all accidents must be reported immediately to your laboratory instructor. accidents may be prevented if you are aware of the potential causes of accidents. about 75% of all chemistry laboratory accidents involve injuries to the hands. most of these hand injuries in volve cuts, thermal burns, and chemical burns. Always protect your hand from sharp glass edges with a towel or thick gloves. Glass stays hot for a long time. The best treatment for minor thermal burns is to immerse the burned area in cold water. Ointments are difficult and painful to remove.