Practical skills are paramount for students of science, but learning the basics can be daunting for students just starting out. This collection demonstrates the correct and safe procedure for: operating fire safety equipment, such as a fire blanket or extinguisher; operating personal safety equipment, such as an eye bath and spills kit; basic techniques such as lighting a Bunsen burner and wafting; taking measurements using a thermometer or measuring cylinder; using a pH meter; and performing dilutions using a volumetric pipette.