Science Classroom Lab Safety Contract

Science is a hands-on laboratory class. Students willbe doing many laboratory activities that may require the use of chemicals,laboratory equipment, and other items which, if used incorrectly, can behazardous. Safety in the science classroom is the number 1 priority forstudents, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list ofrules has been developed and provided to you in this student safety contract.These rules must be followed at all times. The student and a parent must sign their copy. Please read the entire contract before you sign.Students will not be allowed in the laboratory until all their contracts aresigned and given to the teacher. Parents and students can refer to these copieson this website, or you can request an additional hard copy.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at alltimes in the laboratory.

2. Follow all written and verbal instructionscarefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ASKYOUR TEACHER BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE ACTIVITY.

3. Never work alone in the laboratory. No student maywork in the science classroom without the presence of the teacher.

4. When first entering a science room, do not touchany equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until youare instructed to do so.

5. Perform only those experiments authorized by yourteacher. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorizedexperiments are not allowed.

6. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum inthe laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food orbeverages.

7. Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Readall procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory. Never fool around inthe laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous andprohibited.

8. Always work in a well-ventilated area.

9. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areasshould be kept clean and tidy at all times.

10. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times inthe laboratory. Notify the teacher immediately of any unsafe conditions youobserve.

11. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mixchemicals in sink drains. Sinks are to be used only for water. Check with yourteacher for disposal of chemicals and solutions.

12. Labels and equipment instructions must be readcarefully before use. Set up and use the equipment as directed by your teacher.

13. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and bodywhile using chemicals or lab equipment. Wash your hands with soap and waterafter performing all experiments.

14. Experiments must be personally monitored at alltimes. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, startle otherstudents or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.

15. Know the locations and operating procedures ofall safety equipment including: first aid kit(s), and fire extinguisher. Knowwhere the fire alarm and the exits are located.

16. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during alaboratory period; containers must be closed, and any electrical equipmentturned off.

CLOTHING

17. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used,students will wear safety goggles. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE!

18. Contact lenses may be not be worn in thelaboratory.

19. Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Longhair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in thelaboratory. Long hair must be tied back, and dangling jewelry and baggyclothing must be secured. Shoes must completely cover the foot. No sandalsallowed on lab days.

20. A lab coat or smock should be worn duringlaboratory experiments.

ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

21. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) orinjury (cut, burn, etc.) to the teacher immediately, no matter how trivial itseems. Do not panic.

22. If you or your lab partner is hurt, immediately(and loudly) yell out the teacher's name to get the teacher's attention. Do notpanic.

23. If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or onyour skin, immediately flush with running water for at least 20 minutes.Immediately (and loudly) yell out the teacher's name to get the teacher'sattention.

HANDLING CHEMICALS - Mostlyfor chemistry students

24. All chemicals in the laboratory are to beconsidered dangerous. Avoid handling chemicals with fingers. Always use atweezer. When making an observation, keep at least 1 foot away from thespecimen. Do not taste, or smell any chemicals.

25. Check the label on all chemical bottles twicebefore removing any of the contents. Take only as much chemical as you need.

26. Never return unused chemicals to their originalcontainer.

27. Never remove chemicals or other materials fromthe laboratory area.

HANDLING GLASSWARE ANDEQUIPMENT

28. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands.Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass. Place broken glass in thedesignated glass disposal container.

29. Examine glassware before each use. Never usechipped, cracked, or dirty glassware.

30. If you do not understand how to use a piece ofequipment, ASK THE TEACHER FOR HELP!

31. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water. Theglassware may shatter.

HEATING SUBSTANCES

32. Do not operate a hot plate by yourself. Take carethat hair, clothing, and hands are a safe distance from the hot plate at alltimes. Use of hot plate is only allowed in the presence of the teacher.

33. Heated glassware remain very hot for a long time.They should be set aside in a designated place to cool, and picked up withcaution. Use tongs or heat protective gloves if necessary.

34. Never look into a container that is being heated.

35. Do not place hot apparatus directly on thelaboratory desk. Always use an insulated pad. Allow plenty of time for hotapparatus to cool before touching it.

QUESTIONS (answers areconfidential)

36. Do you wear contact lenses?    Yes_______ No______

37. Are you color blind?            Yes _______ No______

38. Do you have allergies?         Yes _______ No ______

If so, please list specific allergies

__________________________________________________________________

AGREEMENT

I, __________________________________ (student'sname) have read and agree to follow all of the safety rules set forth in thiscontract. I realize that I must obey these rules to insure my own safety, andthat of my fellow students and teachers. I will cooperate to the fullest extentwith my instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe science labenvironment. I will also closely follow the oral and written instructionsprovided by the instructor. I am aware that any violation of this safetycontract that results in unsafe conduct in the laboratory or misbehavior on mypart, may result in my being removed from the lab classroom, detention,receiving a failing grade, and/or further disciplinary action.

_______________________________________________________________

Student signature                           Date

Dear Parent or Guardian:

We feel that you should be informed regarding Howard DeBeck School's effort to createand maintain a safe science classroom/laboratory environment. With thecooperation of the teachers, parents, and students, a safety instructionprogram can eliminate, prevent, and correct possible hazards. You should beaware of the safety instructions your son or daughter will receive beforeengaging in any laboratory work. Please read the list of safety rules above. Nostudent will be permitted to perform laboratory activities unless this contractis signed by both the student and parent/guardian and is on file with theteacher. Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read thisStudent Safety Contract, are aware of the measures taken to insure the safetyof your son or daughter in the science laboratory, and will instruct your sonor daughter to uphold his or her agreement to follow these rules and proceduresin the laboratory.

__________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature                       Date

Selectedfrom Mr. Thackwray's Science Classroom Lab Safety Contract