Hands-on activities are an essential part of school science. Activities conducted in school laboratories are important if students are to learn the processes of science and have direct experiences that capture their interest and maintain their motivation. A school’s lab environment, however, can be unsafe to students and school personnel due to the presence of unknown and toxic chemicals, or excessive stocks of these materials. Poor management and use of chemicals may also result in risks to human health and the environment. Young people are at particular risk to the hazards of chemicals because • They may be affected by lower levels of exposure than adults. Their immune systems are not as well developed as those of adults • Their health risks can be greater because some toxic chemicals accumulate in the body over long periods of time • They may be more easily distracted and may not pay careful attention to safety precautions or instructions, and • They are less experienced than adults and more likely to behave unpredictably. This tool kit provides guidelines and tips for preventing and controlling risks, avoiding future build-up of undesirable chemicals, reducing waste generation, and maintaining a safe school laboratory environment.