Final answer:
Heating mantles should be plugged into a regular electrical outlet, used in a safe area, and operated with caution, especially when handling flammable chemicals or within a fume hood.
Step-by-step explanation:
A heating mantle in a lab should be plugged into a regular electrical outlet. It's important to ensure that the mantle is used in a safe area away from flammable substances. Heating mantles are designed for heating flasks and beakers, providing uniform heat distribution and eliminating the risk of glassware shattering due to direct flame.
While used in many chemical reactions, they should be operated with caution, especially when dealing with flammable chemicals or when there's a need for fume extraction, in which case they should be placed within a fume hood. Always follow your teacher's instructions and local lab safety guidelines when using a heating mantle.