Lab Safety Rules For High School

Lab safety rules are important to avoid bad experiences and to ensure good experiment results. The basic high school lab safety rules concentrate on wearing safety gear, handling chemicals with care, working properly with specimens, and learning first aid procedures.


High school science labs are loaded with important specimens, dangerous chemicals, and not to mention,

sophisticated lab equipment. They form the most important part of the school, where students get hands-on knowledge and demonstrate practical results. But, for proper operation and school safety purposes, students should adhere to the lab safety rules. Certain lab safety rules have been explained below, which have to be adhered to at all times.


High School Lab Safety Rules

Be it middle school or high school, safety rules must be followed by each and every student in the laboratory. These precautionary measures are imperative for the safety of all the people in the lab, as well as the proper maintenance of the equipment. Also, safe experimenting is one of the key tips for getting accurate results.

Wearing Safety Apparels

Students should wear apparel suited for working in a scientific laboratory. Safety goggles and lab coats are mandatory when entering a science lab. Also, wearing full-sleeved clothes, long pants and shoes is a recommended safety tip for all students, especially when they are working in a chemistry lab. Avoid wearing short skirts and sandals.

Working with Chemicals

This is one of the rules that should be practiced stringently. Always read the label and go through the material safety data sheet (MSDS) posted in the lab. Do not pipette chemicals with the mouth. Also, stick to the experiment protocol exactly, while combining chemicals, or you may get a different result.

Working with Specimens

While testing water or specimens for pathogenesis, handle carefully, as the sample may contain virulent microbes. At any point of time, microbiology and biology experiments should be conducted with special care and attention. The same is with disposal of the specimens. Failure to do so can lead to contamination in the lab.

Handling Lab Equipment

Needless to say, nearly all laboratory equipment are expensive and require proper handling. A compound microscope, for example, should be held in the arm by one hand with the other hand supporting the base. Likewise, other devices require correct maintenance. Teachers should monitor the students while working with equipment.

Working with Open Flames

Heating a chemical filled test tube is a common procedure in chemistry experiments. While doing the same, care has to be taken that the test tube is oriented away from the body and also away from the direction of other students. Never leave an open flame unattended, as it can lead to a potentially hazardous situation.

First Aid Knowledge

Another important lab safety rule for high school students is learning first aid tips that should be followed in case of emergency. For example, what should be done if an acidic or strong base solution spills on the skin. Students should be aware of usage guidelines for fire extinguishers and other emergency procedures.

Self Precautions

Eating or drinking in the lab is to be strictly avoided. Make sure that a safe distance is maintained while working with flammable materials (e.g., acetone and alcohol), and open flame at the same time. In case of glassware breakage, collect the pieces carefully, and dispose in the trash bin. Never smell or sniff a chemical without knowing what it is.

This was all about science lab safety rules for high school. The point is to maintain the laboratory as a safe experimentation block, which students can work and get good results, without exposing themselves to accidental dangers.

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