Good advice is always certain to be ignored, but that’s no reason not to give it.
Agatha Christie
General Lab Safety Rules
Lab safety isn’t just for labs. Please follow all safety guidelines for whatever you are working with. That means read labels and instructions thoroughly before you start. Just like most things in life, there are risks involved with experimentation and you are responsible for your own safety. While following lab safety procedures can not ensure there will be no accidents, they can go a long way in preventing bad ones. Here are the rules I have my students follow:
- Don’t leave your common sense at the door. For example:
- Hot things often look exactly like cold things.
- Don’t pour more stuff into full containers.
- If the directions seem wrong or dangerous, STOP.
- Wear goggles when you can. Eyes are precious.
- Wear closed toes shoes and clothing that covers your skin. Even water can be dangerous when it is hot enough.
- Tie back your long hair. It’s pretty now but singed hair is not so great.
- Don’t eat and experiment in the same place. Do I really have to explain this one?
- Last but not least, clean up after yourself. No one wants to rest their hand on your workspace and wonder what that sticky stuff was.