St.

Peter High School

750 Charlemagne Boulevard, Orléans, Ontario, Canada K4A 3M4
Tel: (613) 837-9377 Fax (613) 837-7235
E-Mail: Peter.High@ocsb.ca

Safety Rules in the Lab

Name: _________________________ Date: ____________________

Before the Lab:

1. Read all experiments before you perform them, and be aware of all safety precautions.
2. Learn the location and proper use of all safety equipment such as first aid kit, fire extinguishers, fire
blankets, safety shower, eyewash fountain, broken glass containers and chemical waster containers.
3. Eating, drinking, and chewing gum is forbidden in the laboratory.
4. Closed shoes must be worn, not sandals.
5. Loose clothing and dangling jewelry must not be worn.
6. Long hair must be tied back.
7. Contact lenses should not be worn during a dissection, or a lab using chemicals since gases can be a
hazard. Eye glasses can be worn under the goggles. Remember: goggles should be protecting your
eyes, not resting on your head!
8. The laboratory work areas must be clean and uncluttered. All books and bags must be removed
from the lab bench and left at your desk.
9. Listen carefully to the teacher’s directions.
10. Ensure all pre-lab prep is complete before starting the lab.

During the Lab:

1. Never perform an experiment unsupervised.
2. All experiments should be performed while standing, and all lab stools or chairs should be placed
under the lab benches.
3. If safety glasses are required for the activity/lab you are performing, then safety glasses must be
worn at all times, until everyone is finished.
4. Read reagent labels twice before using.
5. Never take reagent bottles to your lab bench. Collect your sample and take it to your work area.
6. Never taste or touch any chemicals.
7. When observing the odour of a substance, use your hand to fan the air above the test tube toward
your nose. Do not hold your face directly over the container.
8. Use tongs and test tube holders to handle hot lab equipment. Hot glass looks like cold glass!
9. Never pipette by mouth.
10. All accidents, even minor ones, must be reported to the teacher immediately. If you feel dizzy
or faint at any time during the lab/activity, sit down and put your head between your knees.
Please report this to your teacher immediately.
11. Horseplay, practical jokes, and running are absolutely forbidden during a lab/activity.
12. Never use equipment for any use other than that indicated by your teacher.
13. Do not pick up broken glass with your bare hands. Use a dustpan and a brush. Report all breakages to
your teacher.
14. Dispose of all broken glass in the Glass Disposal container.
15. If a spill occurs, inform your teacher immediately, and clean up the spill as instructed by the teacher.
16. DO NOT add water to acid. DO add acid to water. The heat generated is less when this method
is used.
Potentially Hazardous Chemicals:

Type of Chemical Safety Concern

Acids Can be highly corrosive, causing the skin or clothes to disintegrate.
Bases Can cause burns to the skin, and are dangerous if splashed in eyes.
Toxic These chemicals are poisonous if ingested.
Flammable Avoid heating these chemicals with an open flame
Volatile These chemicals evaporate easily, and the vapour can be flammable or toxic

Special Safety Instructions:

When Using a Bunsen Burner:

1. Never leave a Bunsen burner (open flame) unattended when in operation.
2. Pyrex glassware must be used when heating glass.
3. When heating a test tube, always point the open end of the test tube away from yourself and others.
4. Never reach over an open flame.
5. Wear goggles as long as one flame is in use in the laboratory.
6. All hair and loose clothing must be tied back.

Electrical Equipment Safety:

1. Ensure that your work area remains dry.
2. Your hands must be completely dry when touching electrical cords, sockets or equipment.
3. Never use water to fight an electrical equipment fire. Severe electrical shock may result. Use a carbon
dioxide or dry chemical fire extinguisher.
4. Report any damaged equipment or frayed cords to your teacher.

After the Lab:

1. Dispose of all chemicals as indicated by your teacher. Never return unused chemicals to the original
reagent bottle. This prevents contamination or chemicals in the original bottle.
2. Do not use the sink to discard filter paper, matches, or any slightly soluble solid. Use the waste
containers.
3. The remnants of dissections must not be put in the garbage. Follow your teacher’s directions for
disposal.
4. Thoroughly clean (with soap) and dry all glassware.
5. Put away all equipment.
6. Wipe and dry your lab bench/table.
7. Wash your hands well after all experiments.

I understand these safety rules. I agree to abide by them as they are in place for the safety of my
classmates, my teacher, and me. I agree that I may be asked to leave the laboratory if I do not follow
these rules and will not have an opportunity to make-up the lab.

Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: _________________________

Do you wear contact lenses? (Circle one) YES NO

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________ Date: _________________________