It is critical to keep flames and flammable materials far apart in science lab, so that a fire does not start. Teachers must educate students about the types of flammable materials they will be handling and what the specific rules are for using flames, such as burners. Another safety precaution related to fire is for students to keep their hair tied back and not wear baggy or loose clothing, long dangly jewelry or scarves that can come into contact with a flame.
Science labs may be filled with electrical equipment, which students may have to use as part of their experiments. It is important to teach safety precautions about electricity so that students do not get shocked or electrocuted. One safety precaution is always to keep electrical equipment, cords and wires away from liquids. For this reason, beverages are often not allowed inside of science labs, in case a student accidentally spills the liquid beverage onto electrical equipment, causing a safety hazard. All areas surrounding the electrical equipment must be kept dry at all times.
Before beginning any scientific projects in science lab, students must put on personal protective equipment as a safety precaution. Lab coats, rubber gloves and goggles help to keep skin, hands and eyes safe from accidents involving chemical spills or other types of missteps that could occur in a science lab. Teachers should keep in mind that some students might be allergic to latex, so there should be a latex-free glove option available.
Good housekeeping refers to how tidy and clean the science lab is, and this is important because a science lab that is tidy and clean can keep students safe. If your science lab room has debris on the floor, water spills on the floor and clutter, students may accidentally slip or trip and fall, thereby becoming injured. All spills must be swept up and dried immediately after they occur, and debris must be cleaned up as well. Working counter tops should be kept free of clutter so that students do not knock fragile items over and shatter them on the floor.
Students are advised to take personal safety precautions in science lab. For instance, students must not touch any chemicals unless they are advised to do so, play with sharp objects, run around or horseplay with other students and touch their hands to their faces after using chemicals.