Science is a hands-on laboratory class.  You will be doing many laboratory activities which require the use of hazardous chemicals.  Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority for students, teachers, and parents.  To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules has been developed and provided to you in this student safety contract. 

GENERAL RULES

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully.
3. When first entering a science room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so.
4. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum during any laboratory experiment.
5. Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor, and only during class time.
6. Never fool around in the laboratory. Horseplay and practical jokes are dangerous and prohibited.
7. Lab work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Purses and  backpacks should be stored in the classroom area or away.
8. Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the desk when not in use.
9. Know the locations of all safety equipment including the eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket.
10. Notify the instructor immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.
11. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Sinks are to be used only for water and those solutions designated by the instructor. Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed of in the waste containers, not in the sink.
12. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments.
13. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. Stay in your assigned laboratory station and do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.
14. Students are never permitted in the science storage rooms unless given permission by the instructor.

CLOTHING

1.       15. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear laboratory goggles.  No exceptions to this rule!

2.     16.  Dress properly during labs. Long hair must be tied back and  sandals are not allowed on lab days.

ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

1. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor immediately.
2. If you or your lab partner are hurt, immediately yell out “Emergency” to get the instructor’s attention.
3. If a chemical splashes in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the eyewash station or safety shower for at least 20 minutes. Notify the instructor immediately.

HANDLING CHEMICALS

1. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Do not touch, taste, or smell any chemical unless specifically instructed to do so. The proper technique for smelling fumes will be demonstrated to you.
2. Check the label on chemical bottles twice before removing any of the contents.  Never return unused chemicals to their original containers.
3. Acids must be handled with extreme care. You will be shown the proper method for diluting strong acids. Always add acid to water, swirl or stir the solution and be careful of the heat produced.
4. Flammable liquids are not allowed anywhere near an open flame or source of heat.
5. Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.
6. Take great care when transporting acids and other chemicals from one part of the laboratory to another. Hold them securely and walk carefully.

HANDLING GLASSWARE & EQUIPMENT

1. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean broken glass. Place broken or waste glassware in the designated glass disposal container.
2. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching it.
3. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped or cracked glassware. Never use dirty glassware.
4. Report damaged electrical equipment immediately, such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections. Do not use if damaged .
5. If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ask the instructor for help.
6. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water; it may shatter.

HEATING SUBSTANCES

1. Use extreme caution when using a gas burner. Take care that hair, clothing and hands are safe distance from the flame at all times. Never reach over an exposed flame. Light gas burners only as instructed by the teacher.
2. Never leave a lit burner unattended. Always turn the burner or hot plate off when not in use.
3. You will be instructed in the proper method of heating and boiling liquids in test tubes. Do not point the open end of a test tube being heated at yourself or anyone else.
4. Heated metals and glass remain very hot for a long time. Use tongs or heat-protective gloves. Never look into a container that is being heated.

Student Signature:

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Parent Signature:

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