Food and drink should never be allowed in a lab environment. This prevents the accidental ingestion of dangerous chemicals and other substances.
Flammable substances should always be kept away from any source of flame. When burners are needed, use them away from other combustible materials and exercise caution.
Protective safety measures should be used any time an experiment is under way. These safety measures include goggles and gloves, as well as fume hoods for toxic byproducts.
Procedures for using fire extinguishers, eyewash stations and other safety gear should always be explained. Safety protocols should be followed at all times.
Many types of experiments can create dangerous situations if they do not go as planned. Always exercise safety when experiments are under way and avoid looking directly into chemical test tubes.