Lab Safety Skills
Safety Guidelines
1. Ask for permission before touching any demonstration equipment or lab equipment.
2. Always prepare for each lab.
a. Read the lab instructions entirely before using the equipment.
b. Take special note of any specific safety instructions.
3. Pay close attention to the teacher’s instructions before, during, and after the lab. Take notes to help you remember what your
teacher has said. Special safety instructions from your teacher will include information about:
a. Working with hot items or solutions.
b. Working with electrical components.
c. How to use your equipment and supplies.
d. How to dispose of chemicals and trash.
4. If the lab requires protective devices or clothing (a lab apron, goggles, gloves), gather these before you start the lab. These
items must remain on for the entirety of the lab. Always come to class wearing closed-toe shoes.
5. Emphasize teamwork. Help each other. Watch out for one another’s safety.
6. Always clean up after a lab. You will be given special instructions for disposing your materials.
Special Instructions
1. Thermal hazards.
a. Always carry or hold hot items with a hot pad or tongs. Never use your bare hands.
b. Move carefully when you are near hot items or solutions. Sudden movements could cause you to burn yourself by
touching or spilling something hot.
c. Inform others if they are near hot items or liquids.
d. When working with open flames, tie back long hair and roll up long sleeves.
2. Electrical hazards.
a. Always keep electrical components away from water.
b. Avoid creating a short circuit with electrical components. Short circuits could cause the components to heat up or
spark.
c. Remove metal accessories (watches and jewelry) when working with electrical components.
3. Chemical hazards.
a. Use goggles and gloves when working with chemicals whether you are inside the lab or outside doing a field
experiment.
b. When making an acidic or basic solution, be sure to pour the acid or base into water so that it is safely diluted.
NEVER pour water into an acid or base.
c. Always wash your hands at the end of a lab when working with chemicals.
4. Disposal of materials and supplies.
a. Generally, liquid household chemicals can be poured into a sink. Completely wash the chemical down the drain with
plenty of water.
b. Generally, solid household chemicals can be placed in a trash can.
c. Any liquids or solids that should not be poured down the sink or placed in the trash have special disposal
instructions. Follow your teacher’s instructions. Special disposal instructions can be found on the Materials Safety
Data Sheet for a chemical.
d. If an item breaks, do not use your bare hands to pick up the pieces. Notify the teacher and use a dustpan and a brush
to clean up. Broken glass is thrown away in a labeled cardboard box. Do NOT throw broken glass in the trash can.
5. What to do in case of danger or an emergency:
a. If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, talk to your teacher immediately. Talk to your teacher
immediately when:
 You smell chemical or gas fumes. This might indicate a chemical or gas leak.
 You smell something burning.
 You injure yourself or see someone else who is injured.
 You are having trouble using your equipment.
 You do not understand the instructions for the lab.
b. Listen carefully to your teacher’s instructions.
c. Carefully follow you teacher’s instructions.
The Science Lab
You need to be aware of where the following items are located in the classroom:
 Exits
 Fire extinguisher
 Fire blanket
 First aid kit
 Sinks
 Trash cans
 Eye wash and shower
Computer Use Agreement
The computers available for student use in this class are very special. Their use is to be considered a privilege. I am asking to be given
access to these computers. When I use the computers in this class, I will…
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2.
Handle the computers with utmost care. I will not move the computers from their placement at the lab station. When using
laptops, I will take them out of the storage cart and return them to the storage cart in accordance with the teacher’s
instructions. I will place and use the laptop at my desk so that it is secure at all times. I will be mindful of the placement of all
cables and connecting wires so that neither I nor my classmates are likely to trip over them. The computer will not be
dropped or allowed to fall while it is in my care.
Use the computers carefully. I understand that the computer is a sophisticated yet delicate tool. Its screen is to be viewed, not
to be touched. Its keyboard is to be typed on gently. Care is also to be taken when clicking the trackpad or mouse button. I
will not touch the keyboard, mouse, or trackpad with anything but the tips of my fingers. I will not allow the computer to be
marked upon with any kind of writing, scratching, or cutting instrument. Nor will I expose the computer to magnets or
magnetic fields. I assume responsibility for the physical well-being of the computer while it is in my care.
I will not…
1. Open or insert anything in the disk drive (CD-ROM, DVD, or any other drive) without the permission of the teacher. I will
not insert anything in any other slot or opening on the computer.
2. Connect anything to the computer (via its serial, parallel, USB, FireWire, Ethernet, modem, AV, RGB, or other ports) unless
instructed to do so by the teacher.
3. Use any software applications when not authorized to do so (for example, using the Internet when instructed to use LabPro).
4. Use any software applications in a manner inconsistent with the stated goals of the activity.
5. Save any files to the computer’s hard drive or any other medium without the permission of the teacher.
6. Print without the permission of the teacher.
7. Navigate the Internet in a manner inconsistent with District Policy (see Student Handbook)
8. Make any modifications to the software on the computer. This includes—but is not limited to—moving files, deleting files
renaming files, and altering the settings of system software.
Lab Safety and Computer Use Contract
By signing this contract, you agree to follow all the steps necessary to be safe in your science class and lab.
I, ______________________________________________, (Your name)
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Have read the safety guidelines on the Lab Safety Skills sheet.
Understand the safety information presented.
Will ask questions when I do not understand safety instructions.
Pledge to follow all of the safety guidelines that are presented on the Safety Skill Sheet at all times.
Pledge to follow all of the safety guidelines that are presented on lab instruction sheets.
Will always follow the safety instructions that my teacher provides.
Additionally, I pledge to be careful about my own safety and to help others be safe. I understand that I am responsible for helping to
create a safe environment in the classroom and lab.
Student Signature ________________________________________________ Date ______________
For Parents/Guardians:
Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read the Lab Safety Skills, are aware of the measures taken to ensure the safety
of your student in the science laboratory, and will instruct your student to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules and
procedures in the laboratory.
Parent/Guardian Signature __________________________________________ Date ______________