Henley Science 8 Student Safety Contract
Purpose
Science is a hands-on laboratory class. 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. Both you and a parent or guardian must sign a copy before you can participate in laboratory activities.
General Rules for in Lab
Clothing
Accidents
Handling Chemicals
Handling Glassware and Equipment
Purpose
Science is a hands-on laboratory class. 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. Both you and a parent or guardian must sign a copy before you can participate in laboratory activities.
General Rules for in Lab
- Act responsibly: Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory classroom
- Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the instructor before proceeding.
- Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory classroom without an instructor.
- 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.
- Never fool around in the classroom. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.
- Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the table when not in use.
- 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.
- Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory classroom. Notify the instructor immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.
- Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash you 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 area.
- Students are never permitted in the science storage rooms or preparation areas unless given specific permission by their instructor.
Clothing
- Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Long hair must be tied back and dangling jewelry must be removed. Loose or baggy clothing must be secured, or removed if possible.
- Laboratory goggles must be worn when we use chemicals, heat or glassware
Accidents
- Report accidents immediately. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor immediately, no matter how minor it may appear.
- 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 10 minutes. Notify the instructor immediately.
Handling Chemicals
- 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 techniques for smelling chemical fumes will be demonstrated to you.
- Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.
- Take great care when transporting chemicals from one part of the laboratory classroom to another. Hold them securely and walk carefully.
Handling Glassware and Equipment
- Never handle broken glass. Notify instructor immediately.
- When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching an electrical switch, plug or outlet.
- Report damaged electrical equipment immediately. Look for things such as a frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections. Do not use damaged electrical equipment.
- If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ask the instructor for help.
- If a piece of lab equipment is broken or damaged while you are using it, you may be required to pay for the damage. If the equipment is broken accidentally you will not be required to pay for the damage. If the damage occurs because you are horse-playing, not paying attention, or otherwise not doing what you are supposed to be doing, you and your family will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.