When working in the laboratory, you must observe the following safety rules:
Work carefully as carelessness can cause accidents as well as inaccurate results.
Wear gloves, laboratory aprons and safety glasses.
Never eat or drink in the laboratory.
Tie back loose hair, roll back and secure open sleeves and neckties and make sure you wear shoes that fully cover your feet.
Do not carry out laboratory experiments at home or in the dormitories unless directed todo so by your class teacher.
Carefully read chemical labels and understand the hazard symbol on them.
Listen carefully to your teacher’s instructions on when and how to use safety equipment such as glasses, protective aprons, fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
Make sure you know where the nearest fire alarm is in your school laboratory.
Do not begin an experiment until the teacher instructs you to do so.
Do not touch substances unless the teacher instructs you to do so. What looks harmless may be dangerous.
Wash your hands with soap and running water after handling chemical substances. Somechemical substances are poisonous.
Heat materials in suitable containers only, such as Pyrex glass container that can resist breakage.
Always keep the open end of the test tube pointed away from the learners and yourself when heating chemicals because the fumes produced may be harmful.
Pick up hot objects carefully using tongs or insulated materials.
Make sure that you turn off the heat source when not in use to conserve energy.
Always unplug electric cords by pulling out the plug and not the cord.
Check that there are no flammable substances near the burner. Flammable substances will cause fire if exposed to a flame.
After each experiment, tidy up your working area, clean all equipment and put them in their respective storage areas.
Report any accidents, broken equipment and damaged facilities to your teacher. In this way, you will be taking responsibility for your safety and for those who use the laboratory after you.
If a chemical gets into your eyes, wash it out with running water for about 12 minutes and then visit a health centre or hospital for further medical attention.
If you inhale poisonous gases or vapour, move outside the laboratory for fresh air. Immediately seek medical assistance.
In case of electric shock, immediately cut off the electric power source using an insulated object.
In case of a fire outbreak, use sand, fire blankets and fire extinguishers to put out the fire.
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