Physics Lab Safety Rules

Lab safety is everyone’s responsibility! Here are some safety rules to guide you.

1. The physics laboratory is to be used for serious work. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited. Always follow your teacher’s instructions.

2. Study your lab assignment carefully before starting the lab. If you are in doubt about any procedure, ask your teacher for help. Pay particular attention to any cautions.

3. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use the prescribed apparatus as directed in the laboratory instructions or by your teacher.

4. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You will be assigned a laboratory station at which to work. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.

5. Students are never permitted in the science storage rooms or preparation areas unless given specific permission by their instructor.

6. Do not attempt unauthorized experiments. Always obtain your teacher's permission before beginning an activity. Students are never permitted in the lab unattended.

7. Notify the teacher immediately in case of accident or injury, no matter how minor. Report any incorrect procedure. Report any equipment that you suspect is malfunctioning.

8. Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Long hair, dangling jewellry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the laboratory. Long hair must be tied back and dangling jewellry and loose or baggy clothing must be secured. Remove neckties. Shoes must completely cover the foot. No sandals allowed.

9. If you have a medical condition (e.g., allergies), check with your physician prior to working in the lab.

10. Keep work areas and the floor around you clean, dry, and free of clutter. Keep lab benches free of nonessential materials.

11. Use the safety equipment provided for you. Know the location of the fire extinguisher, eyewash station, and first-aid kit.

12. When using knives and other sharp instruments, always carry with tips and points pointing down and away. Always cut away from your body. Never try to catch falling sharp instruments. Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles.

13. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass. Place broken or waste glassware in the designated glass disposal container.

14. Be careful when working with apparatus that may be hot. Keep all materials away from open flames. If a fire should break out in the lab, or if your clothing should catch fire, smother it with a blanket or coat or use a fire extinguisher. NEVER RUN.

15. Exercise extreme caution when using a gas burner. Take care that hair, clothing and hands are a safe distance from the flame at all times. Do not put any substance into the flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Never reach over an exposed flame. Light gas (or alcohol) burners only as instructed by the teacher.

16. Never leave a lit burner unattended. Never leave anything that is being heated or is visibly reacting unattended. Always turn the burner or hot plate off when not in use.

17. Heated metals and glass remain very hot for a long time. They should be set aside to cool and picked up with caution. Use tongs or heat-protective gloves if necessary.

18. Do not place hot apparatus directly on the laboratory desk. Always use an insulating pad. Allow plenty of time for hot apparatus to cool before touching it.

19. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, gas valves turned off, and any electrical equipment turned off.

20. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching an electrical switch, plug, or outlet. Do not handle electric equipment when you are standing in damp areas.

21. Use electrical equipment only under the supervision of your teacher. Report damaged electrical equipment immediately. Look for things such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections. Do not use damaged electrical equipment.

22. Do not eat or chew gum. Never bring food, beverages, or make-up into the laboratory. Never taste anything in the laboratory. Never remove lab glassware from the laboratory, and never use this glassware for eating or drinking.

23. When your investigation is completed, clean your work area, and return all materials and apparatus to their proper places. Disconnect electrical connections (if any). Leave your lab area as cleaner (or cleaner!) than you found it.