• 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.
    Two copies of the contract are provided. One
    copy must be signed by both you and a parent
    or guardian before you can participate
    in the laboratory. The second copy is to be
    kept in your science notebook as a constant
    reminder of the safety rules.
    GENERAL RULES
    1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner
    at all times in the laboratory.
    2. Follow all written and verbal instructions
    carefully. If you do not understand
    a direction or part of a procedure, ask the
    instructor before proceeding.
    3. Never work alone. No student may work
    in the laboratory without an instructor
    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. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or
    chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use
    laboratory glassware as containers for
    food or beverages.
    6. 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.
    7. Be prepared for your work in the laboratory.
    Read all procedures thoroughly
    before entering the laboratory.
    8. Never fool around in the laboratory.
    Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks
    are dangerous and prohibited.
    9. 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.
    10. Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under
    the desk when not in use.
    11. 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.
    12. 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.
    13. Be alert and proceed with caution at
    all times in the laboratory. Notify the
    instructor immediately of any unsafe
    conditions you observe.
    14. 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.
    15. 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.
    16. 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.
    17. 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, distract
    other students, or interfere with the laboratory
    experiments of others.
    18. Students are never permitted in the
    science storage rooms or preparation
    areas unless given specific permission by
    their instructor.
    19. 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.
    20. 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.
    21. 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.
    22. If you have a medical condition (e.g.,
    allergies, pregnancy, etc.), check with
    your physician prior to working in lab.
    CLOTHING
    23. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware
    are used, students will wear laboratory
    goggles. There will be no exceptions to
    this rule!
    24. Contact lenses should not be worn in the
    laboratory unless you have permission
    from your instructor.
    25. 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.
    26. Lab aprons have been provided for your
    use and should be worn during laboratory
    activities.
    ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
    27. Report any accident (spill, breakage,
    etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the
    instructor immediately, no matter how
    trivial it may appear.
    28. If you or your lab partner are hurt, immediately
    yell out “Code one, Code one” to
    get the instructor’s attention.
    29. If a chemical splashes in your eye(s) or
    on your skin, immediately flush with
    running water from the eyewash station
    or safety shower for at least 20 minutes.
    Notify the instructor immediately.
    30. When mercury thermometers are broken,
    mercury must not be touched. Notify the
    instructor immediately.
    HANDLING CHEMICALS
    31. 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
    will be demonstrated to you.
    32. Check the label on chemical bottles
    twice before removing any of the contents.
    Take only as much chemical as
    you need.
    33. Never return unused chemicals to their
    original containers.
    School Name_ __________________________________ Teacher______________________
    Student Safety Contract
    © 2015 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction permission is granted to science teachers who are customers of Flinn Scientific, Inc. Batavia, Illinois, U.S.A. No part of this material may be reproduced or
    transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including, but not limited to photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Flinn Scientific, Inc.
    34. Never use mouth suction to fill a pipet. Use a rubber bulb or pipet pump.
    35. When transferring reagents from one container to another, hold the containers away from your body.
    36. Acids must be handled with extreme care. You will be shown the proper method for diluting strong acids. Always add acid to water, swirl or stir the solution and be careful of the heat produced, particularly with sulfuric acid.
    37. Handle flammable hazardous liquids over a pan to contain spills. Never dispense flammable liquids anywhere near an open flame or source of heat.
    38. Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.
    39. Take great care when transporting acids and other chemicals from one part of the laboratory to another. Hold them securely and walk carefully.
    HANDLING GLASSWARE
    AND EQUIPMENT
    40. Carry glass tubing, especially long pieces, in a vertical position to minimize the likelihood of breakage and injury.
    41. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass. Place broken or waste glassware in the designated glass disposal container.
    42. Inserting and removing glass tubing from rubber stoppers can be dangerous. Always lubricate glassware (tubing, thistle tubes, thermometers, etc.) before attempting to insert it in a stopper. Always protect your hands with towels or cotton gloves when inserting glass tubing into, or removing it from, a rubber stopper. If a piece of glassware becomes “frozen” in a stopper, take it to your instructor for removal.
    43. Fill wash bottles only with distilled water and use only as intended, e.g., rinsing glassware and equipment, or adding water to a container.
    44. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching an electrical switch, plug, or outlet.
    45. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped or cracked glassware. Never use dirty glassware.
    46. Report damaged electrical equipment immediately. Look for things such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections. Do not use damaged electrical equipment.
    47. If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ask the instructor for help.
    48. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water; it may shatter.
    HEATING SUBSTANCES
    49. 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. Do not put any substance into the flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Never reach over an exposed flame. Light gas (or alcohol) burners only as instructed by the teacher.
    50. 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.
    51. You will be instructed in the proper method of heating and boiling liquids in test tubes. Do not point the open end of a test tube being heated at yourself or anyone else.
    52. Heated metals and glass remain very hot for a long time. They should be set aside to cool and picked up with caution. Use tongs or heat-protective gloves if necessary.
    53. Never look into a container that is being heated.
    54. Do not place hot apparatus directly on the laboratory desk. Always use an insulating pad. Allow plenty of time for hot apparatus to cool before touching it.
    55. When bending glass, allow time for the glass to cool before further handling. Hot and cold glass have the same visual appearance. Determine if an object is hot by bringing the back of your hand close to it prior to grasping it.
    QUESTIONS
    56. Do you wear contact lenses?
     YES  NO
    57. Are you color blind?
     YES  NO
    58. Do you have allergies?
     YES  NO
    If so, list specific allergies___________
    ________________________________
    ________________________________
    AGREEMENT
    I, ________________________________________________(student’s name)
    have read and agree to follow all of the safety rules set forth in this contract. I realize that I must obey these rules to ensure my own safety, and that of my fellow students and instructors. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe lab environment. I will also closely follow the oral and written instructions provided by the instructor. I am aware that any violation of this safety contract that results in unsafe conduct in the laboratory or misbehavior on my part, may result in being removed from the laboratory, detention, receiving a failing grade, and/or dismissal from the course.
    Student Signature
    Date
    Dear Parent or Guardian:
    We feel that you should be informed regarding the school’s effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom/laboratory environment.
    With the cooperation of the instructors, parents, and students, a safety instruction program can eliminate, prevent, and correct possible hazards.
    You should be aware of the safety instructions your son/daughter will receive before engaging in any laboratory work. Please read the list of safety rules above. No student will be permitted to perform laboratory activities unless this contract is signed by both the student and parent/guardian and is on file with the teacher.
    Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this Student Safety Contract, are aware of the measures taken to ensure the safety of your son/daughter in the science laboratory, and will instruct your son/ daughter to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules and procedures in the laboratory.
    Parent/Guardian Signature
    Date
    © 2015 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction permission is granted to science teachers who are customers of Flinn Scientific, Inc. Batavia, Illinois, U.S.A. No part of this material may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including, but not limited to photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Flinn Scientific, Inc.
    Student Safety Contract
    Continued