Science Lab Safety Rules

Information on Different Science Labs
Science labs are well equipped with all modern amenities. A typical Physics lab contains instruments like calorimeter, galvanometer, circuit boards, voltmeter, ammeter and materials like connecting wires, experimental boards, scientific scales etc. A Chemistry lab will ideally have burette, pipette, titration apparatus, many concentrated and dilute acids, compounds, chemicals, thermometers and other items. Biology labs have instruments to prepare slides, microscopes, collected specimens of plants and animals etc. Students perform the experiments and complete their journals with the guidance of teachers in these labs. Science lab safety is important and supervisors should ensure that the science lab safety rules are followed by all.

Physics Lab Safety Rules
While doing practicals in a Physics lab, remember to keep your work area clean and organized. Never be in a hurry to complete your task. Do not touch live wires. Do not fiddle with things which are not related to your experiments. Be careful while using hot water in thermodynamics related experiments as they can cause severe burns on the body. Use of gloves is recommended while handling hot objects. Get the circuit connection approved from the teachers. Any small error in connections can cause a major accident. While making changes in the circuit, turn off the power supply. This will stop flow of electric current and nullify chances of electric shock. Never carry any substance which may catch fire as this is dangerous for everyone's safety. Everyone in the lab should use lab safety clothing like safety coats, goggles, gloves while performing practicals. All those present in the lab should know the locations of fire extinguishers and the quick exit door. If any accident occurs, report it immediately to the teacher. Students are advised not to indulge in any sort of mischief in the lab. Lab safety procedures are displayed on every desk in the Physics lab. Student safety in the lab can be ensured by following these procedures.

Chemistry Lab Safety Rules
In a Chemistry lab, the activity of using a pipette for precipitates should not be done by mouth. Many argue that it is just water and not any chemical that they are aspirating. But the glass pipette is not clean and is previously used by many people. Instead, students should be taught the technique of using automatic pipette or the pipette bulb. Lab safety pictures are available for each and every chemical we use in the Chemistry lab. These pictures should be studied before performing any action. The biggest mistake students commit in the lab is tasting chemicals. Some chemicals are poisonous and may lead to dire consequences. There is a specific way to dispose off the waste chemicals after the experiment is over. Consult the lab instructor in this regard. The order of mixing chemicals is important. Changing this order will not only affect the readings, but also can cause fast reactions leading to an accident. Be careful while using concentrated acids like hydrochloric acid (HCL), nitric acid and sulphuric acid. Don't lose your concentration while performing practicals. The 16 standard lab safety symbols are useful in teaching lab safety. The symbol showing 'fire' suggests that there is a danger of some substances causing clothes to burn. The symbol of a 'goggle' points out the need to protect your eyes. For more symbols, refer to the lab safety symbols chart. Experienced teachers should conduct lab safety lessons to acquaint the students about the possible dangers.

Biology Lab Safety Rules
The rules and regulations suggested for Physics and Chemistry labs should be followed in the biology lab as well.

Lab Safety Products and Equipment
The lab safety supplies should be as per the set standards. Lab safety products like leak detector for toxic gases, oxygen analyzers, protective gloves, air monitoring system, product compliance solutions must be made available in every lab. Lab safety equipments like biological safety cabinets, ventilation air systems, face shields, industrial floor mats, laser protective eye wears should be present in the labs in working condition.

School science lab safety is a big challenge as school children are mischievous and need more counseling and guidance. The school management should follow the school lab safety rules laid down by government authorities. By doing so, we can provide a safe and secure study environment to the students.