STEM Lab Safety Rules: Checklist for Schools

Updated on: 5 October 2026

A safe STEM lab needs clear rules for electricity, batteries, soldering, hand tools, robots, 3D printers and student movement. Schools should combine equipment-specific precautions with supervision, safe storage, emergency procedures and regular inspections. Safety should be built into every practical activity rather than treated as a separate instruction given only at the beginning of the year.

CBSE's current Composite Skill Lab guidelines call for unobstructed exits, fire extinguishers, periodic checks of electrical fittings, safe storage and labelling of tools, supervision during practical work, first aid, emergency arrangements and fire and evacuation drills. 

This checklist can be used by teachers, lab assistants and principals when setting up or reviewing a school STEM, robotics or makerspace environment.

Safety note: This guide provides general school-lab safety practices. Schools should follow applicable electrical, fire, building, equipment-manufacturer and local safety requirements and conduct a site-specific risk assessment.

1. Electrical and battery safety

Electrical and battery safety should begin with inspection, correct power supplies, safe connections and supervision. Students should not experiment with mains electricity unless the activity is specifically designed for that purpose and conducted under appropriate supervision. Low-voltage educational electronics should still be treated carefully because incorrect connections can cause short circuits, overheating or equipment damage.

Before students start

Check that:

• Power supplies are appropriate for the equipment.
• Cables and plugs are intact.
• Insulation is not damaged.
• Work surfaces are dry.
• Extension boards are not overloaded.
• Loose wires are kept away from moving parts.
• Emergency power isolation is accessible to staff.
• Equipment is switched off when not required.

CBSE specifically recommends periodic checking of electrical fittings and insulation and timely repair or replacement where necessary. CBSE Academic

Battery safety

Batteries require their own storage and handling rules.

Students should be taught:

• Never to short-circuit a battery.
• Never to connect a battery with reversed polarity.
• To use only the recommended charger.
• Not to use visibly damaged or leaking batteries.
• Not to leave charging equipment unattended unless the manufacturer's instructions permit it.
• To report swollen, damaged or unusually hot batteries immediately.

Lithium batteries

Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries need particular care.

Schools should:

1. Store them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Use compatible chargers and charging equipment.
3. Keep damaged batteries out of service.
4. Prevent metal objects from bridging battery terminals.
5. Keep charging areas organised and supervised.
6. Establish a procedure for damaged or defective batteries.

Do not allow students to improvise battery charging arrangements.

Explore batteries and power supplies

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2. Soldering and hand tools

Soldering stations, cutters, pliers, screwdrivers and other hand tools should be used only after students have been shown the correct operating procedure. Soldering introduces hot surfaces and fumes, while cutting and drilling tools introduce additional physical hazards. Students should use tools appropriate to their age, task and level of supervision.

Soldering safety

A supervised soldering station should have:

• A stable soldering iron stand
• A suitable work surface
• Appropriate ventilation
• Eye protection where required by the task
• Clear separation between hot tools and student work areas
• A designated location for the soldering iron
• A procedure for switching equipment off
• Safe storage after cooling

The soldering iron tip can remain hot after the activity has ended, so students should never assume that an unplugged iron is immediately safe to touch.

Hand-tool safety

Teach students to:

• Use the correct tool for the job.
• Inspect tools before use.
• Keep cutting edges pointed away from themselves and others.
• Never leave sharp tools on the edge of a table.
• Return tools to their designated storage location.
• Report damaged tools.
• Keep work surfaces clear.

A tool-management system also makes safety easier to maintain. Label drawers, assign storage locations and check the tool inventory after every practical session.

Shop soldering stations

Explore tools and instruments

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3. 3D printer heat and fumes

A school 3D printer should be treated as equipment that involves hot surfaces, moving mechanisms and potential airborne emissions. Place printers where students cannot casually touch hot components, follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and provide appropriate ventilation or other engineering controls based on the printer, filament and room.

NIOSH specifically identifies schools and makerspaces as settings where 3D printers are used and recommends risk-management approaches including substitution, engineering controls such as ventilation or filtration, administrative controls and appropriate PPE. CDC

Heat hazards

Students should understand that:

• The nozzle can become very hot.
• The heated bed can remain hot after printing.
• Recently printed parts may be hot.
• Students should not touch moving or heated components while the printer is operating.
• Maintenance should be performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Ventilation

Do not assume that a desktop 3D printer has no air-quality considerations.

NIOSH guidance recommends considering ventilation, isolation and printer filtration as controls for emissions. It also recommends following manufacturer instructions and using the filament specified for the printer. CDC Archive

For a school, consider:

• Printer location
• Room ventilation
• Filament type
• Printer enclosure
• Filtration
• Operating duration
• Whether students remain immediately beside the printer

Filament selection

For introductory school projects, schools may choose commonly supported materials such as PLA where appropriate. More demanding materials should be introduced only after reviewing the printer manufacturer's requirements and the school's ventilation and operating arrangements.

Do not change nozzle temperatures or use materials outside the manufacturer's recommendations simply to achieve faster printing. NIOSH research has identified higher emissions under some higher-temperature printing conditions and recommends controls including appropriate temperatures, ventilation, administrative procedures and printer maintenance. CDC Stacks

Explore 3D printers for STEM labs

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4. Moving parts and robots

Robotics equipment should be tested before students use it, with particular attention to wheels, gears, belts, arms, propellers and other moving parts. Students should keep fingers, hair, loose clothing and objects away from moving mechanisms. Power should be disconnected before adjustments, repairs or mechanical changes.

Before powering a robot

The teacher or lab assistant should check:

• Wheels and gears are securely fitted.
• Wires cannot contact moving parts.
• Batteries are correctly connected.
• The robot is on a suitable test surface.
• The movement area is clear.
• Emergency stopping or power isolation is understood.
• Students know when they may approach the robot.

During operation

Students should:

• Keep hands away from moving mechanisms.
• Keep loose clothing and hair secured.
• Maintain a clear operating area.
• Never chase or grab a moving robot.
• Stop the robot before making adjustments.
• Disconnect power before changing wiring or mechanical components.

Robotic arms

Robotic arms require additional precautions because their movement can be faster and stronger than a classroom robot.

Schools should follow the specific manufacturer's safety instructions and establish controlled operating zones. Only trained personnel should configure or modify industrial robotic systems.

For school-level educational robots, the same principle applies:

Stop → isolate power → adjust → check → test

Do not allow students to troubleshoot a powered mechanism by placing their hands inside it.

Explore robotics kits

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5. PPE list

Personal protective equipment should be selected according to the actual hazard rather than issued as a substitute for safer equipment, engineering controls or supervision. A STEM lab may need safety glasses, gloves or other protective equipment for particular activities, while some activities may not require every item.

Basic STEM lab PPE checklist

CBSE's laboratory guidance emphasises appropriate protective provisions, supervision and safe handling of equipment. CBSE Academic

PPE is not the first safety control

If a hazard can be removed or controlled through equipment design, isolation, ventilation or a safe operating procedure, those controls should be considered first.

NIOSH's 3D-printing guidance similarly places engineering and administrative controls ahead of PPE in its hierarchy of controls. CDC

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6. Printable safety poster

A visible safety poster gives students a quick reminder before every practical session. It should use short instructions rather than long paragraphs and should be positioned where students can see it before entering the work area.

STEM LAB SAFETY RULES

Before starting

• Listen to the teacher or lab assistant.
• Read the activity instructions.
• Wear required PPE.
• Check tools and equipment.
• Keep bags and personal items away from work areas.

During practical work

• Use equipment only as instructed.
• Keep hands away from moving parts.
• Do not touch hot equipment.
• Keep electrical connections organised.
• Do not eat or drink in the lab.
• Keep work areas and exits clear.
• Report damaged equipment immediately.

For electronics

• Switch off power before changing connections.
• Check polarity before powering a circuit.
• Never short-circuit batteries.
• Use only the specified power supply.

For 3D printing

• Do not touch the nozzle or heated bed.
• Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions.
• Use approved filament.
• Keep the printer in its designated area.
• Follow the lab's ventilation and operating procedures.

Before leaving

• Switch off equipment as instructed.
• Return tools to storage.
• Disconnect equipment where required.
• Clean the work area.
• Report any damage or incident.

CBSE's Composite Skill Lab guidelines specifically recommend displaying do's and don'ts prominently and maintaining safe, labelled storage of tools and equipment. CBSE Academic

Download the printable STEM lab safety poster

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7. Incident log template

Every school STEM lab should have a simple way to record equipment damage, injuries, near misses and other safety incidents. The purpose is not only documentation. A consistent incident log helps the school identify recurring hazards and improve procedures, training and equipment placement.

STEM Lab Incident Log

Record near misses too

A near miss is an event that could have caused an injury or equipment damage but did not.

Examples include:

• A battery becoming unexpectedly hot
• A robot moving unexpectedly
• A student almost touching a hot printer component
• A damaged cable discovered before use
• A tool falling from a workbench

Recording these events allows the school to address a hazard before it causes an actual incident.

CBSE's Composite Skill Lab guidance calls for periodic safety audits, emergency preparedness and appropriate responsibilities for principals, teachers and other staff. CBSE Academic

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STEM lab safety checklist for schools

Use this checklist before opening the lab for regular student activities.

Lab environment

• Exits are unobstructed.
• Emergency routes are clearly accessible.
• Work areas are uncluttered.
• Bags and personal belongings have designated storage.
• Safety instructions are displayed.
• First-aid supplies are available.
• Fire-safety equipment is accessible.
• Staff know the emergency procedure.

Electrical and battery equipment

• Cables and plugs are inspected.
• Power supplies match equipment requirements.
• Damaged equipment is removed from use.
• Battery charging follows manufacturer instructions.
• Batteries are stored appropriately.
• Students know the correct shutdown procedure.

Tools

• Tools are labelled and stored.
• Cutting tools are controlled.
• Damaged tools are removed.
• Students receive instructions before use.
• Soldering equipment is stored safely.
• Hot tools have designated stands or locations.

Robotics

• Moving parts are checked.
• Robot operating areas are clear.
• Students know when to approach a powered robot.
• Power is disconnected before mechanical or electrical changes.
• Advanced equipment has controlled access.

3D printing

• Printer location is appropriate.
• Ventilation/control measures are in place as required.
• Correct filament is being used.
• Manufacturer instructions are available.
• Students understand hot-surface hazards.
• Maintenance is performed according to instructions.

People and procedures

• Teachers supervise practical work.
• Lab assistants understand the equipment.
• Students receive safety orientation.
• Emergency procedures are communicated.
• Incidents and near misses are recorded.
• Safety checks are reviewed periodically.

CBSE's current Composite Skill Lab guidance recommends regular inspections, staff training, supervision, safe storage, first aid, emergency arrangements and evacuation/fire drills. CBSE Academic

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Make safety part of every STEM practical

STEM lab safety rules work best when they are built into the lesson rather than treated as a poster on the wall.

Before an activity, students should know:

What are we doing? → What could go wrong? → How do we control the risk? → What PPE or supervision is required? → What do we do if something goes wrong?

This approach works across electronics, robotics, soldering, hand tools and 3D printing.

CBSE's guidance for Composite Skill Labs explicitly places responsibility on school leadership, teachers and lab staff to establish safety protocols, conduct inspections, provide training and supervise practical activities.

For 3D printing specifically, NIOSH recommends using risk-management controls appropriate to the printer, material and environment, including ventilation or filtration where appropriate and clear operating procedures. A safe STEM lab is therefore not simply one with more safety equipment. It is one where equipment, room layout, supervision, training, operating procedures and emergency planning work together.

Need to equip your STEM lab with the right safety gear? Explore Robocraze's safety and protection collection, along with soldering stations and battery chargers for your lab requirements.