Essential laboratory safety equipment for school science classrooms

Whenever I tell my students that we are going to the lab, they get a smile on their face. For them, the lab means curiosity, excitement, and hands-on learning. One of our favorites is the flame test – drop a solution of a metal salt into a flame and watch the color explode. It’s like setting off fireworks indoors!

Of course, every teacher knows that lab days can be stressful. Introducing middle and high school students to material that could be harmful if misused can be intimidating, especially for new teachers. That’s why before any lab, I review safety basics such as tying hair back, no food or drink, and teach when and how to use safety equipment.

With that in mind, here are 10 lab safety items I rely on to keep students safe while making science fun, plus an amazing free download that I recommend every science teacher use with their students before setting foot in the lab.

1. Indirect ventilation goggles

My students must properly protect their eyes when working with chemicals in the lab. I prefer this type of goggles to the more basic safety glasses to ensure complete protection and coverage, as only “Indirect Ventilation Splash Goggles” provide proper protection against chemical splashes.

2. Disposable gloves

My students almost always use gloves in the lab, except for our simple introductory experiments. To avoid allergic reactions, I recommend keeping multiple sizes of latex-free and chemical-resistant gloves on hand.

3. Hot Hand® Protector

A common task for my students is handling hot beakers and other glassware in the lab. These thermal hand guards are great for protecting their hands from burns and giving them a better grip when carrying samples.

4. Fire blanket

When it comes to experiments, the riskiest thing is fire. I feel more at ease knowing that in addition to fire extinguishers, we also have fire blankets on hand for students to use in emergencies.

5.Hairband

Especially when using a Bunsen burner or alcohol burner, my students have to tie their hair back. Since I often have students forget their hair ties, it’s nice to have a spare on hand.

6. Glass processing box

No matter how careful my students are, mistakes always happen in the lab. Test tubes may break, beakers may break. Having a glass disposal box on hand can make the cleanup process less stressful.

7. First aid kit

Even though the nurse’s office is just down the hall, I feel safer in the lab because I know I have basic first aid equipment available for any emergency that may arise. One advantage of this kit is that it can be mounted on the wall for easy access and viewing.

8. Lab Apron

Since some of the chemicals we use in the lab can stain or damage clothing, these disposable aprons are great to have on hand. Rubber aprons are another great option if you can afford to purchase a set of them for your classroom.

9. Emergency showers and eyewash stations

If exposed to hazardous chemicals, I want my students to be able to remove the material quickly and safely to prevent burns. Having emergency showers and eyewash stations in one system can help streamline the process for students during a chemical spill. If your classroom/laboratory does not have a built-in eyewash and shower, Ward’s offers products that screw directly onto standard faucets.

10. Lockable chemical storage cabinet

Not only are these cabinets great for storing chemicals, but they can also be organized into categories. Although I instruct my students not to handle chemicals without my supervision, it gives me peace of mind to know that they are safe.

Don’t forget to download your free Lab Safety Contract to help ensure your science lab is fun, meaningful, and accident-free!

Get all of Sarah’s recommended lab safety items, plus everything else you need to keep your classroom safe. Check out Ward’s Science for comprehensive classroom lab safety essentials.