Student Laboratory Safety Contract
I, the undersigned do hereby agree to observe the following safety procedures while in
any science laboratory or class room at Ft. Collins High School in return for the
lifelong benefits of learning science processes and procedures. I understand that if I
violate any of the following safety rules, I may lose the privilege of participating in
science labs.
Personal
1. I will wear protective eyewear whenever the instructor says it is necessary.
2. I will not eat or drink in the laboratory unless instructed to do so.
3. I will not participate in, or encourage horseplay of any kind in the laboratory.
4. I will tie back long hair to keep it out of my work area.
5. I will avoid wearing loose clothing, which might easily catch fire, or drag across
counter tops.
6. I will wear shoes that completely cover my feet during lab. If you like to wear
sandals, please have a pair of socks available to wear during lab.
7. I will wear extra protective clothing (e.g. apron or gloves) if the instructor says
it is necessary.
8. I will report any accidental spill, breakage, or injury however minor to the
instructor immediately.
9. I will treat every chemical substance with respect. I will assume every chemical is
potentially hazardous even though I may suspect otherwise. This means do not touch
chemicals intentionally.
10. I will read each chemical label twice; carefully to be sure I am using the proper
chemical.
11. I will never smell a chemical directly, but will use the "wafting" technique to
fan odors toward my nose when directed to do so.
12. I will never look directly into, or point the open end of a test tube at myself or
anyone else. A test tube with liquid in it can be as dangerous as a loaded gun.
13. I will familiarize myself with all of the safety devices and procedures in the
lab.
a. Natural Gas Shut-Off Switch (Red button on wall panel)
b. Master Electricity Shut-Off Switch (Enclosed red button near door)
c. Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) Receptacles
d. Purge Fan Switch (Enclosed blue button—turns on ALL exhaust fans)
e. Safety Shower (Pull triangular handle to engage)
f. Safety Eye Wash Station (Push handle forward to engage)
g. Fire Blanket
h. Fume Hood with light and fan switches
i. Broken Glass and Dry Chemical Waste Container
j. Class A. B. C. Fire Extinguisher
i. Class A fire—paper, wood, cloth
ii. Class B fire—chemical fire (gaso1ine, oil, flammable metal, etc.)
iii. Class C fire—electrical fire
14. I will wash my hands thoroughly after each lab; before lab if the instructor says
it is necessary.
15. I will make sure liquid materials are "sink safe" before disposing of them down
the drain. Some materials may require special disposal considerations.
16. I will check with the instructor on how to handle disposal of solid materials
including dissected biological specimens (yuck!).
17. I will clean up my laboratory work area when I finish working.
18. I will pay close attention to demonstrations of lab techniques and special
instructions. This is especially important for bio-, chemical or electrical
hazards.
19. If I am not sure, I will ask.
20. I will do my best to see that those around me also honor this contract and follow
safe lab practices.
Handling and Care of Equipment
1. I will use great care in handling any and all glassware and equipment. I will
report damage to any and all materials or equipment to my instructor.
2. I will beware of handling glass that may be hot. Hot glass looks just like cool
glass and may burn me severely.
3. I will keep sinks clean. I will put no solid materials down the sink unless
instructed to do so. This includes chemicals and bits of metal or paper.
4. I will keep the tops of lab tables and equipment drawers and cupboards clean.
5. I will return all equipment and materials to their proper locations. This is
especially important for materials that are to be used by many students during the
lab period.
6. I will see that the special broken glass container in the lab is used for broken
glass and dry chemicals only. It is not a wastebasket.
7. I will pay to replace any glassware or other equipment for whose breakage I am
deemed responsible.