1. Always carry the microscope with two hands - one on the arm and one underneath the base of the microscope. Hold it up so that it does not hit tables or chairs. Never swing the microscope.

2. Do not touch the lenses. If they are dirty, ask your teacher for special lens paper or ask the teacher to clean the lenses for you. Teachers - remember that you may use a soft cloth dipped in a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to clean the lenses.

3. If using a microscope with a mirror, do not use direct sunlight as the light source. Eye damage can result. If using a microscope with a light, turn off light when not in use.

4. Be cautious when handling glass slides and coverslips. Notify teacher if a slide or coverslip breaks. Students should not handle broken glass.

Safety concerns:

Teachers and students, be sure to keep all Glass and Sharp instrument Safety Rules that are by the teacher and in all general laboratory experiences when preparing microscope slides.

5. Always clean slides and microscope when finished. Store microscope set on the lowest objective with the nosepiece turned down to its lowest position (using the coarse adjustment knob). Turn off light.

6. Cover microscope with dust cover and return microscope to storage, if requested by teacher.