Science Safety Rules!—continued

B. Avoiding Pain During a Lab

1. Always cut away from yourself and others when using a knife or razor blade.
2. Always keep the pointed ends of scissors or any other sharp object facing away from yourself and others if you have to walk with it.
3. Work carefully and make sure that your work area is not cluttered.
4. Do not use open flames unless you are instructed to do so.
5. Handle hot objects carefully. Bring the back of your hand close to, but not touching, the object. If you are burned, hold the burned area under cold water or put ice directly on it.
6. If you need to smell a chemical, hold the container away from your face and slowly waft or wave the air directly above the container toward your nose with your hand.
7. Make sure that your hands are dry when touching electrical cords, plugs, or sockets to avoid electric shock. Water and electricity make a deadly combination.
8. Unplug electrical cords and equipment by holding the plug. Do not use equipment if the cord is frayed or cracked.
9. Never play or tamper with the safety equipment.
10. Never drink or taste any substance during an activity.
11. Never eat or drink in the laboratory during an activity.
12. Never remove your goggles during an activity.
13. Never use cracked or broken glassware.
14. Wash hands carefully with soap and water after handling chemicals.
15. Clean equipment before you put it away.
16. Clean up your work area upon completion of your activity.
17. Dispose of broken glass as your teacher directs.
18. Dispose of materials as directed by your teacher. Do not pour chemicals down the drain as they may get into a salmon-spawning stream or cause other problems.

All content copyright 2006 Province of BC