Lab Safety Contract
Purpose:
Earth Systems is a hands-on, experiment-based class that will include the use of the Chemistry Laboratory and associated laboratory equipment. This equipment will include water, glass, sharp objects, open flames, and
chemicals that can cause serious damage/injury if miss-handled. Safety is the first priority in the lab. To insure a safe lab environment, a set of rules to describe student behavior and use of protective equipment are outlined in this contract. These rules MUST be followed at all times. Failure to follow these rules will result in an expulsion from the lab with no credit given for work that is not complete at the time of the expulsion. This contract will be signed by the parents and students, stamped by the instructor, and kept as the second entry in the student’s lab binder behind the disclosure statement.
General Rules:
1. Act responsibly at all times: respect lab equipment
2. Respect the laboratory equipment at all times: do not waste lab resources (e.g. gloves, glasses, glassware, chemicals). You may be charged to replace equipment that was broken due to gross negligent and/or blatant misconduct.
3. Students must wear safety glasses at all times in the lab (provided by Judge).
4. Follow all Verbal and written instructions. If you do not understand the instructions, ASK THE INSTRUCTOR before proceeding.
5. Never work alone – always insure your teacher knows what you are doing and you have a lab partner.
6. After entering the lab, DO NOT touch any equipment until the instructor gives you direct verbal permission to do so.
7. ONLY preform experiments authorized by the instructor. DO NOT mix chemicals together in an order or method that was not directly
instructed.
8. NO HORSEPLAY, PRANKS, PRACTICAL JOKES, OR FOOLING AROUND EVER!!!
9. Keep your workspace clean. Wipe down your lab area with a wet paper towel and make sure all powder and liquids are proper wiped off and disposed of. Bring only the equipment you need for the lab into the lab. Keep isles and walkways clear.
10. Wash all glassware and equipment with soap and water and hang to dry at the end of every lab.
12. Label the name and concentration of all chemicals (especially water). 13. Keep hands away from your and your partners’ faces, hair, eyes, and
clothing while handling chemicals. Gloves will be provided when required (see #2).
14. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BENCH UNATTENDED.
15. DO NOT enter the science storage room under any circumstance.
Clothing:
PANTS - Each student must wear pants (specifically uniform pants, scrubs,
or sweatpants) that fit appropriately in the lab at all times. Pants that do not fit appropriately around the waist cause a tripping hazard and will not be permitted. Tight-fitting pants (spandex, yoga pants, etc) do not provide sufficient protection against broken glassware or spilled chemicals and will not be permitted.
HAIR – hair must be kept out of your face and away from any open flame (on your bench or the bench behind you). Hats will not be permitted. Head bands may be permitted on a case-by-case base if worn
appropriately and respectfully. Braids are best for long hair on lab day.
SHOES – Most closed-toe uniform shoes should be ok. Just imagine if you
want to be wearing the shoes when you drop a class beaker right next to your foot. NO HEALS OR PLATFORM SHOES IN THE LAB. The floor can sometimes be wet and slippery – shoes with appropriate traction is required
Glasses – Certified safety glasses must be worn at all times in the lab.
Standard and over-the-glasses safety glasses will be provided by Judge (See General Rule #2). Glasses without a CE stamp must be accompanied by additional safety glasses unless special permission is given.
Gloves – Some experiments will include caustic, acidic, or other irritating
chemicals that require the use of nitrile gloves we will not use latex in this lab. Glove use will be specified by the instructor if it is necessary (See General Rule #2).
Emergencies:
1. TELL YOUR INSTRUCTOR!!!! We need to get people safe first and figure out what happened/why second. Legitimate accidents will never receive disciplinary action.
2. If you see/smell/hear/scene anything curious or abnormal. TELL YOUR INSTRUCTOR.
4. In the event of a chemical splash in your or your partner’s face, go
immediately to the eye wash station and alert the instructor on your way. 5. Know the location and operating procedures of the emergency eye wash,
shower, gas shutoff, and electricity shut-off. 6. Know what to do in the event of a fire drill.
7. It may be necessary to remove clothing after an accident. RESPECT THE PRIVACY OF OTHER STUDENTS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY.
Glassware
1. Cary glassware (especially long things) vertically as not to break the end off.
2. Never handle broken glass with bare hands. Always use tongs or a hand broom. TELL YOUR INSTRUCTOR!!
3. Inspect glassware before each use. Never use chipped, cracked glassware dirty glassware.
4. If it looks broken, don’t use it.
Heating Substances
1. Don’t catch yourself or your lab partners on fire. 2. Never leave a lit burner unattended.
3. If you suspect any sort of emergency, turn your and your neighbor’s heat sources off.
4. Do not point the open end of a test tube at your face, your body, or any of your lab partners EVER.
5. Glass and metal look the same if they are HOT or COLD. Proceed with caution.
Students:
I, ___________________________ , (student’s name) have read and agree to follow the safety rules set forth in this contract. I understand that I must obey these rules to promote my own safety and the safety of my fellow students and instructors. I will actively work to maintain a safe lab environment. I will also closely follow all 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.
