STUDENT LAB SAFETY CONTRACT
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. I will not eat, drink or chew gum in the laboratory. I will not use laboratory glassware for food or beverages.
2. I will perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor. I will never do anything in the laboratory that is
not called for in the laboratory procedures or by the instructor.
3. I will put away equipment and clean up my area when I am done with the lab. I will bring only laboratory
instructions and related materials into the laboratory area. Books, purses, backpacks, etc., will be stored in the
classroom area.
4. I know the locations of all safety equipment (eyewash station, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, first aid kit, etc.)
5. I will dispose of all chemical waste properly. I will never mix chemicals in sink drains. I will only use the sinks for
water and solutions designated by the instructor. I will dispose of solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper
and all other solid materials in the proper waste containers, not in the sink.
6. I will keep my hands away from my face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals. I will wash my hands with
soap and water after performing all experiments. I will clean, rinse and wipe dry all work surfaces (including the
sink) and apparatus at the end of the experiment. I will return all equipment clean and in working order to its
proper place.
CLOTHING
7. Anytime chemicals, heat or glassware are used, I will wear laboratory goggles and apron.
8. Long hair and loose clothing will be tied back.
9. I will wear appropriate clothing, including closed-toed shoes on designated lab days.
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
10. I will report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor immediately, no matter
how trivial it may appear.
11. If a chemical should splash in my eye(s) or on my skin, I will immediately flush with running water from the sink,
eye-wash station or safety shower for at least 15 minutes. I will notify the instructor immediately.
12. If a mercury thermometer is broken, I will not touch the mercury and I will notify the instructor immediately.
HANDLING CHEMICALS
13. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. I will not touch, taste or smell any chemical
unless specifically instructed to do so.
14. I will never return unused chemicals to their original containers.
15. I will never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.
HANDLING GLASSWARE AND EQUIPMENT
16. I will never handle broken glass with my bare hands. I will notify the instructor before clean-up and use a brush
and dustpan to clean up and place broken glass in the designated container.
17. I will examine glassware before each use. I will never use chipped, cracked or dirty glassware.
18. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, I will grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. My hands will be
completely dry before touching an electrical switch, plug or outlet. I will report damaged electrical equipment
immediately.
HEATING SUBSTANCES
19. I will never leave a lit burner unattended. I will never leave anything that is being heated or is visibly reacting
unattended.
20. I will never look into a container that is being heated.
21. I will never point a container at anyone that contains substances that are visibly reacting.
August 2004
QUESTIONS
Do you wear contact lenses?
Yes ______ No ______
Do you have allergies?
Yes ______ No ______
List specific allergies:
____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
AGREEMENT
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 instructors. I will cooperate
to the fullest extent with my instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe lab environment. I will also closely follow the oral and
written instructions provided by the instructor. I am aware that any violation of this safety contract that results in unsafe conduct in the
laboratory or misbehavior on my part, may result in being removed from the laboratory, detention, receiving a failing grade and/or
dismissal from the course.
Student signature __________________________________ Date _________________
Dear Parent or Guardian:
We feel that you should be informed regarding the school’s effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom/laboratory
environment. With the cooperation of the instructors, parents and students, a safe instruction program can eliminate, prevent and
correct possible hazards.
You should be aware of the safety instructions your son or daughter will receive before engaging in any laboratory work. Please read
the list of safety rules above. No student will be permitted to perform laboratory activities unless the contract is signed by both the
student and a parent or guardian and it is returned to the instructor.
Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this Student Safety Contract, are aware of the measures taken to ensure
the safety of your daughter or son, and will instruct your son or daughter to uphold his or her agreement to follow these rules and
procedures in the laboratory.
Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________ Date _________________
August 2004