Science Laboratory Behavior and Safety Contract 2016/2017
The following rules are enforced for the safety of the students in the Science classes at Las Colinas School.
No science students will be allowed to participate in science investigations until this contract has been signed by both the student and a parent/guardian.
Section A: General Rules
1. Do not touch any equipment or other materials in the laboratory until you are told to start the experiment. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. Perform ONLY those experiments approved by the teacher.
2. All items not required for the lab should be kept in the cubbies or outside the classroom.
3. In case of ANY accident, or hazardous condition, NOTIFY THE TEACHER IMMEDIATELY.
4. Perform all lab activities in a manner to ensure everyone’s safety. NO RUNNING OR HORSEPLAY.
5. Water faucets or gas jets should not be turned on unless directed by the teacher.
6. No food or drink is allowed in the laboratory. (Water is permitted on non-lab days only.)
7. After completing an experiment, clean up your work area and return all equipment to its proper place.
8. Know the location of safety equipment in the classroom. (Eyewash fountain, fire blanket, and fire extinguisher.)
9. Never open storage cabinets or enter the storage room without permission from the teacher.
Section B: Clothing
1. Wear safety goggles and aprons when working with chemicals, fire, or when instructed to do so. Do not remove goggles during an experiment.
2. Remove dangling jewelry.
3. Tie back long hair and secure loose sleeves or other loose articles of clothing.
4. If you are required to wear contact lenses, wear eye-cup safety goggles when working with chemicals.
5. If your hair and/or clothing catch on fire, immediately drop to the floor and roll.
Section C: Handling Glassware and Bunsen Burners
1. Be sure all glassware is clean and free of chips and cracks before using. Report damaged glassware.
2. Before heating any object, such as a test tube or flask, make sure it is not sealed.
3. When heating materials in a test tube, angle the test tube away from yourself and others. Heat along the test tube and not just along the bottom.
4. Do not reach over an open flame.
5. NEVER “blow out” the flame on a gas burner. Extinguish (turn off) the flame by shutting off the supply.
6. If the flame of a Bunsen burner extinguishes, immediately shut off the gas and then notify the teacher.
7. Test the temperature of a container that might be hot by placing the back of your hand near the container. Use tongs or an oven mitt to handle hot objects.
Section D: Handling Chemicals
1. Never touch, taste, or smell a chemical or solution unless directed to do so by the instructor
2. To smell the odor of a substance, wave (waft) the fumes toward your nose with your hand. Never put your nose close to the source.
3. Should any chemical come in contact with the eye, immediately flush eyes at the eye wash station.
4. Follow teacher’s instructions when discarding chemicals. To prevent contamination (making chemical impure or unclean) DO NOT return the chemicals to their original containers. Contaminated chemicals may result in dangerous reactions and/or incorrect lab results.
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I read the Science Laboratory Behavior and Safety Contract. I agree to follow all rules set forth in the Contract, as well as general rules of appropriate behavior for a classroom at all times. I understand that if I do not follow all the rules and safety precautions, I will not be allowed to participate in science laboratory activities.
Student Printed NamePeriodStudent SignatureDate
I read the Science Laboratory Behavior and Safety Contract and pledge by cooperation in urging my child to support a positive learning environment and to observe the safety instructions set forth for his/her protection.
Parent Printed NameParent SignatureDate