Rules and Symbols

Lab Safety: Everyone Is Responsible!

Mrs. O’NealRansom Middle School

2011-2012

Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities,

which require the use of hazardous chemicals and expensive lab equipment.

Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules

has been developed and provided to you in your student safety contract.

These rules must be followed at all times. A signed lab safety contract is required to

participate in labs.

Be Responsible at All Times. No horseplay, practical jokes, pranks, etc.

• Follow all instructions carefully.

• Do not play with lab equipment until instructed to do so.

• Food, drink, and gum are not allowed in the science classroom.

Lab Safety: Everyone Is Responsible!

Keep the science room clean and organized.

Lab Safety: Everyone Is Responsible!

Notify the teacher immediately of any accidents or unsafe conditions in the science classroom!

Follow your teacher’s instructions todispose of any waste materials generatedin an experiment.

Wash your hands with soap and water after experiments.

Never open storage cabinets or enter the prep/storage room without permission from the teacher.

Do not remove chemicals, equipment, or supplies from the science room without permission from the teacher.

Use extreme caution when using matches, a burner, or hot plate. Only light burners when instructed and do not put anything into a flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Do not leave a lit burner unattended.

All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Avoid handling chemicals with fingers. Always use tweezers. When making an observation, keep at least 1 foot away from the specimen.

Do not taste, or smell any chemicals. If the instructions ask you if a substance has an odor, hold the container away from you and gently fan the fumes using a wafting motion.

Never put your nose into the container!

Dress properly—long hair must be tied back, no dangling jewelry, and no loose or baggy clothing. Wear goggles, gloves or aprons when instructed.

Learn where the safety equipment is located and how to use it. Know where the exits are located and what to do in case of an emergency or fire drill.

Fire Extinguisher – Located by storage room.

To operate the fire extinguisher remember P-A-S-S

P- Pull the Pin

A-Aim the hose at the base of the fire from 5-6 feet away.

S-Squeeze the handle.

S-Sweep the hose back and forth across the fire.

REMEMBER: Stop, Drop, & Roll

On Fire?

If there is a fire or fire alarm• Quietly get up and push in your chair.• Walk toward the outside classroom door.• Walk to the front parking lot.• Quickly line up with the rest of the class.• Remain in line until the drill is over.• Remain silent throughout the entire alarm so that all people can hear important directions.

Lab Safety: Everyone Is Responsible!

• Wear safety goggles when working with chemicals, flames, or heating devices.

• If a chemical gets in your eye, flush in water for 15 minutes and notify the teacher.

Eye Protection

Hand Safety

• Do not cut an object while holding the object in your hand.• Use a heat-resistant mitt to handle equipment that may be hot.

Clothing Protection• Tie back long hair, secure loose clothing, and remove loose jewelry so that they donot knock over equipment, get caught in moving parts, or come into contact withhazardous materials or electrical connections.

Glassware Safety• Inspect glassware before use; do not use chipped or cracked glassware.• Use heat-resistant glassware for heating materials or storing hot liquids.• Notify your teacher immediately if a piece of glassware or a light bulb breaks.

Sharp-Object Safety• Use extreme care when handling all sharp and pointed instruments.• Cut objects on a suitable surface, always in a direction away from your body.

Chemical Safety• If a chemical gets on your skin, on your clothing, or in your eyes, rinse it immediately and alert your teacher.• Do not inhale any gas or vapor unless directed to do so by your teacher.• Handle materials that emit vapors or gases in a well-ventilated area.

Electrical Safety• Do not use equipment with frayed electrical cords or loose plugs.• Do not use electrical equipment near water or when clothing or hands are wet.• Hold the plug housing when you plug in or unplug equipment.

Heating Safety• Be aware of any source of flames, sparks, or heat before working with any flammable substances.• Never leave a hot plate unattended while it is turned on or while it is cooling.• Use tongs or appropriate insulated holders when handling heated objects.

Proper Waste Disposal• Clean and sanitize all work surfaces and equipment after each lab period as directed by your teacher.• Dispose of hazardous materials only as directed by your teacher.• Dispose of sharp objects (such as broken glass) as directed by your teacher.

Hygienic Care• Keep your hands away from your face while you are working on any activity.• Wash your hands thoroughly before you leave the lab or after any activity.• Remove contaminated clothing immediately.

• Hal says that his teacher is solely responsible for preventing laboratory accidents.

• Keshia started the lab activity before reading it through completely.

• Ricardo decided to do a lab activity that he read about in a library book before the teacher came into the classroom.

• Stephanie says that the safety goggles mess up her hair and give her raccoon eyes. She refuses to wear them.

• Barbie and Ken accidentally break a beaker full of some chemical. Instead of risking getting in trouble they quickly clean up the mess with paper towel and throw it in the garbage.

REMEMBER:• Carefully read through the entire safety contract and sign.• Have your parents read and sign your safety contract.• Study for the safety quiz later this week!