Laboratory Safety

1. Never fool around. Like they say in the movies, "It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye!" This is true, no eye, no lie! When you are around things that can burn, freeze, stab, poison, or blind someone this is of mega importance!

2. Always wear eye protection. Always. One splashed drop of strong acid, a strong base, or a glass shard can, and will, blind you for life. Seriously. Wear them. It might be cool to wear an eye patch, but only on Halloween, and only if you are dressed up like Johnny Depp. Wait. Wasn't it the other guy, Barbosa? that had the patch?

3. When working with toxic or hazardous materials, always wear the correct protective gear, such as a lab coat, apron, eye protection, and gloves. Workers in most science labs also wear protective uniforms and water proof steel toed shoes.

4. Be very, very careful of broken glass and other lab ware. Broken glass or ceramics can basically inject whatever substance you were working with into you if you get cut. Let your teacher handle it. Bring it to their attention immediately!

5. Do not startle other students when they are working. This can result in spills, cuts, and poisoning. See #1 above.

6. Always follow instructions or directions and never touch anything unless directed to do so.

7. Always do what I say, dag nabbit! Listen and act accordingly.