Whenever I tell my students we’re heading to the lab, their faces light up. For them, the lab means curiosity, excitement, and hands-on learning. One of our favorites is the flame test—dropping metal salt solutions into a flame to see bursts of color. It’s like making fireworks indoors!
Of course, every teacher knows that lab days can be stressful. Introducing middle and high school students to materials that can be harmful if misused is intimidating, especially for new teachers. That’s why before any lab, I review safety basics like tying back hair and no food or drinks, and teach when and how to use safety equipment.
With that in mind, here are the 10 lab safety items I rely on to keep my students safe while making science fun, as well as one amazing free download I recommend every science teacher use with their students before stepping foot in the lab.
FREE LAB SAFETY DOWNLOAD
Laboratory Safety Contract
Make lab safety simple! This printable safety contract gives your students clear, easy-to-follow rules for working in the science lab—and it includes a parent signature section for peace of mind. Download it to set expectations, keep everyone safe, and start your labs stress-free.
Ward’s Science
1. Indirect-Vented Safety Goggles
When working with chemicals in the lab, it is essential for my students to properly protect their eyes. I prefer this style of goggles as opposed to more basic safety glasses in order to ensure complete protection and coverage because only “indirect-vented splash goggles” provide suitable protection from chemical splashes.
Ward’s Science
2. Disposable Gloves
Aside from our simple introductory experiments, my students will almost always use gloves in the lab. To avoid allergic reactions, I recommend having multiple sizes of latex-free and chemical-resistant gloves on hand.
A common task that my students will have is to handle hot beakers and other glassware in the lab. These hot hand protectors are fantastic to protect their hands from burns as well as to give them a better grip when carrying their samples.
Ward’s Science
4. Fire Blanket
When it comes to experiments, those with the highest risk involve flames. I feel more at ease knowing that in addition to a fire extinguisher, we also have a fire blanket on hand that is easy for students to utilize in an emergency.
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5. Hair Ties
Particularly when using Bunsen burners or alcohol lamps, it is essential for my students to have their hair tied back. As I often have students who forget to bring hair ties, it is great to have a supply on hand as a backup.
Ward’s Science
6. Glass Disposal Box
No matter how careful my students are, mistakes happen in the lab. Test tubes can be broken and beakers can crack. Having a glass disposal box on hand reduces the stress of the cleanup process.
Ward’s Science
7. First Aid Kit
Even with the nurse’s office just down the hall, I feel safer in the lab knowing that I have basic first aid equipment available for any emergencies that may arise. A plus with this kit is that it can be mounted on the wall for easy access and visibility.
Ward’s Science
8. Lab Aprons
As some chemicals that we use in the lab can stain or damage clothing, it is great to have these disposable aprons on hand. Rubber aprons are another fantastic option if you are able to invest in a set for your classroom.
In the event of exposure to dangerous chemicals, I want my students to be able to quickly and safely remove the substance to prevent burns. Having the emergency shower and eyewash station in one system helps to streamline the process for students during a chemical spill. If your classroom/lab does not have a built-in eyewash and shower, Ward’s has products that will screw right onto a standard faucet.
Ward’s Science
10. Locking Chemical Storage Cabinet
These cabinets are great not just for storing chemicals, but keeping them organized by category. Even though I instruct my students to not handle chemicals without my supervision, it gives me peace of mind to know that they are safely secured.
