Lab Safety Agreement and Quiz
Lab Safety Agreement
PURPOSE
Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities which require the use of hazardous chemicals. Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules has been developed and provided to you in this student safety contract.
These rules must be followed at all times. You must sign electronically below to acknowledge your understanding and acceptance of these rules.
GENERAL RULES
Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory and always use common sense.
Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the instructor before proceeding.
Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory without an instructor present.
When first entering a science room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so.
Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.
Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor. Never do anything in the laboratory that is not called for in the laboratory procedures or by your instructor. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.
Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory.
Never fool around in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.
Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheets, and/or reports to the work area. Other materials (books, purses, backpacks, etc.) should be stored in the classroom area.
Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the desk when not in use.
Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket. Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.
Always work in a well-ventilated area.
Use the fume hood when working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors. Never place your head into the fume hood.
Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the instructor immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.
Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals in sink drains. Sinks are to be used only for water and those solutions designated by the instructor. Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed of in the proper waste containers, not in the sink. Check the label of all waste containers twice before adding your chemical waste to the container.
Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use the prescribed apparatus as directed in the laboratory instructions or by your instructor.
Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. 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.
Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You will be assigned a laboratory station at which to work. Do not wander around the room, bother students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.
Students are never permitted in the science storage rooms or preparation areas unless given specific permission by their instructor.
Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, gas valves turned off, fume hoods turned off, and any electrical equipment turned off.
Handle all living organisms used in a laboratory activity in a humane manner. Preserved biological materials are to be treated with respect and disposed of properly.
When using knives and other sharp instruments, always carry with 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.
If you have a medical condition (e.g., allergies, pregnancy, etc.), check with your physician prior to working in lab.
Flammable materials, like alcohol, should never be dispensed or used near an open flame
Use a broom and dustpan for broken glass, do not pick it up with your hands.
Do not use chipped, cracked, or broken glassware.
Pipettes are used to measure and dispense small amounts of liquids. You should draw the liquid into the pipettes appropriately without squirting the liquid on other or yourself.
If an acid is splashed on your skin, wash at once with water.
CLOTHING
Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear laboratory goggles. There will be no exceptions to this rule!
Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory unless you have permission from your instructor
Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the laboratory. Long hair must be tied back and dangling jewelry and loose or baggy clothing must be secured. Shoes must completely cover the foot. No sandals allowed.
Lab aprons have been provided for your use and should be worn during laboratory activities when instructed.
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor immediately, no matter how trivial it may appear.
If yo u or your lab partner are hurt, immediately tell the instructor.
If a chemical splashes in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the eyewash station, safety shower, or sink for at least 20 minutes. Notify the instructor immediately.
HANDLING CHEMICALS
All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Do not touch, taste, or smell any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so. The proper technique for smelling chemical fumes, called wafting, will be demonstrated to you.
Check the label on chemical bottles twice before removing any of the contents. Take only as much chemical as you need.
Never return unused chemicals to their original containers unless specifically instructed to do so