Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority for students, teachers and parents. Look like a real scientist by wearing your splash-proof goggles or safety glasses. You can also wear these when using cleaning products at home. Download learning activities, science guides about safety, and resources on how important it is to stop, think and apply safe laboratory practices when working in a lab environment.
Lab Safety Awareness
Laboratory safety is governed by numerous local, state and federal regulations. OSHA has promulgated rules and published guidance to make laboratories increasingly safe for personnel. Download these booklets to learn the primary responsibility for maintaining laboratory safety at work and in the science classroom for a healthy environment. Material contained in these publications are in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required.
It is essential for all involved in the science instruction program to develop a positive approach to a safe and healthy environment in the laboratory. Safety and the enforcement of safety regulations and laws in the science classroom and laboratory are the responsibility of the principal, teacher, and student—each assum-ing his/her share. Safety and health should be an integral part of the planning, preparation, and implementation of any science program.
Video: Zombie College: The 5 Rules of Lab Safety
What is Zombie College?
Whether you're a chemist, researcher, or a student in a freshman biology course, the laboratory is a potentially fatal workplace. Lab safety is more than just memorizing a list of "Dos and Don'ts"...working safely is a state of mind. Our challenge was to design a blended learning program to serve as a catalyst to get learners thinking about and discussing the topic of lab safety. The goal is developing "a safety state of mind" which is demonstrated by behavioral change.
- Video Game
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- Student Activities
Video: General Lab Safety Guidelines
The Amoeba Sisters are on a mission to demystify science with humor and relevance by creating free videos, GIFs, handouts, and comics. This video introduces science lab safety guidelines with memorable illustrations and an accompanying handout.
NIH’s Student Laboratory Safety Program
S.T.A.R.S. (Safe Techniques Advance Research Science) Training
S.T.A.R.S. Training is a summer program only. This program is the only safety training course specifically designed and developed for researchers, ages 21 and under, working in biomedical laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Goals
- To provide students with the knowledge of a broad range of safety topics applicable to a biomedical research facility in a hands-on lab environment.
- To foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills vital to potential hazard recognition and accident prevention through mock learning scenarios and challenges.
Register: SafetyTraining.NIH.gov
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 worktables. If under the tables, make sure that these items cannot 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 workstation clean and in good order before leaving the laboratory.
- Do not lean, hang over or sit on the laboratory tables.
- Do not leave your 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 participating 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!
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