Safety Guidelines for Home Science Experiments

General Safety Rules

Adult Supervision

  • All experiments must be conducted under adult supervision
  • Adults should review all instructions before beginning
  • Keep emergency contact numbers readily available
  • Understand all steps and potential risks before starting

Workspace Safety

  • Use a clean, well-lit work area
  • Ensure proper ventilation
  • Keep work surface flat and stable
  • Remove all trip hazards
  • Have easy access to water
  • Keep paper towels or spill cleanup materials handy
  • Clear workspace of unnecessary items
  • No food or drinks in the experiment area

Required Safety Equipment

Eye Protection

  • Always wear safety goggles during experiments
  • Ensure goggles fit properly
  • Keep spare safety glasses for observers
  • Use chemical splash goggles when working with liquids

Hand Protection

  • Use appropriate gloves for the experiment
  • Check gloves for holes or damage
  • Remove gloves properly
  • Never touch face or eyes while wearing gloves

Protective Clothing

  • Wear a lab coat or apron
  • Avoid loose clothing
  • Tie back long hair
  • Wear closed-toe shoes
  • Remove or secure dangling jewelry

Chemical Safety

Handling Chemicals

  • Read all labels carefully
  • Never mix unknown substances
  • Add chemicals as directed
  • Never pipette by mouth
  • Keep chemicals in original containers
  • Label all solutions and mixtures
  • Never smell chemicals directly

Storage

  • Store chemicals properly
  • Keep incompatible materials separate
  • Ensure containers are sealed
  • Store out of reach of children
  • Maintain proper temperature conditions
  • Use appropriate storage containers

Disposal

  • Follow proper disposal procedures
  • Never pour chemicals down drains
  • Use designated waste containers
  • Clean all equipment thoroughly
  • Dispose of broken glass separately

Fire Safety

Prevention

  • Keep fire extinguisher nearby
  • Know how to use fire extinguisher
  • Remove flammable materials
  • No open flames near chemicals
  • Keep hair and clothing away from heat sources

Emergency Response

  • Know location of fire exits
  • Have a fire blanket available
  • Keep emergency numbers posted
  • Practice emergency procedures
  • Know how to use emergency equipment

First Aid

Basic First Aid Kit

Keep these items readily available:

  • Band-aids of various sizes
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Medical tape
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Burn treatment
  • Eye wash solution
  • First aid manual
  • Emergency contact numbers

Emergency Procedures

Know what to do in case of:

  • Chemical spills
  • Burns
  • Eye contact with chemicals
  • Cuts or scrapes
  • Ingestion of chemicals
  • Inhalation of fumes

Experiment-Specific Safety

Before the Experiment

  • Read all instructions twice
  • Gather all necessary safety equipment
  • Check equipment for damage
  • Understand emergency procedures
  • Ensure proper ventilation
  • Put on safety equipment
  • Clear unnecessary items

During the Experiment

  • Follow instructions exactly
  • No unauthorized experiments
  • No eating or drinking
  • No horseplay
  • Keep workspace clean
  • Monitor all reactions
  • Document unexpected results

After the Experiment

  • Clean all equipment thoroughly
  • Dispose of materials properly
  • Store equipment correctly
  • Clean work area
  • Wash hands thoroughly
  • Document any safety concerns

Special Considerations

Working with Electricity

  • Use proper insulation
  • Keep water away
  • Use correct voltage
  • Check for frayed wires
  • Use surge protectors
  • Never modify electrical equipment

Working with Glass

  • Check for cracks or chips
  • Handle carefully
  • Clean up broken glass immediately
  • Use proper heating techniques
  • Never force glass parts together

Working with Heat

  • Use appropriate heat sources
  • Keep flammable materials away
  • Use heat-resistant containers
  • Handle hot items with proper equipment
  • Allow items to cool completely

Emergency Response Plan

Have Ready

  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Location of safety equipment
  • Evacuation routes
  • Meeting point outside
  • First aid procedures
  • Spill cleanup materials

Know How To

  • Use fire extinguisher
  • Perform basic first aid
  • Handle chemical spills
  • Contact emergency services
  • Shut off utilities
  • Evacuate safely

Documentation

Keep Records Of

  • Safety equipment inspections
  • Incident reports
  • Emergency contact updates
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Safety training
  • Chemical inventory

Regular Safety Checks

Weekly

  • Check safety equipment
  • Inspect storage areas
  • Update emergency contacts
  • Review first aid supplies
  • Clean work areas

Monthly

  • Test emergency equipment
  • Check chemical storage
  • Update safety documentation
  • Inspect protective gear
  • Review emergency procedures

Remember: Safety is not just a set of rules—it’s a mindset. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek assistance from qualified professionals.

[Download Printable Safety Checklist]