Lab Safety Rules and Contract

An important part of any science course is experience working in the laboratory. This is where you will learn to put the scientific method into practice and learn hands on skills that are important in the day to day work of any scientist. All science labs are potentially dangerous. However, risks to your health and safety can be minimized if you follow the common sense rules outlined below. Your learning experience in the lab can only be fulfilled if you take the precautions necessary to insure your safety and the safety of your classmates. We take lab safety very seriously at Fontbonne and expect every student to do so as well.

Dress:

1. Students are expected to be in uniform during lab. Any exceptions will be announced by your teacher.

2. When using chemicals or other material that may harm your eyes or when using the Bunsen burners you MUST wear safety goggles. There are no exceptions to this policy.

3. When using chemicals or when heating materials you must wear a safety apron.

4. Long hair, loose sleeves, and other loose hanging items must be secured out of the way from chemicals and heat.

Personal Items and Personal Behavior:

1. Leave your backpacks, books, coats, and other personal items along the lab wall where they will be out of the way where students are working and walking.

2. Never bring food or drinks into the lab. Contamination of this material could pose a serous health hazard to you.

3. You must always be attentive to your teacher’s instructions and to the students in your area. Be aware of what is happening around you.

4. Never run, push another student, throw materials, climb on the stools or sit on the lab benches.

5. If you have a medical condition that may be exacerbated by work in the lab, let your teacher know. This would include conditions such as allergies, asthma, migraine headaches, contact lenses, etc.

Accident Prevention and Response:

1. Read all instructions carefully before starting your experiment. If you have questions, be sure to ask your teacher.

2. Never use equipment without permission and instructions from your teacher. If equipment is not working properly, immediately inform your teacher.

3. Never use chemicals without clear instructions. Always use them for their intended purpose only

4. Never taste or smell chemicals and avoid skin contact with chemicals unless given permission to do so.

5. Learn the location of the emergency eye wash station and pay attention to instructions on its proper use.

6. When handling liquids or other chemicals, take care not to spill the material. If a spill does occur, immediately inform your teacher. If you are not sure it is safe to clean up the material yourself, ask the teacher.

7. Always handle the Bunsen burners with extreme care and only after instruction. Learn the location of the emergency fire shower and fire extinguishers. Pay attention to instructions on their proper use.

8. If an accident occurs, even if it seems minor, immediately inform your teacher.

General Lab Safety Tips:

1. When using the Bunsen burners, never reach across the flame, never heat a closed container, never point the open end of a heated test tube toward yourself or others. Turn off the burner when you are finished using it and never walk away from a lighted burner.

2. Do not touch any glassware or other items that have been heated without the proper protection.

3. Never use chemicals unless called for in your instructions. Never use chemicals from unlabeled containers.

4. Always dispose of used chemicals by following your teacher’s instructions. Place all used glassware and contaminated materials in the designated containers.

5. Check glassware for cracks or chips. Bring any defective glassware to your teacher for replacement.

6. Be very careful when putting glass tubing through stoppers. Follow instructions very carefully.

7. When using sharp instruments or needles during dissections, be careful to avoid cutting yourself by always cutting away from your body. Never point these instruments toward your face or toward others.

8. Keep your work area clean and organized during your experiments and before leaving the lab. Wash your hands after you have completed your lab work, especially before you eat. Keep your hands away from your mouth and eyes while working in the lab.

I have read and understand these lab safety rules. In addition, I have paid close attention to the safety orientation provided to me by my teacher. I agree to conduct myself in a manner that insures my safety and that of my classmates at all times while working in the lab. I understand that failure to behave in such a manner may result in my removal from the lab and a failing grade for the lab exercise.

Student Signature_____________________________________________________Date_________________________