Lab Safety

We feel that you should be informed of the school’s effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom/ laboratory environment. Please read the list of safety rules. No student will be permitted to perform science activities unless the contract is signed by both the student and parent/guardian. Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this Science Safety Contract, reviewed it with your child, and are aware of the measures taken to ensure the safety of your son/daughter in the science classroom.

  1. Never “horse around” or play practical jokes in the laboratory. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the science room.

  2. Follow instructions and listen carefully. Review the instructions before you begin a lab and if you don’t know what to do, ask for clarification. Do not perform any unauthorized experiments.

  3. Ask before you touch. Do not touch any equipment, supplies, or other materials in the science room without permission from the teacher.

  4. Keep your lab station organized and free of clutter. Store personal items (backpacks, gym bags, lunch, etc.) under the lab counters at all times.

  5. Dress for SAFETY—long hair must be tied back, no dangling jewelry, no open toed shoes, and no loose or baggy clothing. If in doubt, ask!

  6. Know how to use the safety shower, eye-wash, fire blanket, and first aid kit.

  7. Don’t taste things. No tasting anything or putting it near your mouth unless your teacher says it is safe. At times you will be working with food items, but assume that digestion is not the focus of the activity and wait for further instructions before you make a mistake.

  8. Smell substances like a chemist. When you smell a substance, don’t put your nose near it. Instead, gently move the air from above the substance to your nose. This is how chemists smell substances.

  9. Protect your eyes. Wear safety goggles if something wet could splash into your eyes, if powder or dust might get in your eyes, or if something sharp could fly into your eyes.

  10. Tell your teacher if you have food allergies. We want you to be safe and comfortable in class.

  11. Be calm and careful. Move carefully and slowly around the lab classroom. If there is a serious problem you need to alert your teacher about then use a louder voice to get their attention.

  12. Report all spills, accidents, and injuries to your teacher. It may seem scary to admit that something went wrong during the activity, but your teacher will be pleased to see that you cared for the safety of others instead of trying to cover it up.

  13. Avoid anything that could cause a burn. Never reach across a hot surface or handle equipment that has been heated with your bare hands.

  14. Do not pick up broken glass with your fingers. Ask your teacher for a broom and dustpan and discard it in a “broken glass” container.

  15. Clean all work areas and equipment at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.