There is a reason the teachers want you to know about lab safety, and the lab equipment.  It is very dangerous to taste or smell some substance that you are not familiar with, because you could be burned or get bad chemicals in your system that are unhealthy for your body to take in. It is important to know about your lab equipment because if  you you think a hot plate is a digital balance you will get seriously burned.You shouldn’t wear opened toed shoes because they are a target to chemicals or shattering glass.