STUDENT SAFETY CONTRACT

Safety is very important in our lab.  Review our standard student safety contract terms below.

PURPOSE

This class is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities which require the use of hazardous chemicals, appliances, and utensils. Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe lab environment, a list of rules has been developed and provided to you in this student safety contract. These rules must be followed at all times. This copy must be signed by both you and a parent or guardian before you can participate in any laboratory activities.

GENERAL RULES

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory. 

2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the instructor before proceeding. 

3. Never enter the lab without the instructor present. No student may work in the laboratory without an instructor present. 

4. Do not eat food, or drink beverages in the laboratory.

5. Perform only those activities authorized by the instructor. Never do anything in the laboratory that is not called for. Unauthorized experiments/activities are prohibited. 

6. Never fool around in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited. 

7. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times.  Clean, rinse, & wipe dry all work surfaces and equipment before leaving the lab. Return all equipment to its proper place, follow directions for the disposal of lab materials, and complete an inventory of your station.

8. Know the locations for all safety equipment including first aid kit and fire extinguisher. 

9. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the instructor immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe. 

10. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments. Clean all work surfaces and apparatus at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area. 

11. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, and any electrical equipment turned off. 

12. When using knives and other sharp instruments, always carry tips and points pointing down and away. Always cut away from your body. Never try to catch falling sharp instruments. Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles.

ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES 

13. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor immediately, no matter how trivial it may appear.

HANDLING EQUIPMENT

14. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching an electrical switch, plug, or outlet. 

15. Report damaged electrical equipment immediately. Look for things such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections. Do not use damaged electrical equipment.