Lab Safety and Hazard Symbols KS3 Science - Free Printable

- Fire Blanket: Located on the wall near the exit, used to smother small fires by cutting off oxygen.
- Sand Bucket: Positioned next to the sink, used to extinguish certain types of fires, especially chemical or metal fires.
- Fire Extinguisher: Mounted on the wall, used to put out various types of fires depending on its class (e.g., water, foam, CO2).
- Sink: Central lab fixture for washing hands, rinsing equipment, and disposing of non-hazardous waste.
- Glass Bin: Labeled bin under the counter for broken glass disposal to prevent injury.
- Electrical Sockets: Wall outlets above the counter for powering lab equipment; must be kept dry and not overloaded.
- Acid Bottles: Stored in a labeled cabinet or on the counter with proper labeling; should be handled with care and stored securely.
- Gas Taps: Located on the benchtop, connected to gas lines for Bunsen burners; must be turned off when not in use.
- Safety Goggles: Worn by students to protect eyes from chemical splashes, flying debris, or fumes.
- Bunsen Burner: Lab burner on the benchtop for heating; requires supervision and proper flame control.
- Eyewash Bottle: Placed near the sink for immediate eye rinsing in case of chemical exposure.
- Safety Mat: Placed under hot or reactive experiments to protect the bench surface and contain spills.
- Fume Cupboard: Enclosed ventilation unit at the back of the lab for handling volatile or toxic substances safely.

Things going wrong in the lab:
- Students are not wearing safety goggles.
- A student is eating in the lab.
- A student is running in the lab.
- Chemicals are being mixed without supervision.
- A Bunsen burner is left unattended.
- Glassware is being handled carelessly.
- Electrical cords are tangled and creating tripping hazards.
- A student is using a phone while conducting an experiment.
- Equipment is cluttered and blocking walkways.
- A fire is occurring without anyone using a fire extinguisher or blanket.

Safety rules:
- Always wear safety goggles during experiments to protect your eyes from chemicals and debris.
- Never eat or drink in the lab to avoid ingesting hazardous substances.
- Do not run in the lab to prevent accidents and spills.
- Only mix chemicals under teacher supervision to avoid dangerous reactions.
- Never leave a Bunsen burner unattended to prevent fires or explosions.
- Handle glassware carefully to avoid breakage and injury.
- Keep electrical cords organized and away from liquids to prevent shocks or fires.
- Do not use phones or distractions during experiments to maintain focus and safety.
- Keep walkways clear and equipment organized to prevent tripping and ensure quick evacuation if needed.
- In case of fire, immediately use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket and alert the teacher.

Why each rule is important:
- Safety goggles prevent permanent eye damage from chemical splashes or flying particles.
- Eating in the lab risks poisoning or contamination from unseen chemicals.
- Running increases the chance of falling, breaking equipment, or spilling hazardous materials.
- Supervised mixing prevents uncontrolled reactions that could cause burns, explosions, or toxic fumes.
- Unattended burners can ignite flammable materials or cause burns to unsuspecting students.
- Careless handling of glassware leads to cuts and potential exposure to hazardous contents.
- Disorganized cords pose electrocution risks and can trip students, causing secondary accidents.
- Phone use distracts from safety procedures and can lead to missed warnings or improper technique.
- Cluttered labs impede emergency response and increase accident risk due to poor visibility and mobility.
- Immediate fire response minimizes property damage and protects lives by containing the hazard quickly.

Challenge Ranking (Most to Least Important):
1. Always wear safety goggles — Protects vision, which is irreplaceable and critical for all activities.
2. Never leave a Bunsen burner unattended — Prevents major fires or explosions that endanger everyone.
3. Do not run in the lab — Reduces high-risk physical accidents that can escalate quickly.
4. Only mix chemicals under supervision — Prevents uncontrolled reactions that can injure multiple people.
5. Keep walkways clear — Enables safe evacuation and access for emergency responders.
6. Handle glassware carefully — Prevents injuries and contamination from broken glass and spilled chemicals.
7. Never eat or drink in the lab — Avoids ingestion of toxins, though less immediately dangerous than fire or explosion.
8. Keep electrical cords organized — Prevents shocks and trips, but generally lower risk if cords are not near water.
9. Do not use phones during experiments — Minimizes distraction-related errors, but consequences are usually less severe.
10. Use fire extinguisher/blanket immediately in case of fire — Important, but assumes the fire has already started; prevention is more critical.