know What to Do With Lab Accidents
 Leave Experiments at the Lab
 Don't Experiment on Yourself
Lab safety rules for students
 Report all accidents, injuries, and breakage of glass
or equipment to instructor immediately.
 Keep pathways clear by placing extra items (books,
bags, etc.) on the shelves or under the work tables. If
under the tables, make sure that these items can not
be stepped on.
 Long hair (chin-length or longer) must be tied back to
avoid catching fire.
 Wear sensible clothing including footwear. Loose
clothing should be secured so they do not get caught
in a flame or chemicals.
 Work quietly — know what you are doing
by reading the assigned experiment before you start
to work. Pay close attention to
any cautions described in the laboratory exercises
 Do not taste or smell chemicals.
 Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes when
heating substances, dissecting, etc.
 Do not attempt to change the position of glass tubing
in a stopper.
 Never point a test tube being heated at another
student or yourself. Never look into a test tube while
you are heating it.
 Unauthorized experiments or procedures must not be
attempted.
 Keep solids out of the sink.
 Leave your work station clean and in good order
before leaving the laboratory.
 Do not lean, hang over or sit on the laboratory tables.
 Do not leave your assigned laboratory station without
permission of the teacher.
 Learn the location of the fire extinguisher, eye wash
station, first aid kit and safety shower.
 Fooling around or "horse play" in the laboratory is
absolutely forbidden. Students found in violation of
this safety rule will be barred from particpating in
future labs and could result in suspension.
 Anyone wearing acrylic nails will not be allowed to
work with matches, lighted splints, bunsen burners,
etc.
 Do not lift any solutions, glassware or other types of
apparatus above eye level.
 Follow all instructions given by your teacher.
 Learn how to transport all materials and equipment
safely.
 No eating or drinking in the lab at any time!