An initial precaution that can help you avoid harm in a laboratory setting is your personal dress. Long hair should be worn in a ponytail or under a hat. Similarly, dangling earrings should not be worn and large necklaces and bracelets should be removed before working in the lab. Neckties should be tucked into shirts. Baggy clothing should also be avoided to prevent getting caught on lab equipment. No sandals, open-toed or backless shoes should be worn in a laboratory. In addition, a lab coat and goggles should be worn at all times during an experiment.
Do not bring food or beverages into a laboratory and absolutely do not use laboratory containers such as beakers and other containers to hold any food or beverage items. Horseplay is also dangerous in the lab and is forbidden. Always maintain your area by keeping it clean and uncluttered. When finished with materials return them back from where you got them and in the condition that you found them. Work cooperatively with lab partners at all times.
When performing a lab experiment follow all instructions given by your instructor. Ask your teacher if there is something that you do not understand. Always work with your lab partner(s). No experiment should be attempted alone. Never perform experiments not instructed by your teacher. Your work area should be well-ventilated and you should always wear safety goggles. If an accident occurs, alert your teacher immediately, no matter how minor the issue. Finally, never attempt to clean up a spill of any kind. Always alert your teacher so that he may clean it up.
If you come into direct contact with a chemical or a chemical splashes into your eye(s), immediately run water onto your skin or into your eye(s) for at least 20 minutes. Alert your teacher about the problem. Use latex gloves and/or tweezers to handle chemicals and remain at least a foot away from any chemicals when making an observation. Take only enough of a chemical to perform the required procedure and always check the label before using. Never put unused chemicals back into their original container; dispose of them properly with the used portion. Tasting or smelling chemicals should be avoided.