Safety in the Biology Laboratory - A Student Contract
Mission Viejo High School
1.
2.
All accidents should be reported to the teacher immediately, no matter how minor.
Only those laboratory activities where instructions and permission have been given by the teachers should be
performed.
3.
Only materials and equipment authorized by the teacher should be used.
4.
Written and verbal instructions should be followed carefully. All instructions given by the teacher should be
closely followed.
5.
Desks should be organized for work. They should be cleaned at the conclusion of every laboratory
period. Sinks should be kept clean. They are not a trash receptacle. Good housekeeping practices are a
must
6.
Chemicals should be obtained from the stock container. Stock bottles and common reagents should not be
taken to individual lab stations.
7.
Goggles should be worn where appropriate. Goggles are to cover your eyes, they are not useful when acting
as a headband.
8.
No food, gum, candy, or beverages should be carried to the laboratory stations.
9. Students’ hands should be washed with the appropriate hand washing technique at the conclusion of each
laboratory period.
10. Students should know the position of the emergency eye wash and fire extinguisher.
11. Student apparel should be appropriate for laboratory work. Long hanging necklaces, bulky and baggy clothing
are not appropriate for laboratory work.
12. Broken glass should be removed from a work area and placed in the glass receptacle. Notify the teacher of
any broken glass before you begin the clean-up.
13. Biological waste should be placed in the appropriate waste container.
14. When working with a Bunsen Burner – Do Not reach over a flame or pass items across a lab desk. Do not
leave a flame on and unattended. Turn off the Bunsen Burner at the end of the period. Be aware of the
location of hotplates. The top will be very hot!!
15. Laboratory and classroom animals are to be handled under the supervision of a teacher.
16. All laboratory equipment is to be handled in a responsible manner. Incorrect usage of laboratory equipment
after training will result in removal from the lab area and a grade penalty.
17. Laboratory experiments should be conducted with cooperative effort. Each member of a group or station
should make a contribution to the experiment of the day. Laboratory participation is an important aspect of an
advanced biology class. There should be limited movement and talking when setting up experiments to avoid
errors.
18. All students are responsible for the completion of laboratory reports and assignments for each experiment or
investigation. All grades are individual not group. Answers should be in your own words. Answers identical to a
lab partner will receive a 0 and an ethics violation.
19. Due to the sophisticated nature and expense of the materials required for biology courses at Mission Viejo
High School each student must learn and follow the above rules when participating in laboratory.
Agreement
I, ________________________________________________________( Print Student Name)have read the safety
rules for the biology laboratory. They have been explained to me while in class. I agree to follow these rules while
operating in the laboratory. I further agree to all other verbal and written instruction given in class by the teacher. I
agree that I have read and understand the classroom rules, including the fact that no credit will be given for late
assignments.
_____________________________________
(Student Signature)
_______________________________
(Date)
I, as parent and/or guardian of the above name student, have read and discussed the rules with the student. I
support safe laboratory practices and will insist on complete compliance with the rules.
______________________________________
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