All laboratories, even modern high-tech ones, have some degree of hazard potential. It is the teacher's responsibility to make the lab as safe as possible and to do all that is reasonable and prudent to prevent accidents. The teacher's goal should be to insure the safety of every student. This goal is met best via well-planned instruction and diligent observation of students working. Students can be impulsive and forgetful, so frequent reminders about safety are needed. This article discusses safety considerations for all laboratories and provides a brief list of safety rules in the lab. It also offers techniques on how to successfully defend oneself against liability claims.