1) Laboratory safety rules and guidelines adapted from Flinn Scientific outline proper procedures for handling chemicals, equipment, accidents, and general lab conduct. 2) Safety must be the top priority, and students must follow all written and verbal instructions, ask questions if unsure, and notify instructors immediately of any unsafe conditions. 3) Chemicals and equipment require careful handling, proper disposal of materials, and caution around heat sources to avoid accidents and ensure a safe lab environment.

1. Johns Hopkins University
Center for Talented Youth
Laboratory Safety Rules and Guidelines
(Adapted from Flinn Scientific’s Student Safety Contract found for public use at www.flinnsci.com)
Working in the lab offers the opportunity to examine scientific principles through hands-on investigation. At the same
time, many lab activities require the use of potentially hazardous chemicals and equipment. Therefore, safety must be the
top priority for all involved. In order to ensure a safe laboratory environment, you must adhere to these safety guidelines
at all times:
I. General Rules B. Read all labels carefully.
A. Follow all written and verbal instructions C. Never return unused chemicals to the container.
carefully. If you do not understand a direction or D. Add acid to water, never water to acid. Use
part of a procedure, ask the instructor before extreme caution.
proceeding. E. Do not use flammable chemicals near active heat
B. Do not enter the laboratory or work in the sources.
laboratory without a CTY instructor or F. Use extreme caution when carrying chemicals
instructional assistant present. around the room.
C. Never touch equipment, chemicals, or other IV. Handling Lab Equipment
materials unless instructed to do so. A. Never handle broken glass (including slides) with
D. No food, drink, gum, or cosmetics in the lab. your bare hands. Notify the instructor if you break
E. Perform only experiments authorized by a CTY something.
instructor. B. Dispose of broken glass in the indicated container,
F. Always engage in safe behavior in the lab (no not the trash.
horseplay, running, yelling, etc.). C. Be careful with electrical equipment – make sure
G. Make sure your work area is clean and organized. plugs and cords are in good condition and your
H. Familiarize yourself with the location and usage of hands are dry.
safety equipment in the lab. D. Check glassware before use and report any chips
I. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in or cracks.
the laboratory. Notify the instructor immediately E. Treat the laboratory’s equipment and facilities
of any unsafe conditions you observe. with respect, using each item correctly. You are
J. Wear appropriate eye protection at all times and responsible for any damage you may cause.
inform the instructor if you wear contact lenses. F. Handle scalpels, exacto-knifes, and other cutting
K. Dress appropriately for lab, which may include utensils with extreme care. Always cut away from
wearing aprons, long pants, gloves, and closed yourself and others.
shoes. No loose clothing. Long hair should be tied G. Never look directly in the path of a laser or point it
back. at others. Keep all reflective objects out of the
L. Keep your hands away from your face, mouth, beam’s path.
eyes, and body during experiments. Wash your V. Heating Substances
hands before leaving the lab. A. Follow all instruction and safety precautions when
M. Handle all living organisms or preserved using a burner.
specimens used in a laboratory activity in a B. Never leave an active heat source unattended.
humane manner. C. Direct substances being heated away from yourself
II. Accidents and Injuries and others.
A. Report any accidents, spills, or other unsafe D. Use tongs or insulating materials when handling
conditions to your instructor immediately, no heated equipment.
matter how small. E. Place hot equipment on an insulating pad, not
B. If a chemical splashes in your eye(s) or on your directly on the lab table.
skin, immediately flush with running water from F. Let equipment cool before you place it on a
the eyewash station, sink, or safety shower for at balance.
least 20 minutes. Notify the instructor. VII. After Lab
C. When mercury thermometers are broken, mercury A. At the end of an experiment or when directed by a
must not be touched. Notify the instructor CTY instructor or instructional assistant, clean up
immediately. your lab area and any common spaces that were
III. Handling Chemicals used. Ask your instructor for proper waste disposal
A. Consider all chemicals dangerous—do not touch, guidelines.
taste, or smell without specific instructions. Use
the wafting technique when testing for odor.