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A Special Message on Safety

Safety should be first in the minds of administrators, teachers, and students actively involved in a science program. The responsibility for safety and the enforcement of safety regulations and laws are shared by everyone within the school community. With careful planning and instruction, a safe and healthful environment can be established within your science class.

Proper planning, prudent foresight, and care must be continuously exercised by everyone. By following the recommended safeguards and precautions, you will be practicing good safety skills.

To insure that a safe and healthful environment is maintained when taking any laboratory course, please read and follow the safety regulations listed below. To indicate that you have completely read and understand the safety regulations, you are asked to give your signature and the date upon completion of this important task. Students should check to see that their lab partner has likewise completed the safety regulations, as they will be allied closely while working in the laboratory.

Laboratory Safety Procedures

1. Read and understand lab instructions before attempting any lab procedures. If in doubt, ask the instructor. Do not modify or change lab procedures unless instructed to do so. No optional or original experiments may be performed without prior approval of the instructor.

2. Never taste chemicals unless directed by the instructor. Never touch chemicals with your hands, chew gum, apply cosmetics or put anything in your mouth in the laboratory. This includes your fingers, and your pencils/pens. No food or beverages are permitted in any science laboratory or storage areas.

3. Work areas and apparatus should be kept clean and tidy. You should always clean, and wipe dry, all apparatus, decks, tables, or laboratory work areas at the conclusion of each laboratory experiment. All chemical spills must be cleaned up immediately. (Consult with instructor.)

4. Never pour chemicals back in stock bottles.

5. Long hair must be tied back when working in the lab.

6. Your apparel should be appropriate for laboratory work. Long hanging necklaces, bulky jewelry and excessive and bulky clothing should not be worn in the laboratory.

7. Test tubes, when heated, should be pointed so the open end is not aimed at anyone. Never look directly down the test tube.

8. Discard broken glass in designated containers and dispose of chemical waste as directed. Flammables should never be disposed of down a laboratory sink drain.

9. Extreme caution should be exercised when using a burner. Keep your head and clothing away from the flame and turn off the burner when not in use. Gas burners should be lighted only in accordance with your instructor's instructions. Check to see that all gas valves and hot plates are turned off before leaving the laboratory.

10. You should know the proper fire drill procedures and the location of fire exits.

11. Report any accident or breakage, however minor, to the instructor immediately.

12. No "horseplay," running, throwing, rushing, or "fooling around" is permitted in the laboratory. Everyone should be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Take care not to bump another student, and remain at your lab station while performing an experiment. An unattended experiment can produce an accident.

13. You should prepare for each laboratory lesson by reading all instructions before you come to class. Follow all directions and review with your instructor the safety precautions needed to conduct the experiment safely before you begin. Only materials and equipment authorized by your instructor should be used.

14. Only lab manuals and lab notebooks are permitted in the working areas. Other books, purses, and such items shall be placed in your desk or storage area.

15. Nothing (chemical and/or equipment) may be taken from the laboratory without written permission.

16. Appropriate footwear shall be worn at all times in the laboratory.

17. Wash hands thoroughly with soap after working with lab chemicals and/or equipment and at the conclusion of each laboratory lesson.

18. Everyone should recognize and heed all safety symbols and cautions incorporated into procedures of the laboratory experiments.

19. Do not interfere with electrical outlets, gas or water jets/fittings, or fire extinguishers.

20. Never work alone in the laboratory. You shall only work in the laboratory while under the supervision of your instructor and with your assigned class.

21. Safety goggles, apron and gloves shall be worn by everyone (including visitors) upon entering the science laboratory when necessary.

22. Follow all of the guidelines regarding Eye Safety, including the wearing of eye safety devices (goggles) in all class and lab situations where there are any chemical or mechanical hazards. Contact lenses shall not be worn in the laboratory and other class areas (possibly Art Class/lndustrial Arts), because there is a distinct possibility that chemicals may infuse under the contact lenses and cause irreparable eye damage. If you wear contact lenses. you MUST switch to wearing prescription eyeglasses with your goggles.

Safety Contract Signatures

I, ___________________________________________, have read and agree to abide by the safety regulations as set forth above, and also any additional instructions provided by my teacher or in the laboratory safety video. I further agree to follow all other written and verbal instructions given in class.

I have been informed of the possible dangers in wearing contact lenses in the lab. I know that they can increase the chance of eye injury. Some lenses absorb vapors and could concentrate them on the eyes. Lenses may be damaged or need more frequent replacement because of the interaction of some chemicals.

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Student’s Signature & Date

I, ___________________________________________, have read the regulations listed above. If my son/daughter wears contact lenses, we have discussed their use in the chemistry lab or in biology labs where chemicals are used. I understand that glasses (not contact lenses) must be used at this time. If my son/daughter is unable to wear prescription eyeglasses for therapeutic reasons, I will furnish a note from the doctor.

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Parent/Guardian’s Signature & Date