Lab Safety
Labs are fun! They are also a very important part of our class. I believe that the best way for students to learn science is to do science. For this reason I will attempt to provide students with many opportunities for hands-on science experiences. While I believe these experiences are extremely valuable to students there are always risks involved. For this reason I have a lab safety contract that must be initialed by both the student and their guardian before a student will be allowed to participate in lab. Students who miss class during a lab day are expected to make-up the missing lab by completing an alternative assignment. Read the rules about working and behaving in the laboratory and know the consequences that result from for breaking these rules.
1. Read all lab instructions.
2. Never run or play in the laboratory.
3. Never remove anything from the laboratory without your teacher's permission.
4. Never use your bare hands to transfer chemicals. Use a spatula instead.
5. Never leave experiments unattended.
6. Never smell gases directly - fan a little of the gas towards the nose instead.
7. Never taste anything without your teacher's permission.
8. Don’t bring and food or drinks into the science classroom.
9. Never put solids in the sink.
10. Always follow strictly the instructions given.
11. Wear safety glasses whenever necessary.
12. Always read the label on a bottle carefully to make sure it contains the chemical you want. Put the bottle in its original place immediately after use.
13. Always handle flammable liquids with great care and keep them away from naked flames.
14. Always handle concentrated acids and alkalis with great care.
15. Report all accidents and breakage to immediately to your teacher.
16. Always tie up your tie or long hair.
17. Always wash hands after experiments.
18. Don't eat anything you find in the laboratory!