Safety in the Science Classroom What to do (and what not to do) when we conduct a lab in class

Laboratory Dress Code Avoid loose garments; avoid things that dangle…these get tangled up in equipment or glassware and cause accidents Clothing should fit comfortably and be composed of natural fabrics…avoid nylon or polyester

Laboratory Dress Code Avoid long, loose hair styles…when Bunsen burners are in use, long hair and clothing may catch on fire Keep long hair tied back

Avoid open footwear such as sandals Chemical spills, dropped scalpels and broken glass will cause injury…wear footwear that covers the foot completely and is composed of leather

Personal Protective Equipment Goggles Students must wear approved safety goggles or safety glasses when instructed to do so…This is an absolute “MUST”! KEEP THEM ON THE ENTIRE LAB!!!

Student Use of the Laboratory To avoid mistakes, read the experimental procedures before beginning the lab, NOT as you do the procedure When going to a lab station do not bring all of your stuff A prelab write-up will be due the day of the lab

No Horseplay In a laboratory setting, horseplay, even if it is good- natured, is absolutely unacceptable You will sit down and get a zero for the lab Stay in your own lab area

At the end of the lab period Make sure your lab area is clean No one leaves until the entire lab is clean

No UNAUTHORIZED Experiments These can be fatal in unskilled hands AUTOMATIC DEAN REFERRAL

No EATING or DRINKING in the lab Class rule is NO FOOD Can’t have water during lab either A good practice is to assume everything in the lab is toxic

Testing of Odors Do not smell the flask directly If you absolutely must test the odor, carefully waft the vapor from the flask toward your nose with your hand Keep the flask a distance from your face NEVER TOUCH, TASTE OR SMELL ANYTHING UNLESS TOLD TO BY TEACHER

Heating Things in Lab When heating test tubes always point the open end away from people NEVER heat anything that has a closed lid Before picking up anything that has been heated test for heat with the back of the hand

Broken Glass Alert your teacher of any breakage Do not attempt to pick up broken glass Do not walk through broken glass and track it throughout the room Your teacher will sweep up the glass and dispose of it properly

First Aid ALWAYS tell the teacher immediately of any injuries or accidents

Eyewash Fountain If you get something in your eye from the lab – get it out IMMEDIATELY 1. Retract your eyelid (hold it open) 2. Don’t squint – this restricts water flow 3. Run fresh water over your eye for 20 mins 4. Go to the school nurse immediately after

Safety Shower If you or a lab partner is on fire 1. Position yourself or lab partner under the shower 2. Pull the handle till the fire is distinguished

Fire Blanket Best way to put out fire on clothing Always alert the teacher of any fire or fire hazard 1. Get the blanket 2. Wrap the blanket around the victim to smother the fire

Acid Safety If you are asked to dilute an acid remember – Add Acid to water Never add water to acid – the heat generated could be dangerous IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not just pour chemicals down the sink. Ask the teacher how to dispose of chemicals