Safety+Contract

Chemistry Safety Contract

Science is a hands-on laboratory class. Students will be doing many laboratory activities that may require the use of chemicals, laboratory equipment, and other items which, if used incorrectly, can be dangerous.

To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules has been developed and provided 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 their contract is signed and given to the teacher.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited. 2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ASK YOUR TEACHER BEFORE PROCEEDING. 3. No student may work in the science classroom unless the teacher is present.

4. 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.

5. Perform only those experiments authorized by your teacher. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are not allowed. 6. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.

7. Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory.

8. Notify the teacher immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.

9. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Check with your teacher for disposal of chemicals and solutions.

10. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals or lab equipment. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments. 11. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. Do not wander around the room, distract other students or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others. 12. Know the locations and procedures of all safety equipment including: first aid kit(s), eye wash, shower and fire extinguisher. Know where the fire alarm and exits are located. 13. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, and any electrical equipment turned off. CLOTHING

14. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear safety goggles. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE! Students who remove their safety goggles during laboratory sessions will be removed from the lab and given a grade of zero (0) on the activity.

15. The only acceptable safety goggles are those with complete chemical spill shields surrounding the eye area. Goggles need to be worn over prescription eye glasses. Contacts should not be worn during labs.

16. 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 baggy clothing must be secured. Shoes must completely cover the foot. No sandals allowed on lab days.

ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

17. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the teacher immediately, no matter how trivial it seems. Do not panic.

18. If you or your lab partner is hurt, immediately (and loudly) yell out the teacher's name to get the teacher's attention. Do not panic.

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

HANDLING CHEMICALS 20. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Avoid handling chemicals with fingers. Always use provided scoops. Do not taste, or smell any chemicals.

21. Check the label on all chemical bottles twice before removing any of the contents. Take only as much chemical as you need.

22. Never return unused chemicals to their original container. HANDLING GLASSWARE AND EQUIPMENT 23. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass. Place broken glass in the designated glass disposal container.

24. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped, cracked, or dirty glassware.

25. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water. The glassware may shatter.

HEATING SUBSTANCES 26. Exercise extreme caution when using a gas burner. Take care that hair, clothing and hands are a safe distance from the flame at all times. Never reach over an exposed flame. Light burners only as instructed by the teacher.

27. Never leave a lit burner unattended. Never leave anything that is being heated or is visibly reacting unattended. Always turn the burner or hot plate off when not in use.

28. Do not point the open end of a test tube being heated at yourself or anyone else.

29. Heated metals and glass remain very hot for a long time. They should be set aside to cool and picked up with cau¬tion. Use tongs or heat-protective gloves if necessary.

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

No student will be allowed to work in the laboratory without a signed contract on file.

Adapted from Flinn Scientific 2/14/09 http://www.flinnsci.com/Documents/miscPDFs/Safety_Contract.pdf

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