7/28/2019 Physics Lab Safety Rules

1/3

Physics Lab Safety Rules Dr. Weiss

Page 1 of 3

Physics Lab Safety Rules

Lab safety is everyones responsibility! Here are some safety rules to guide you. These rules are

posted in the lab.

1. The physics laboratory is to be used for serious work. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranksare dangerous andprohibited. Always follow your teachers instructions.

2. Study your lab assignment carefully before starting the lab. If you are in doubt about anyprocedure, ask your teacher for help. Pay particular attention to any cautions.

3. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use theprescribed apparatus as directed in the laboratory instructions or by your teacher.

4. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You will be assigned a laboratorystation at which to work. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interferewith the laboratory experiments of others.

5. Students are never permitted in the science storage rooms or preparation areas unless givenspecific permission by their instructor.

6. Do not attempt unauthorized experiments. Always obtain your teacher's permission beforebeginning an activity. Students are never permitted in the lab unattended.

7. Notify the teacher immediately in case of accident or injury, no matter how minor. Reportany incorrect procedure. Report any equipment that you suspect is malfunctioning.

8. Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggyclothing are a hazard in the laboratory. Long hair must be tied back and dangling jewelry and

loose or baggy clothing must be secured. Remove neckties. Shoes must completely cover thefoot. No sandals allowed.

9. If you have a medical condition (e.g., allergies), check with your physician prior to workingin the lab.

10.Keep work areas and the floor around you clean, dry, and free of clutter. Keep lab benchesfree of nonessential materials.

11.Use the safety equipment provided for you. Know the location of the fire extinguisher,eyewash station, and first-aid kit.

12.When using knives and other sharp instruments, always carry with tips and points pointingdown and away. Always cut away from your body. Never try to catch falling sharpinstruments. Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles.

13.Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean up brokenglass. Place broken or waste glassware in the designated glass disposal container.

7/28/2019 Physics Lab Safety Rules

2/3

Physics Lab Safety Rules Dr. Weiss

Page 2 of 3

14.Be careful when working with apparatus that may be hot. Keep all materials away from openflames. If a fire should break out in the lab, or if your clothing should catch fire, smother it

with a blanket or coat or use a fire extinguisher. NEVER RUN.

15.Exercise extreme caution when using a gas burner. Take care that hair, clothing and handsare a safe distance from the flame at all times. Do not put any substance into the flame unlessspecifically instructed to do so. Never reach over an exposed flame. Light gas (or alcohol)burners only as instructed by the teacher.

16.Never leave a lit burner unattended. Never leave anything that is being heated or is visiblyreacting unattended. Always turn the burner or hot plate off when not in use.

17.Heated metals and glass remain very hot for a long time. They should be set aside to cool andpicked up with caution. Use tongs or heat-protective gloves if necessary.

18.Do not place hot apparatus directly on the laboratory desk. Always use an insulating pad.Allow plenty of time for hot apparatus to cool before touching it.

19.Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed,gas valves turned off, and any electrical equipment turned off.

20.When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord.Hands must be completely dry before touching an electrical switch, plug, or outlet. Do nothandle electric equipment when you are standing in damp areas.

21.Use electrical equipment only under the supervision of your teacher. Report damagedelectrical equipment immediately. Look for things such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and

loose connections. Do not use damaged electrical equipment.

22.Do not eat or chew gum. Never bring food, beverages, or make-up into the laboratory.Never taste anything in the laboratory. Never remove lab glassware from the laboratory, andnever use this glassware for eating or drinking.

23.When your investigation is completed, clean your work area, and return all materials andapparatus to their proper places. Disconnect electrical connections (if any). Leave your lab

area as cleaner (or cleaner!) than you found it.

7/28/2019 Physics Lab Safety Rules

3/3

Physics Lab Safety Rules Dr. Weiss

Page 3 of 3

Questions

Do you wear contact lenses? YES NO

Are you color blind? YES NO

Do you have allergies? YES NO

If so, list specific allergies __________________________________________

Agreement

I, _______________________, have read and agree to follow all of the safety rules set forth in

(students name)

this contract. I realize that I must obey these rules to ensure my own safety, and that of my

fellow students and instructors. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my teacher and fellowstudents to maintain a safe lab environment. I will also closely follow the oral and written

instructions provided by the instructor. I am aware that any violation of this safety contract that

results in unsafe conduct in the laboratory or misbehavior on my part, may result in beingremoved from the laboratory, detention, receiving a failing grade, and/or dismissal from the

course.

Student Signature ____________________________________ Date _________

Dear Parent or Guardian:

We feel that you should be informed regarding the school's effort to create and maintain a safe

science classroom/laboratory environment

With the cooperation of the instructors, parents, and students, a safety instruction program can

eliminate, prevent, and correct possible hazards.

You should be aware of the safety instructions your son/daughter will receive before engaging in

any laboratory work. Please read the list of safety rules above. No student will be permitted to

perform laboratory activities unless this contract is signed by both the student andparent/guardian and is on file with the teacher.

Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this Student Safety Contract, are

aware of the measures taken to ensure the safety of your son/daughter in the science laboratory,and will instruct your son/ daughter to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules and

procedures in the laboratory.

Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________________________

Date ________