Providing a safe classroom and laboratory environment should be the first priority of any career-technical and technology/engineering education instructor. Doing so not only increases the opportunity for student learning, but it also keeps instructors "out of hot water" with respect to legal issues of liability. In today's litigious society, where individuals can be sued for any perceived infraction, it is imperative that instructors safeguard their classrooms and labs from potential problems. Instructors can follow these 10 simple guidelines to help ensure that students are safe, classrooms and labs are free of hazards, and that educators are protected against liability and negligence issues: (1) Don't leave the classroom or lab unattended; (2) Perform assigned duties; (3) Post classroom/lab rules and regulations in a conspicuous place; (4) Post fire/tornado drill information in a conspicuous place in the classroom/lab; (5) Start a file for each student; (6) Keep proper records; (7) Keep private information private; (8) Follow school discipline codes--don't create "alternative discipline"; (9) Maintain the classroom/lab; and (10) Avoid "touchy" situations. (Contains 3 online resources.)