Position statement: Preamble
Inherent in many instructional settings including science is the potential for injury and possible
litigation. These issues can be avoided or reduced by the proper application of a safety plan.
Rationale
High quality science instruction includes laboratory investigations, interactive or demonstration
activities and field trips.
Declarations
The National Science Teachers Association recommends that school districts and teachers adhere
to the following guidelines:
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School districts must adopt written safety standards, hazardous material management and
disposal procedures for chemical and biological wastes. These procedures must meet or
exceed the standards adopted by EPA, OSHA and/or appropriate state and local agencies.
School authorities and teachers share the responsibility of establishing and maintaining
safety standards.
School authorities are responsible for providing safety equipment (i.e., fire
extinguishers), personal protective equipment (i.e., eye wash stations, goggles), Material
Safety Data Sheets and training appropriate for each science teaching situation.
School authorities will inform teachers of the nature and limits of liability and tort
insurance held by the school district.
All science teachers must be involved in an established and on-going safety training
program relative to the established safety procedures which is updated on an annual basis.
Teachers shall be notified of individual student health concerns.
The maximum number of occupants in a laboratory teaching space shall be based on the
following:
1. the building and fire safety codes;
2. occupancy load limits;
3. design of the laboratory teaching facility;
4. appropriate supervision and the special needs of students.
Materials intended for human consumption shall not be permitted in any space used for
hazardous chemicals and or materials.
Students and parents will receive written notice of appropriate safety regulations to be
followed in science instructional settings.
Lab Safety Quiz
1. Flammable materials, like alcohol, should never be
dispensed or used near
A. an open door.
B. an open flame.
C. another student.
D. a sink.
2. If a laboratory fire erupts, immediately
A. notify your instructor.
B. run for the fire extinguisher.
C. throw water on the fire.
D. open the windows.
3. Approved eye protection devices (such as goggles) are
worn in the laboratory
A. to avoid eye strain.
B. to improve your vision.
C. only if you don’t have corrective glasses.
D. any time chemicals, heat or glassware are used.
4. If you wear contact lenses in the school laboratory,
A. take them out before starting the lab.
B. you do not have to wear protective goggles.
C. advise your science instructor that you wear
contact lenses.
D. keep the information to yourself.
5. If you do not understand a direction or part of a lab
procedure, you should
A. figure it out as you do the lab.
B. try several methods until something works.
C. ask the instructor before proceeding.
D. skip it and go on to the next part.
6. After completing an experiment, all chemical wastes
should be
A. left at your lab station for the next class.
B. disposed of according to your instructor’s directions.
C. dumped in the sink.
D. taken home.
7. If a lab experiment is not completed, you should
A. discuss the issue with your instructor.
B. sneak in after school and work alone.
C. come in during lunch and finish while eating lunch.
D. make up some results.
8. You are heating a substance in a test tube. Always point
the open end of the tube
A. toward yourself.
B. toward your lab partner.
C. toward another classmate.
D. away from all people.
9. You are heating a piece of glass and now want to pick it
up. You should
A. use a rag or paper towels.
B. pick up the end that looks cooler.
C. use tongs.
D. pour cold water on it.
10. You have been injured in the laboratory (cut, burn,
etc.). First you should
A. visit the school nurse after class.
B. see a doctor after school.
C. tell the science instructor at once.
D. apply first aid yourself.
11. When gathering glassware and equipment for an
experiment, you should
A. read all directions carefully to know what
equipment is necessary.
B. examine all glassware to check for chips or cracks.
C. clean any glassware that appears dirty.
D. All of the above.
12. You want to place a piece of glass tubing into a rubber
stopper after the tubing has been fire polished and
cooled. This is best done by
A. lubricating the tubing with water or glycerin.
B. using a towel or cotton gloves for protection.
C. twisting the tubing and stopper carefully.
D. all of the above.
13. Personal eyeglasses provide as much protection as
A. a face shield.
B. safety glasses.
C. splashproof chemical goggles.
D. none of the above.
14. Long hair in the laboratory must be
A. cut short.
B. held away from the experiment with one hand.
C. always neatly groomed.
D. tied back or kept entirely out of the way with a hair
band, hairpins, or other confining device.
15. In a laboratory, the following should not be worn.
A. loose clothing.
B. dangling jewelry.
C. sandals.
D. all of the above.
16. The following footwear is best in the laboratory.
A. sandals
B. open-toed shoes
C. closed-toed shoes
D. shoes appropriate for the weather
17.Horseplay or practical jokes in the laboratory are
A. always against the rules.
B. okay.
C. not dangerous.
D. okay if you are working alone.
18. If a piece of equipment is not working properly, stop,
turn it off, and tell
A. the custodian.
B. your lab partner.
C. your best friend in the class.
D. the science instructor.
19. If an acid is splashed on your skin, wash at once with
A. soap.
B. oil.
C. weak base.
D. plenty of water.
20. When you finish working with chemicals, biological
specimens, and other lab substances, always
A. treat your hands with skin lotion.
B. wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
C. wipe your hands on a towel.
D. wipe your hands on your clothes.
21. Draw a diagram of your science room and label the
locations of the following:
✿ Fire Blanket
✿ Fire Extinguisher(s)
✿ Exits
✿ Eyewash Station
✿ Emergency Shower
✿ Closest Fire Alarm Station
✿ Waste Disposal Container(s)
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“Your Safer Source
for Science Supplies”
True—False
TF
22. ✿ ✿ Hot glass looks the same as cold glass.
23. ✿ ✿ All chemicals in the lab are to be considered
dangerous.
24. ✿ ✿ Return all unused chemicals to their original
containers.
25. ✿ ✿ Work areas should be kept clean and tidy.
26. ✿ ✿ Pipets are used to measure and dispense small
amounts of liquids. You should draw the liquid
into the pipet using your mouth.
27. ✿ ✿ Laboratory work can be started immediately
upon entering the laboratory even if the
instructor is not yet present.
28. ✿ ✿ Never remove chemicals or other equipment
from the laboratory.
TF
29. ✿ ✿ Chipped or cracked glassware is okay to use.
30. ✿ ✿ Read all procedures thoroughly before entering
the laboratory.
31. ✿ ✿ All unauthorized experiments are prohibited.
32. ✿ ✿ You are allowed to enter the chemical
preparation/storage area any time you need to
get an item.
33. ✿ ✿ Laboratory aprons should be worn during all
lab activities.
34. ✿ ✿ It’s okay to pick up broken glass with your bare
hands as long as the glass is placed in the trash.
35. ✿ ✿ Never leave a lit burner unattended.
Safety quiz answer key: 1. B; and open flame 2. A; notify your instructor 3. D; anytime chemicals heat or glassware is used 4. A. Take them out before starting lab 5. C. ask you instructor before proceeding 6. B. disposed of according to your instructors directions 7. A. discuss the issue with your instructor 8. D. away from all people 9. C. use tongs 10. C: tell your science instructor at once 11. D. all of the above 12. D. all of the above 13. D. none of the above 14. D. tied back neatly and kept out of the way 15. D. all of the above 16. C. closed toed shoes 17. A. always against the rules 18. D. the science instructor 19. D. plenty of water 20. B. wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water 21. skip 22. true 23. true 24. false 25. true 26. false 27.false 28. true 29. false 30. true 31. true 32. false 33. true 34. false 35. true Indiana standards: THE NATURE OF SCIENCE
Students should understand that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural
phenomena and experimentation, by designing and conducting investigations guided by
theory, and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to
accepted procedures. Thus, scientific knowledge is scientists’ best explanations for the data
from many investigations. Further, ideas about objects in the microscopic world that we cannot
directly sense are often understood in terms of concepts developed to understand objects in the
macroscopic world that we can see and touch. In the science classroom student work should
align with this process of science and should be guided by the following principles. These
should be woven throughout the daily work that students are doing when learning the content
presented in the standard indicators.
NoS.1 Develop explanations based on reproducible data and observations gathered during
laboratory investigations.
NoS.2 Recognize that their explanations must be based both on their data and other known
information from investigations of others.
NoS.3 Clearly communicate their ideas and results of investigations verbally and in written form
using tables, graphs, diagrams, and photographs.
NoS.4 Regularly evaluate the work of their peers and in turn have their work evaluated by
their peers.
NoS.5 Apply standard techniques in laboratory investigations to measure physical quantities in
appropriate units and convert known quantities to other units as necessary.
NoS.6 Use analogies and models (mathematical and physical) to simplify and represent systems
that are difficult to understand or directly experience due to their size, time scale, or complexity, and
recognize the limitations of analogies and models.
Standard one: cellular chemistry Standard two: cellular structure Standard three: matter cycle and energy transfer Standard four: interdependence Standard five: molecular basis of heredity Standard six: cellular reproduction and gene expression Standard seven: genetics Standard eight: evolution Emergency instructions: First Aid Whenever a student incident occurs ALWAYS inform the teacher at once. First aid kit is located at the front of the classroom on top of the filing cabinet. If a student has any lab material splashed in their eyes they will be immediately led to the eye washing station by their lab partner. The partner will immediately alert the instructor, and will help hold the affected students eyes open for washing for fifteen minutes. In that time the instructor will alert the nurse and proper authorities. In the case of a cut or open wound the area will be cleaned with soap and water and properly bandaged. In the case of a burn the student will hold the burned area under lukewarm water for a period of ten minutes. The student will then be sent to the nurse to be examined and bandaged accordingly. In case of a chemical spill on a student, that student will immediately proceed to the chemical shower and remove clothing. All other students will immediately leave the classroom and the instructor will contact the administration and proper authorities. Any open wound must be covered and bandaged properly before working in a lab setting to avoid the wound from becoming contaminated. In the instance of electrical shock the student should be removed from the area that caused the shock. The student will then be sent to the nurse for evaluation. After any laboratory incident no matter how minor and accident report must be written up and submitted to the administration. Chain of Command: The instructor is always the top of the chain of command. He/She should always be informed at once of any incidents or problems that may arise. If for some reason the instructor is incapacitated there will be one student, appointed by the teacher, who will promptly call the office and inform them of the situation. Another student, also appointed by the teacher, will go to the nearest classroom and inform the teacher of the situation and ask for assistance. All students not appointed a job will remain seated in their desks quietly as they wait for a faculty member. If the teacher is incapacitated and the room is no longer safe for the students to inhabit i.e. noxious gas, the student appointed to call the office will take the attendance clip board from the teachers’ desk and lead them out into the hall. That student is responsible to take attendance to make sure everyone is accounted for and to keep them settled down and single file against the wall. If the school must be evacuated and the teacher is incapacitated, the same student will take the attendance clip board and direct their class out of the building and to the designated meeting area prearranged by the school for their class and await further instruction. Safety equiptment: At all times the classroom will contain: -­‐a first aid kit containing; non latex gloves, antiseptic, band-­‐aids, medical take, tweezers, peroxide, gauze pads, Neosporin, hydrocortisone cream, and an epi-­‐pen. -­‐an ABC fire extinguisher located at the front of the classroom by the door. -­‐ a fire blanket: also located by the door -­‐ an obstruction free alternative exit -­‐ classroom set of lab approved safety goggles -­‐acid gloves -­‐aprons -­‐an eye wash -­‐a chemical shower -­‐fire alarm -­‐sharps container -­‐hazardous waste container -­‐ broken glass container Rules and consequences: Because this is a science class with lab component it is important that the students understand the dangers of being in the science classroom. They will be dealing with chemicals, glass, open flames and other materials that if not used properly could lead to injury. To allow the most open and courteous environment for learning. The students must follow the rules Classroom rules: Be seated when the bell rings No food allowed in class Only drink is water Gum allowed only on lecture days Homework is due at the beginning of each class and will be considered late if not turned in when asked for. If a student is absent they are responsible for getting their missing assignments. If a student is absent when an assignment is given out they have as many days as they were absent from the day it was assigned to turn it in. If a student is absent when an assignment is due the student must turn the assignment in the first day they are back at school to receive full credit. This school operates a zero tolerance policy. The school plagiarism policy will be maintained in this class. The first time plagiarism is found a zero is given from the assignment. If this occurs a second time then the student will receive a zero for the semester. Cheating also falls under the schools zero tolerance policy and will have the same consequences. If a student aids someone in cheating and is caught that student will also have the same punishment. No cell phones or ipods are never allowed in the classroom. Laptops will only be allowed on specific days that will be announced in advance. Be courteous to all students and faculty. Lab rules: No food drink or gum Students are required to wear closed toed shoes long pants and tight fitting closes. Long Hair must be pulled back No horseplay Stay sitting unless instructed Do not leave an open flame unattended In case of broken glass, spilled chemicals, or fire alert the teacher immediately. NEVER eat or drink anything that is used in a lab even if you know what it is Safety goggles will be worn whenever glass, chemicals, or open flame are being used. All backpacks will be stored underneath desks during lab days. Consequences Classroom rules: First offense: verbal warning Second offence: written warning. The student will sign a detention slip acknowledging their behavior Third offense: the detention slip will be sent to the office Fourth offense: Saturday school Fifth: possible removal from class Lab consequences: due to the possibility of injury for not following safe lab procedures the consequences will be different than normal classroom consequences. First offense: removal from the lab and given an alternative assignment to make up points. Second offense: removal from lab. An alternative assignment will be given and the student will receive a detention Third offense: removal from lab. Loss of credit for the lab and a Saturday school will be issued. Fourth offense: removal from lab and loss of credit for the lab and referral to the office. Fifth offense; possible removal from class. Students who follow safe lab procedures and follow classroom rules will be able to have the choice of lab partners and preferred seating in class. Safety video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr7roogzM8c safety procedures and accident protocol parent letter: Dear Parents, Welcome to Biology! Even though you are not in my class I would like for you all to be a part of the classroom. This year your children will be learning the basic concepts of biology in accordance to the Indiana state standards. These concepts will include: cellular chemistry, cellular structure, matter cycle and energy transfer, interdependence, molecular basis of heredity, cellular reproduction and gene expression, genetics, and evolution. I will be teaching your children inquiry learning skills including observational skills, communication, interpretation of data, observation, and graph analysis. As much as I love to teach I also need your help. My influence only extends to my classroom door, and I need your help to ensure my students/your children get the full experience in my class. I will keep my website (lchsteach.edu/sashupryt) up to date at all times including upcoming tests, homework assignments, and lab days. I will also announce study sessions and available tutoring. You can track your child’s progress my logging into the school gradebook with the user ID provided for you to track your students progress. As a teacher I would like to keep an open line of communication with you at all times. Please contact me with any concerns you have with your student so I can try to give them the best chance of receiving a good grade in the class. Also I like to keep in contact with you as parents to keep you up to date with your child’s progress. If your child’s overall grade drops below a 70% I will call or email you to discuss ways to help your child and find ways to improve their experiences in my class. This class also consists of a lab portion. Some labs will involve chemicals, glass, and/or open flames. As a parent you need to be informed of the safety procedures of this class to ensure that your student is properly prepared for class. The classroom lab safety rules are strict but necessary. Lab accidents can be sever and devastating, and because of this, breaking the rules will also come with a severe consequence. Attached to this letter is a safety contract. I would like you to read this and sign it stating that you understand the lab safety rules of my classroom and will help me enforce these rules. If You have any questions please feel free to contact me via email at sashupryt@lcwebmail.in.k12.us or via phone 219-­‐322-­‐8200 ext. 223. Sincerely Ms. Stephanie A Shupryt. Safety contract I would like to be informed of my childs progress via: _____email:_______________________________ _____phone:______________________________ I (name)_____________ am the legal Guardian of (students name)_______________. I understand that my student will be participating lab experiments as part of the requirements for this lab. I also understand that labs can be dangerous if not done in a safe manner. Therefore I will help my student make good choices in order to enforce the rules of this classroom. I understand that my student is held responsible to follow the following rules: -­‐Wear appropriate clothing on lab days which will include closed toed shoes, long pants, non baggy clothing, and long hair pulled back. -­‐Wear all safety equipment given to them by the teacher which may include but is not limited to: eye goggles, acid gloves, pvc non latex gloves, or aprons. -­‐never leave an open flame unattended -­‐never eat or drink anything from the lab -­‐never eat or drink, including chewing gum, during a lab. -­‐Clean all lab equipment after every lab to ensure no cross contamination in labs -­‐alert instructor immediately of any spill or accident no matter how minor -­‐keep work area clean and organized -­‐don’t perform any experiments not approved by the teacher. -­‐not horseplay or mess around near the lab set ups I also understand that if my student does not follow these rules, consequences will be enacted as follows: First offense: removal from lab and given an alternate assignment Second offense: removal from lab and loss of points for the lab Third offense: removal from lab, loss of points, and detention Fourth offense: removal from lab, loss of points, and Saturday school Fifth offense: loss of all lab point for the semester resulting in a non passing grade for the semester Also, if your child does not dress appropriate for the lab, he/she will not be allowed to participate in the lab. This is for safety measures. I cannot allow a student into lab if they are not following safety practices. If they do not dress appropriately it is up to them to make arrangements with me to redo the lab or partake in an alternate assignment. If your child cannot partake in a lab for religious reasons, please let me know so I can make alternate arrangements for your child. Labs will be announced a week in advance to allow ample time for the student to make arrangements with me if for some reason they cannot partake in the lab. Your child is not allowed to participate in any lab until this safety contract and the one signed by the student are returned. Name_____________ Sign_______________ Date_______________ I (name)_______________promise to uphold the following rules in order to have the safest work environment for myself and my fellow classmates. I will: -­‐Wear appropriate clothing on lab days which will include closed toed shoes, long pants, non baggy clothing, and long hair pulled back. -­‐Wear all safety equipment given to me by my teacher which may include but not limited to eye goggles, acid gloves, pvc non latex gloves, or aprons. -­‐never leave an open flame unattended -­‐never eat or drink anything from the lab -­‐never eat or drink, including chewing gum, during a lab. -­‐Clean all lab equipment after every lab to ensure no cross contamination in labs -­‐alert my instructor immediately of any spill or accident no matter how minor -­‐keep work area clean and organized -­‐don’t perform any experiments not approved by the teacher. -­‐not horseplay or mess around near the lab set ups If these rules are broken, I understand the following consequences will be enacted. First offense: removal from lab and given an alternate assignment Second offense: removal from lab and loss of points for the lab Third offense: removal from lab, loss of points, and detention Fourth offense: removal from lab, loss of points, and Saturday school Fifth offense: loss of all lab point for the semester resulting in a non passing grade for the semester I also understand that if I do not wear lab appropriate clothing on lab days, I will not be allowed to partake in the lab and it is up to me to make alternate arrangements with my teacher to redo the lab or partake in an alternate assignment. Name_________________ Sign___________________ Date_____________ I , Stephanie Shupryt, will uphold the following standards to ensure the safest work environment for my students. I will: -­‐provide a clean work environment -­‐provide safe chemical stocks for every class -­‐provide clean sterile instrument for lab use -­‐provide adequate safety materials for students for every lab. -­‐monitor students progress throughout the lab to ensure they do every procedure safely -­‐provide a clear overview of each lab to ensure full comprehension of the lab procedures. -­‐provide up to date safety equipment including a first aid kit, emergency shower, emergency eye wash, fire extinguisher, and fire blanker -­‐keep up to date evacuation and emergency policies list posted in the classroom -­‐stay up to date on safety procedures for medical emergencies -­‐inform students ahead of time of lab dates and hazards associated with each lab Stephanie Shupryt ____________________ Date ______________________