Physics Laboratory Safety Contract Physics is a hands-on laboratory class. Safety in the physics classroom is the highest priority for students, teachers, and parents. To insure a safe physics classroom, the following rules have been developed. These rules must be followed at all times. Both the student and a parent or guardian must sign this contract before the student may work in the laboratory. General Guidelines 1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the lab. 2. Be prepared for your work in the lab. Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the lab. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the teacher before proceeding. 3. Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory without a teacher present. 4. When first entering a science classroom, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so. 5. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the lab. Never use lab glassware as a food or beverage container. 6. Perform only those experiments authorized by the teacher. Never do anything in the lab that is not called for in the lab procedures or by your teacher. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited. 7. Never fool around in the lab. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited. 8. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Keep aisles clear by pushing your stool under the desk when not in use. Bring only your lab instructions and notebook to the work area. 9. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket. Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located. Student Agreement Do you wear contact lenses? yes no 10. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Use the fume hood when working with volatile substances or vapors. 11. Students are never permitted in science storage rooms or prep rooms unless given specific permission by their teacher. 12. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a lab period; containers must be closed and gas valves and electrical equipment must be turned off. Clothing and Goggles 13. Any time tools; electric or otherwise, are used, students must wear lab goggles. There will be no exceptions to this rule! 14. Dress properly during a lab activity. Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are hazards in the lab; they must be tied back or secured. Shoes must completely cover the foot and no sandals are allowed during lab activities. Accidents and Injuries 15. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the teacher immediately, no matter how trivial it may appear. Handling Equipment 16. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching an electrical switch, plug, or outlet. 17. Report damaged electrical equipment immediately. Look for things such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections. Do not use damaged electrical equipment. 18. If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ask the teacher for help. Are you color blind? yes no Do you have allergies? yes no If “yes” to allergies, list specific allergies here. I have read and agree to follow all of the safety rules set forth in this contract. I realize that I must obey these rules to insure my own safety and that of my fellow students and the teacher. I will cooperate fully with my teacher and fellow students to maintain a safe lab environment. I also will closely follow the oral and written instructions provided by the teacher. I am aware that any violation of this safety contract is misbehavior on my part and is unsafe conduct in the laboratory; it may result in my being removed from the lab, being assigned a detention, receiving a failing grade, and/or being dismissed from the course. Parent/guardian name (printed) student name (printed) student signature Date Parent/guardian Signature Date Dear Parent or Guardian: With the cooperation of the teachers, parents/guardians, and students, laboratory safety instruction can prevent, correct, and eliminate possible hazards. You should be aware of the safety instruction your child will receive before engaging in any lab work. Please read the list of safety rules above. No student will be permitted to perform laboratory activities unless this contract is signed by the student, signed by a parent/guardian, and on file with the teacher. Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this Physics Laboratory Safety Contract, are aware of the measures taken to insure the safety of your child in the chemistry laboratory, and will instruct your child to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules and procedures in the laboratory.