SCIENCE SAFETY CONTRACT

 

NAME_______________                                                                            CLASS_________

 

TO: Students and Parents

FROM: Science Teachers

RE: Regulations Governing Students Activities/Experiments In the Classroom

 

The following regulations have been compiled for the safety of students performing activities or experimental work with hazardous materials or equipment in their classes.  Strict observance of these regulations is mandatory.  Students and parents are to read the following instructions, sign the form and return it to the instructor.  This procedure must be completed before the student can begin or take part in any activity which could be dangerous to their health or well-being.

 

(These are in effect at all times)

GENERAL

 

1.             Perform only those activities/experiments specifically designed or approved by the instructor.

 

2.             Perform all activities/experiments carefully and in such a manner that assures the safety of all persons.

 

3.            Safeguard property and follow appropriate procedures for use and care of all equipment and materials.

 

SPECIFICS

 

1.            Report any accident/injury to the instructor at once.  Notify instructor of any potentially hazardous situation no matter how small.  Your instructor will send you to the nurse's room or main office for treatment of cuts, burns, inhalation of fumes, etc.

 

2.         Any area designated  "off limits" Is to be strictly observed by students.

 

3.         Never be a practical joker.  Horseplay is strictly prohibited.

 

4.         Safety glasses, protective clothing, etc., will be worn when teacher deems it necessary.

           

5.         Loose clothing,  apparel, or jewelry which could cause accidents should not be worn on activity/experiment days.

 

6.         Long hair may have to be pinned back or fastened with a rubber band.

 

7.             Materials of a synthetic nature are a greater fire risk. Be more alert to open flame or heat sources with synthetic fiber, hair sprays, etc.

 

8.         Know location of eye wash stations(s), fire extinguisher devices, and first aid supplies.

 

9.         Work in assigned area.  If you need to leave your work area, the reason for leaving should relate to the work you are doing.

 

10.            Always work in appropriately ventilated areas or hoods which are to be used when handling volatile substances.

 

11.       Read assignments/directions ahead of time and complete all necessary pre-lab preparation.  Note all "safety directions." Follow all oral and written directions closely.

 

12.            Absolutely no eating or drinking in the classroom, laboratory or preparation areas unless the instructor gives permission.

 

13.            NEVER force glass tubing or thermometers into or out of stoppers.  ALWAYS lubricate stoppers with water, glycerin, or some other lubricant before inserting glass.  Protect your hands by wrapping a towel or cloth near the end to be inserted.  Use a twisting motion.

 

14.       No bare feet or open sandals in science lab areas.

 

15.            Vandalism will not be tolerated at any time, as it may lead to a serious accident for other students.

 

16.       Be sure to use appropriate waste containers when cleaning up. Never discard matches, filter paper, paper towels or other chemicals in the sink.

 

17.       Wash hands thoroughly with soap following all activities/experiments.

 

18.       If you do not understand how or why to do a task, ask your instructor for help.

 

19.       Stand while working at lab stations.

 

20.       Do not work alone.

 

(These rules will be reemphasized as the course progresses)

EQUIPMENT

 

1.         After finishing an activity/experiment be sure the equipment is cleaned, and the materials returned to their proper place of storage.  Before leaving the classroom or activity area, be sure all areas are neat and orderly.

 

2.         Keep issued equipment clean and orderly. Clean up after each use.

 

3.            Chipped or broken glass is to be disposed of seperately. See your instructor.

 

4.         As we spill various chemicals on the lab desks, it is extremely unwise to sit on the desktops and so will not be allowed.

 

 

 

CHEMICALS

 

1.         Never place chemicals on the face of the scale. Use weighing paper and tare before use.

 

2.         Read all labels carefully before taking anything from a bottle or container.  Do not mix contents unless directions are given to do so.

 

3.         All chemicals should be regarded as hazardous unless informed otherwise by your instructor.  NEVER touch, taste or smell chemical substances, solutions, solvents or fumes unless given specific directions to do so by your instructor.

 

4.         When noticing an odor of any liquid, DO NOT smell it directly.  Use your hand to slowly fan the odor towards you.

 

5.         Some chemical materials require special handling.  This will be explained by the instructor, or directions will be listed in the lab on the material.  If directions are still unclear, request special assistance from the instructor.

 

6.         If any chemical is spilled or splashed on the skin or in the eyes, flush with water immediately, then notify instructor. Chemicals may come into contact with your skin, do not rub your eyes with unwashed hands.

 

7.       Never heat or mix chemicals unless directed to do so. When directed to do so proceed slowly.

 

8.       No open flames permitted when organics are used in class.

 

9.         If a spill occurs, get instructions from the instructor on how to clean it up.  NO STUDENT IS TO TOUCH MERCURY SPILLS OF ANY KIND.

 

10.       When mixing "acids" and "water" ALWAYS slowly add the acid to the water and stir constantly.   NEVER add water to an acid.

 

11.       When working with acids and bases, be aware of the neutralizing materials available and their location. (Baking soda for acids, vinegar for bases)

 

12.       Do not carry any chemical from one place to another unless directed to do so.

 

13.     Be careful not to contaminate stock by cross transfer via pipette, cap, etc. Use appropriate rinsing, handling, and equipment clean up procedures.

 

14.     Lab desks are for the performing of chemical experiments. We do not sit on these pieces of equipment before, during, or after experimentation is completed.

 

15.    Assume all chemicals are toxic and should not be released into the environment. Place waste materials in their appropriate disposal location.

 

HEATING

 

1.         Douse all  matches in  water and discard in proper container.

 

2          Do not use Bunsen burners, alcohol lamps or any other heating device except as directed by  your instructor.

 

3.         Never direct a flame upon:   graduated cylinders,  bottles,  burettes, thermometers , mortar-pestles, or watch glasses. These pieces of equipment usually shatter or crack first rather than perform satisfactorily.

 

4.         Do not heat any materials in a closed container.  Materiasl to be heated should be placed in a water bath or approved Pyrex/ceramic container.

 

5.         When directly heating a test tube, DO NOT heat in one spot only, and always point open end away from anyone and at a wall.   NEVER look into the open end of a test tube.

 

6.            CAUTION:  Hot glassware and metals may not look different than cold glassware and metal.  Allow time for air cooling before handling.


 

 

Place a mark (X) next to the list of items below that have been explained to you by the instructor.

___ a. location and  use of fire extinguishers and/or fire blanket

___ b. location and  use of eye wash facilities

___ c. emergency evacuation procedures

___ d. location and use of safety shower

___ e. location of first-aid kit

___ f.  location of shutoff valves and switches

 

I have read, understand, and will abide by the safety regulations as set forth in contract above.   I also agree to abide by any additional safety instructions that may be given in the school manuals, by the instructor, or by the District in certain disciplines. I understand that failure to abide by these rules may result in:

1.         Loss of Lab privileges for an indefinite period of time

2.         An effect on my grade.

3.            Possible dismissal from class.

 

________________________   ___________     ______________________

Student Signature                             Date                     Parent/Guardian Signature

 


                                                Safety Contract Verification Form

 

Student Name-                                                                                                Period-