Mastering biotech lab safety: performing demonstrations

Are you planning lab demonstrations for the upcoming school year? These quick, engaging experiments are a great way to break the ice with a new class while introducing key concepts in a fun and memorable way. Some of our favorite demonstrations are elephant toothpaste, dye electrophoresis, or mixing Diet Coke with Mentos. However, like any scientific experiment, there need to be safety precautions taken to protect both the students and the instructor! Furthermore, these demonstrations are great for safety modeling for students — they can watch you apply proper techniques, use of equipment, and lab safety protocols before they are released into the laboratory. Below are some tips to protect yourself and your students while performing demonstrations in class

1. Practice, practice, practice. Think of yourself like a magician performing a trick — you need to talk to your students to engage them while actually performing the experiment. This is hard! Before performing the demonstration, make sure to know the protocol inside and out. Rehearse the demonstration before class to anticipate risks and avoid any surprises during the actual presentation.
2. Conduct a risk assessment. Each reagent and each step of the experiment could potentially cause problems. Spill soapy water? That’s a potential slip and fall risk. Using acids or bases? Even when dilute, they’re irritants to the skin and eyes. Be sure to evaluate any possible hazards, including chemical spills, heat sources, or pressure build up, and create a safety plan to control and minimize these risks.
3. Label all chemicals clearly. Imagine you’re doing your demo and there are two beakers of clear liquid on your bench top. How do you know which one to pick next? Labels! This will help you to add the correct reagent when it’s needed and to avoid any unintended chemical reactions. Be sure to review all Safety Data Sheets before performing the experiment and have them available just in case an accident happens. Never use or display unlabeled substances.
4. Secure loose clothing and hair. The last thing you want to do is get caught in your experiment. Tie back long hair, roll up long sleeves, and remove any jewelry that might dangle. Yes, if you need to wear a name badge or ID on a lanyard, remove that too. This will help you avoid getting entangled with your equipment, reduce the risk of catching fire (yes, some fabrics are highly flammable!), and also protect you from dipping your sleeves or hair into your experiments.
5. Model good usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Your PPE is the barrier between you and any physical and/or chemical hazards. If you have an experiment that fizzes, explodes, flames, or even just has the potential to do these things, it’s best to wear PPE and have your students take precautions as well, if they’re close to your lab bench. Always wear the appropriate safety gear like goggles, gloves, and lab coats/aprons — and explain their importance to your students.
6. Establish a “safety zone” around your demonstration area and explain rules to your students. Just like at a fireworks show or demolition derby, it’s important to set up a safety zone around your demonstration area to protect your students from potential hazards. Always maintain a clear boundary between yourself and your audience—especially when working with open flames, glassware, or reactive chemicals. Make sure students understand that the safety zone is strictly off-limits during demonstrations—no touching equipment! Consider marking the zone at the start of the year using floor tape or caution tape, and arrange desks or seating safely behind it.
7. Use proper ventilation. Chemical reactions can create fumes that can be hazardous to skin, eyes, and lungs. If your experiment is going to generate any noxious gases, be sure to perform it in a well ventilated area or in a fume hood.
8. In case of an emergency, have any safety equipment ready and well maintained. Accidents can happen so part of preparing for your demonstration is ensuring that you have the necessary safety equipment, that is accessible, and that it works. This includes regular maintenance of eyewash stations and safety showers, checking fire extinguishers to make sure they are properly charged and suitable for the types of fires that you might encounter, and keeping chemical spill kits replenished and close to where you are experimenting. Make sure that everything is easy to reach during the demonstration and keep pathways to exits and emergency equipment clear at all times. This means your students need to get all the backpacks and desks out of the way!
9. Never work alone (or make sure that your colleagues know what you’re up to on demonstration days). For added safety during demonstrations, the buddy system is key. Always have another trained adult nearby during demonstrations, especially when working with open flames, reactive substances, or pressurized equipment. That way you have assistance in case of an emergency or unexpected situation. For less dangerous experiments, let your colleagues know your plan and assign a student to be the “safety contact” who knows to seek help from a nearby adult if needed.

Seems easy, right? But with preparation, doing demonstrations can be safe, fun, and engaging for your students. Do you have any additional tips for us? Let us know at curriculum@edvotek.com and we will integrate them into our science safety blog post series.

Don’t forget to download our free guidebook that is available now. This Biotechnology Bootcamp guide contains a TON of valuable information to help you set up your lab this fall, including links to safety resources, basic lab skills training, and lessons and worksheets to help get your students ready for a fantastic laboratory experience.