The science classroom can be a wonderful place in which you can observe and experiment with many new things. To do this, you must assume responsibility for your own safety and the safety of your classmates. Every student must follow the safety rules below to make the science classroom a safe learning environment.
1. Do only experiments assigned or approved by your teacher. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.
2. Always prepare for an experiment by reading the directions ahead of time. Know what experiment and procedure you will be following BEFORE you come to the lab.
3. There will be no student horseplay in the laboratory. Horseplay will result in not being able to complete the lab. Remember at all times that the laboratory is a place for serious work.
4. Lab safety equipment is designed for your safety. Goggles are mandatory for all experiments.
5. Report an accident or broken glassware to the teacher. Do not clean up broken glass yourself.
6. Due to the dangers of broken glass and corrosive liquid spills in the lab, open sandals or bare feet are not permitted in the lab.
7. Do not touch chemicals with your hands unless directed to do so. Handle chemicals carefully and only under the direction of the teacher.
8. Never taste any material in the lab. Food, drink and gum are not prohibited in lab.
9. Do not remove any chemicals or equipment from the lab.
10. Never inhale chemicals. Fan a little of the vapor towards your nose. Never hold your face directly over the container.
11. If an acid or other corrosive chemical is spilled, wash it off immediately with water. Use a weak base (sodium bicarbonate) to neutralize an acid spill and a weak acid (vinegar) to neutralize a base spill.
12. Never add water to concentrated acid solutions. The heat generated may cause spattering. Instead, as you stir, add the acid slowly to water.
13. Check the label on a reagent bottle carefully before removing any of its contents. Read label twice before using contents. Be sure to return the correct stopper/pipette to a reagent bottle after you have drawn a quantity.
14. Dispose of used and unused chemicals according to Mrs. McConnell’s instructions for that specific lab. Never return unused chemicals to the original container.
15. Never look directly into a test tube. View the contents from the side. Point test tubes that are being heated away from you and others.
16. HOT THINGS BURN!! Pay attention to what you are doing. For minor skin burns, immediately plunge the burned area into cold water and notify the teacher.
17. When working with flames or chemicals, all long hair & lose sleeves should be pulled back.
18. Keep combustible material away from open flames. Turn off all heat sources that are not in use.
19. Know the location of the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, safety shower and the proper fire drill procedures.
20. If you get any chemical in your eye, immediately wash the eye with the eye-wash fountain and notify the teacher.
21. Smother any fires with the fire blanket.
22. Keep your clothing and books away from lab tables. Previous spills could stain or burn holes in your belongings.
23. NEVER sit on the lab tables.
24. Carry heavy (and expensive) equipment with two hands.
25. When lab work is completed, you must make sure that your work area is clean and that all water and electrical connections have been disconnected. Take the time and effort to return lab equipment to the proper place. THE SINK IS NOT A TRASHCAN.
I , _______________________(print name), have read and agree to abide by the safety regulations as set forth above and also and printed instructions provided by my teacher. I further agree to follow any other written and oral instructions given in class.
Signature __________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________
Parent Signature ____________________________________________ Date: _________________________