LAB SAFETY AGREEMENT

GENERAL LAB RULES

1.  You must conduct yourself in a safe and responsible manner at all times in the science lab. Never fool around in the laboratory.  Horseplay, running, skipping, jumping, standing or rocking on lab stools, improper use of emergency stations/alarms, practical jokes, and pranks are not allowed in the lab and may result in school disciplinary actions and/or you losing your lab privilege which can lead to a failing grade.

2.  All written and verbal instructions must be carefully followed.  Read all procedures thoroughly before you do anything!  If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ASK YOUR TEACHER BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THE ACTIVITY.

3.  Do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the lab until you are instructed by the teacher!

4.  Eating, drinking, or chewing are all not allowed in the science lab.  Chemicals should not be smelled in lab.   If necessary, the teacher will facilitate the “wafting” technique.

5.  Do not work alone in the laboratory without the teacher. Your work in the science lab must be supervised by the teacher at all times.

6.  Immediately, report any unsafe condition, accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the teacher, no matter how small it may seem.  Do not panic. In the event of an emergency, stop and follow the direction of your teacher.  Emergency stations/equipment will be used as instructed. Containers should be closed and electricity shut off in the event of fire/ evacuation.  If necessary, the emergency evacuation plan should be followed.

7.  Appropriate safety precautions must be followed as directed and safety equipment must be worn while completing the experiments that have been assigned and authorized by your teacher.   Unauthorized experiments are not allowed!

8.  Experiments must be personally monitored by you at all times.  Do not wander around the room, distract other students, startle other students or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others. Never leave your experiment unattended!

9.  Your work area should be organized and should only include items that are required for your experiment.  Books, bags, notebooks and other school or personal items should be stored in an area assigned by the teacher and not in the aisles, on the floor, or on top of the workstations. No one should be working sitting down unless approval is given by the teacher.

10.  Before anyone is dismissed, everyone must clean up their work area, properly return and dispose their items as instructed (instructions for chemical disposal will be given by the teacher) and wash their hands with soap and water!

CLOTHING

11. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students must wear safety goggles. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE!

12. Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory. Please tell the teacher if you wear contacts.  Eyeglasses are recommended to be worn with safety goggles.

13. 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.

14. A lab coat, apron, or smock should be worn during laboratory experiments.

ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND EMERGENCIES15. 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. 

16. 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 to get the teacher's attention.  Notify the teacher of all spills, both large and small.

17. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including: first aid kit(s) and fire extinguisher.  Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.

HANDLING CHEMICALS, GLASSWARE, AND EQUIPMENT

18.  All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Do not taste, or smell any chemicals.  Never use flammable chemicals near heat or fire.

19. Check the label on all chemical bottles twice before removing any of the contents.  Take only as much chemical as you need.  Never return unused chemicals to their original container.

20. Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.

21.  Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals or lab equipment. 

22. Never add water to acid.  Neutralize acid spills with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and base spills with acetic acid (vinegar).

23.  Dispose of all chemical waste properly.  Never mix chemicals in sink drains.  Sinks are to be used only for water. Check with your teacher for disposal of chemicals and solutions. 

24. 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.

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

26. If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ASK THE TEACHER FOR HELP!

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

HEATING SUBSTANCES

28. Do not operate a hot plate by yourself.  Make sure that hair, clothing, and hands are a safe distance from the hot plate at all times.  Use of hot plate is only allowed in the presence of the teacher.

29. Heated glassware can remain very hot for a long time. Glassware, should be set aside in a designated place to cool, and picked up with caution.  Use tongs, the hot hands, or heat protective gloves if necessary.

30. Never look into a container or test tube that is being heated.

31. Do not place hot apparatus directly on the laboratory desk.  Always use an insulated pad.  Allow plenty of time for hot apparatus to cool before touching it.

Adapted from Mr. Mr. Thackwray's Lab Safety Rules,Howard DeBeck Elementary School, Richmond, B.C. V6Y 1S2

2017-2018 Octavius V. Catto Science Lab Safety Rules Agreement

I, _______________________________________________, a student at Octavius V. Catto Community School, have read, understand, and hereby agree to all of the rules (3  pages) in the 2017-2018 Science Lab Safety Agreement. I realize that I must obey these rules to insure the safe operation of the school laboratory and to provide a safe environment not only for me but also for my fellow students and teachers.  I agree to fully cooperate to maintain a safe laboratory and learning environment.  I will closely follow oral and written instructions provided by my teacher.  I will act responsibly to look for possible safety hazards, and will immediately point out these hazards to my teacher.  I realize that as a student, much of the responsibility is in my hands.  I have read the attached rules and will comply with them to the best of my ability.  I understand that violation of these rules may result in the loss of laboratory privileges and possible disciplinary measures including but not limited to school suspension, detention, receiving a failing grade, and/or dismissal from the course.

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Student’s Name (Print)

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Student Signature                                                                               Date

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Dear Parent or Guardian,

It is necessary that you be informed regarding the school’s effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom/laboratory environment at Octavius V. Catto Community School. With cooperation of the teacher, parents, and students, a safety instruction program can eliminate, prevent, and correct possible hazards.

Please be aware that you son/daughter has received safety instruction and must comply with these safety rules while engaging in laboratory work.  No student will be permitted to perform laboratory activities unless this agreement is signed, and is on file with teacher, by both the student and the parent/guardian.

Your signature on this agreement indicates that you have read the 2017-2018 Science Lab Safety Agreement Rules and that you are aware of the measures taken to insure the safety of your son/daughter in the science laboratory.   Also you agree to instruct your son/daughter to uphold his/her agreement and to follow these rules and procedures in the science laboratory.

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Parent/Guardian Signature                                                                Date