Demonstrations and experiments should only be performed by a knowledgeable instructor; especially those involving open flames or the use of reactive or toxic materials. This section provides information for how to ensure everyone's safety during a demonstration or experiment, whether in the classroom or at a special event.


Resources for Conducting Safer Demonstrations & Experiments

General Demo Safety Tips

INFOGRAPHIC

Tips for Planning Chemistry Demos

This infographic shows how to set goals, plan key logistics, and prep materials for chemistry demos.

ARTICLE

How to RAMP up Safety for Demos

Entertaining your audience with chemistry is fun, but keeping them safe at demos is critical.

HANDBOOK

Safety Guidelines for Chemical Demos

These guidelines provide a checklist to assure that chemical demos are conducted without incident.

PDF

Safe Transportation Recommendations for Chemicals Used in Demonstrations or Educational Activities

Reccomendations for tranposting chemicals safely during demos & other educational activities.

PDF

Recommendation for Sharing, Cleaning & Disinfecting Safety Goggles & Glasses

This document outlines best practices for sharing, cleaning, and disinfecting safety goggles & glasses.

Rubrics and Worksheets for Teachers

HANDBOOK

Assessing Chemical Demonstration Videos

A template to review the safety and pedagogy of chemical demonstration videos in order to determine their usage in the classroom.

ARTICLE

Five Key Questions for Safe Research and Demos

Ask these 5 questions before performing a demo to keep you and your audience safe.

ARTICLE

Safer Demos Through Safety Data Sheets

Knowing where to find chemical Safety Data Sheets and how to read them is essential to safe experiments and demonstrations.

Partner Resources

Handbook

NFPA Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals

A template for educators to review the safety and pedagogy of chemical demonstration videos in order to determine whether they should be used in the classroom.

Featured Demonstration

VIDEO

A Safer "Rainbow Flame" Demo for Classrooms

The Flame Test is a safer version of the traditional "Rainbow Flame" demonstration popularly conducted in chemistry classrooms. Developed by the American Association of Chemistry Teachers.

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Connect with Us

Email the Safety team at safety@acs.org

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