Hang this poster in the biology laboratory, so the checklist is in front of every class before the trays come out.
What is on the poster
Before you start
- Permission from the teacher, and the purpose and steps understood. You know where the eyewash, shower and exits are.
- Indirectly vented D3 splash goggles, nonlatex gloves and a rubberized apron or lab coat on. Contact lenses only under goggles.
- Bench clear, a stable dissection tray in place, instruments inspected: no dull, loose or corroded tools.
- Specimens from a reputable scientific supplier only, never collected or brought from home.
While you work
- Specimen pinned or held in the tray. Cut away from your hand and your body, never toward.
- Scalpel or scissors for tissue only, never bone. Hand an instrument over handle first.
- Never smell a specimen or its preservative. Leaking, damaged or strong-smelling packaging: stop and tell the teacher.
- No food, drink, or touching your face. Stop and tell the teacher about any cut or splash.
After
- Remains and preservative into the labeled waste containers, double-bagged where the plan says; blades into the sharps container.
- Instruments cleaned and disinfected, tray and bench wiped, then hands washed with soap and water.
A cut or a splash in the eye: tell the teacher at once. Eyes: eyewash for 15 minutes.
Built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard
This poster carries the SSTS mark. Like every Science Safety course, it is built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard (SSTS): every rule on it is taken from the body that governs it, at its current edition, and the source is printed on the poster, so you can check it yourself.
Stay current
When you get this poster, it is saved to your Science Safety account. If we revise the poster, or the Dissection Safety module it comes from changes, we will email you, and the latest version will be waiting under Downloads in your account. Every revision carries its revision number and date at the bottom of the poster, so you can tell at a glance whether the copy on your wall is current.
Printing and hanging
- One-page PDF, US letter (8.5 by 11 inches).
- White background, so it prints clearly on any office or classroom printer without using much ink.
- Hang it in the biology laboratory, at eye level.
- The QR code in the blue title band opens this page, so anyone can get their own copy.
- The QR code at the bottom opens the Dissection Safety module.
Learn more
The Dissection Safety module teaches the full topic this poster comes from.
Sources:
- 29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (reviewed September 30, 2026)
- 29 CFR 1910.133, Eye and face protection – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (reviewed September 30, 2026)
- Formaldehyde – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (reviewed September 30, 2026)
- Dissection Safety module – Science Safety (reviewed September 30, 2026)
Poster SSP-0035, Rev. 1, September 2026.
