The laboratory is a wonderful place to work and learn. The science lab should also be one of the safest places in the school. Here is how we can all make safety happen!! PREPARE PROPERLY: A. Tie back long hair and confine loose clothing. Wear closed toe shoes during lab. B. Wear aprons, gloves, and safety glasses when told to do so and DO NOT remove them until clean up is complete. C. Remove long necklaces or scarves/ ties before starting a lab D. Keep all unnecessary items off the lab table. E. Know where all the safety and first aid items are located. These include the fire blanket, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, eye wash fountain, deluge shower, emergency gas shutoff valve etc.. F. Know where exits are, and know what to do in case of an emergency. G. Listen carefully and follow teacher’s directions. Ask questions if you don’t understand. H. DO NOT touch ANY lab equipment until instructed to do so.
BE CAREFUL: A. NEVER eat, drink, chew gum or taste ANYTHING in the lab area. B. NEVER put anything near your nose mouth or eyes in the science lab. Consider all chemicals to be dangerous. C. NEVER engage in horseplay in the lab. Including throwing things and pranks. D. NEVER breath in fumes directly. E. NEVER force glass, because it WILL break. Use glycerine as a lubricant and hold the tubing with a towel as you ease the glass into the F. NEVER fill pipettes with mouth suction. Always use a suction bulb. G. Proper procedures shall be followed when using any heating or flame producing device especially gas burners. NEVER leave a flame unattended. H. Hot glass looks the same as Cold glass. Determine if the glass is still hot by placing your hand close to the object, but don’t touch it! I. NEVER leave chemicals open. Always replace tops tightly. J. Perform only authorized and approved experiments K. Do not perform experiments when the teacher is out of the room. L. If a fire drill occurs during lab, make sure to turn off all gas burners and electrical equipment and exit the room as directed. M. When using chemicals, always read the reagent bottle labels twice before you use the reagent. Be certain the chemical is the correct one. N. No Application of Chapstick, Cosmetics or cologne/ perfume (smelly spray) or brushing hair/ primping in lab. O. Acrylic nails are a safety hazard near heat sources and should not be worn P. Classroom animals should not be handled without permission. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling.
BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS A. The lab is place to work and learn. B. Be careful not to bump others and their equipment in the lab. C. Talk QUIETLY in the lab and only to the other members of your group. D. Work at a steady and constant pace. E. Stay on Task and stay focused. F. Treat Classmates with RESPECT!! G. Participate in all aspects of the lab H. Do not enter storage room without permission.
REPORT UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES TO THE TEACHER: A. Report any equipment that is broken or not working properly. B. Report any chemical spills immediately C. Report accidents (fire, spills, breakage etc) or injuries (cut, burns etc.) IMMEDIATELY!
CLEAN UP : A. Leave your area neat and clean, and dispose of all waste properly. B. Wash all glassware with hot, soapy water and scrubbed with scrub brushes. Return them to their proper location. B. Return all equipment to the proper place. NO lab equipment may be removed from the lab. C. Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the science room.
**This contract MUST be signed by both Parent/ Guardian AND the student before entering the science laboratory.
I __________________ have read and understand each of the above safety rules set forth in this contract. I agree to follow them to ensure not only my own safety but also the safety of others in the science class/lab. I also agree to follow the general rules of appropriate behavior for a classroom at all times to avoid accidents and to provided a safe learning environment for everyone. I understand that if I do NOT follow all the rules and safety precautions, I will not be allowed to participate in the lab. Student Signature:_______________________________________________
Parents: Please read the list of safety rules with your student. Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read the safety contract and are aware of the measures taken to ensure the safety of your child in the science classroom. Parent Signature:____________________________________________________