Laboratory Safety

While working in the laboratory, you will have certain important responsibilities confronting you that do not apply to other classrooms.  You must not only be foresighted and alert in your work but you must also be CAUTIOUS. It is you, the student, who will be working in the laboratory and who therefore will be most susceptible to injury.  A science laboratory can be a safe place to carry on activities, depending on your practices.  The following practices must be following:

1. Perform only those laboratory operations and activities in which you have received instructions and permission.

2. Use only material and equipment authorized by you instructor.

3. Follow written and verbal instructions carefully.

4. Use safety glasses when working with chemicals, hot liquids and solids, and other potential sources of splashes, spills, or splattering.

5. Only teachers shall have access to the stockroom.

6. The laboratory is a place of serious work.  Absolutely no practical jokes or misconduct will be tolerated.  Pay strict attention to your work.  Restrain yourself from social conversation.

7. Prepare for the laboratory by reading all instructions before you cometo class.  Follow all directions implicitly and intelligently.  Make note of any deviations announced by your instructor.

8. Immediately report to your instructor any accidents or unplanned events that occur.

9. Eating and drinking in the laboratory area is NOT permitted.

10. Do NOT taste chemicals or other materials unless specifically instructed to do so.

11. Never return unused chemicals to the stock bottle. While in the laboratory, keep your hands away from your face, eyes, and body. 

12. Wash hands thoroughly at the conclusion of a laboratory period.

13. Never use unlabeled chemicals. Notify instructor immediately when such a supply is found.Check labels and equipment carefully.  Be sure you are using the correct items and that you know how to use them.

14. Know the location of emergency shower, eye and face wash fountain, fire blanket, and fire extinguisher. Know the proper fire drill procedures.Long sleeves should be rolled up above the wrist. Coats and sweaters should be removed.  Long hair should be confined during a laboratory activity, especially when an open flame is nearby. Feet should always be completely covered. Never point the open end of a test tube at anyone while heating it. Keep sinks and work areas clean. When smelling contents of a test tube or other container, waive some of the escaping vapors towards your nose.  Do NOT place your nose directly above or in the container.Use a water bath to heat volatile and flammable solvents.  Do NOT reach across a flame.  Never place heated objects next to combustible materials. Always pour acids into water, slowly, while stirring the mixture. Handle acids and bases carefully.  If either an acid or base comes in contact with your skin or clothing, rinse it off at once with a large amount of water.  Inform your instructor. Be alert and proceed with caution in all that you do in the lab.

 

 

Safety Contract

 

 

 

 

I, _________________________________________________, have read and agree to abide by the safety regulations provided by the teacher. I further agree to follow all other written and verbal instructions given in class. I understand that failure to follow all these regulations puts myself and others in danger. I also understand that endangering myself and others is a serious matter that may result in my removal from the laboratory.

 

 

 

Student Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _____________

 

 

 

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________ Date: _____________