Middle School Safety Practices

Middle School and/or Junior High Science involves more complex equipment and chemicals than Elementary but still requires developmental consideration. The emphasis is on building habits of safety, responsibility, and awareness.

Below you will find information on: Biological Hazards, Chemical Hazards, Lab Safety and Conduct, and Emergency Preparedness.

Chemical Hazards

Permitted with Caution:

• Dilute acids and bases (e.g., vinegar, baking soda, weak HCl under fume hood).

• Safe chemical reactions (neutralization, gas collection).

• Common salts, indicators (e.g., litmus, phenolphthalein), and safe organics like ethanol in small quantities.

Safe Use Includes:

• Use of fume hoods for ammonia, acids, and hydrogen gas

• Proper labelling of all materials

• MSDS awareness for all substances

• Wearing safety goggles and gloves

Biological Hazards

Allowed:

• Dissections of federally inspected organs from supply companies (e.g., cow hearts).

• Study of plants and safe microorganisms.

Prohibited:

• Mammalian blood, cheek cells, urine, or fecal matter.

• Fresh or frozen mammalian tissue (except inspected meat).

• Samples from wild or stray animals.

Precautions:

• Gloves required during dissections.

• Wash hands before and after handling biological materials.

• Clean and disinfect all surfaces before and after use.

Lab Safety and Conduct

Student Behaviour:

• Follow teacher instructions at all times.

• No unauthorized experiments.

• Keep workstations clean and organized.

• Always stand while performing experiments unless otherwise instructed.

Personal Protection:

• Safety goggles for all lab work involving heat, chemicals, or glassware.

• Lab coats encouraged; loose clothing and jewelry discouraged.

• Hair tied back when near open flame or equipment.

Bunsen Burners:

• Only used under direct supervision.

• Use caution with flammable materials (keep solvents away).

• Practice safe lighting and flame control.

Emergency Preparedness

Required Equipment:

• Fire extinguisher, eyewash station, first aid kit, and fire blanket

• Clearly labelled gas shut-off valves

• Emergency procedures and numbers posted in visible locations

First Aid:

• Rinse skin/eye exposure with water immediately

• Report all injuries to the teacher

• Gloves and eyewear reduce risk of chemical or biological exposure