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Science Project Safety 101

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Science Project Safety 101

by Chuck Lunsford

Even the simplest science projects can be dangerous if you do not practice science project safety. Combining some very common household ingredients in the right way can cause serious health problems and even death. Children should be taught basic safety techniques and parents should be readily available for questioning or to directly observe more hazardous experiments. Below are some basic safety tips to follow when working on science projects. There is no comprehensive list that covers every potential hazard so it is important to use common sense.

. Always carefully and thoroughly read all directions before beginning any experiment.

. If you have purchased a science kit of some kind, make sure that you are only using the materials provided in the kit and that you do not combine foreign materials unless otherwise directed.

. When it doubt, do not be afraid to ask questions. Make sure that children know to ask a parent if they are not sure what to do next and that parents refer to the instructional guide of a help-line if they do not know how to resolve an issue.

. Any experiment that involves fire, chemicals, or anything else that could be potentially dangerous, should be supervised by a parent, teacher or other knowledgeable adult.

. Never mix chemicals. Only use chemicals in the specific manner directed. Never touch chemicals with bare hands.

. Make sure that if you do not complete your project in a single sitting, that you put it someplace out of the way so that others do not injure themselves or accidentally handle your pending experiment.

. Always clean-up the area that you have been working on. You do not want parts of your chemistry project left on the same counter that your mom is going to use later to cook diner on.

. You may find that you will be asked to use materials for a specific project that require special care for their disposal. Just some of the ways that a substance could be hazardous are that it could be flammable, reactive, toxic, radioactive, etc.

. Animals, people and regulated materials should all be handled with care. Remember that science can stop being fun if someone gets hurt.

. Parents, make sure that if any of your projects materials are accompanied by Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that you take time to carefully read through the information provided. MSDS sheets provide valuable information regarding how to handle a chemical and how to get medical help if needed.

. Make sure that you wear protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, an apron, or a hat when necessary.

The science projects that your children will be asked to perform are rarely going to involve any chemicals or substances that could easily harm them so you do not need to be paranoid about any project your child brings home from school. At the same time it is unwise to let your guard down and make assumptions about safety without carefully examining the situation. After all, accidents happen when you least expecting them.

Be involved as your child chooses which science projects that he would like to try. Make sure that you make the time to supervise your child and encourage your child to ask questions. Practicing good science safety will allow you and your children to have an educational and uplifting experience together.

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Lab Safety 101