8th Grade Science – Mrs. Helgeson
SAFETY CONTRACT
PURPOSE:
Science is an active, hands-on class.
Safety is the # 1 priority in our
classroom. To ensure a safe
learning environment, all students
will be instructed in science
classroom safety, a safety quiz will
be given, and the safety contract will
be signed. These rules must be
followed at all times. Additional
safety instructions will be given for
each activity.
No science student will be allowed
to participate in science activities
until this contract has been signed by
both the student and a parent or
guardian.
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SAFETY RULES:
 I will act responsibly at all times
in the classroom. I understand
that horseplay, jokes, and pranks
are not appropriate in a science
classroom.
 I will follow all instructions,
written and verbal, about the
laboratory procedures given by
the teacher. If I do not
understand a direction or part of
a procedure, I will ask my
teacher before proceeding with
the activity.
 I will not touch any equipment or
supplies until instructed to do so
by the teacher. I will never open
storage cabinets or enter the
laboratory area without
permission from the teacher.
 I will perform only those
activities that have been
authorized by the teacher. I will
never do anything that is not
called for by the procedure. I
understand that unauthorized
experiments are forbidden.
 I will keep my work area and the
science room clean and neat. I
will bring only my laboratory
instructions, worksheets, and
writing utensils to the work area.
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I will use the safety equipment
provided for me. I will wear my
safety goggles whenever
instructed. I understand that
there are no exceptions to this
rule.
I will immediately notify the
teacher of any accident or injury,
no matter how small.
I will tie back long hair, baggy
clothes, and dangling jewelry
while doing a laboratory activity.
I will keep all materials away
from open flames.
I know whom to contact for help
in case of an emergency. I know
the location and proper use of the
fire extinguisher, safety shower,
fire blanket, first aid kit, and fire
alarm.
I will return all materials clean
and in working order to their
proper places. I will not take
anything out of the classroom
without permission from the
teacher.
I will never eat, drink, or have
candy in the classroom unless
instructed to do so by the teacher.
I will not use classroom
equipment as containers for food
or drink. I will never inhale
chemicals. I will never taste any
substance or draw any material
into a tube with my mouth.
“Safety is something that
happens between your ears,
not something you hold
in your hands.”
- Jeff Cooper
AGREEMENT:
I, __________________________
(print name) understand and agree
to follow all of the safety rules in
this contract. I understand that I
must obey these rules to make sure
that fellow students, my teacher,
and I work and learn in a safe
environment. I will cooperate
completely with my teacher and
fellow students to maintain a safe
lab environment. I will also closely
follow the oral and written
instructions provided by the
instructor. I understand that if I do
not follow all the rules and safety
precautions, I will not be allowed
to participate in science activities.
____________________________
Student Signature
Dear Parent or Guardian:
We feel that you should be informed
of the school’s effort to create and
maintain a safe science
classroom/laboratory environment.
Please read the list of safety rules
above. No student will be permitted
to perform laboratory activities
unless this contract is signed by both
the student and parent/guardian.
Your signature on this contract
indicates that you have read this
Science Safety Contract, are aware
of the measures taken to ensure the
safety of your child in the science
laboratory, and will instruct your
child to uphold his/her agreement
to follow these rules and procedures
in the laboratory.
____________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
____________________________
Date
First Aid
Injury
Burns
Cuts and bruises
Fainting
Foreign matter in eye
Poisoning
Any spills on skin
Safe response
Apply cold water. Call your teacher immediately.
Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure. Cover cuts with a clean
dressing. Apply cold compresses to bruises. Call your teacher immediately.
Leave the person lying down. Loosen any tight clothing and keep crowds
away. Call your teacher immediately.
Flush with plenty of water. Use eyewash bottle or fountain.
Note the suspected poisoning agent and call your teacher immediately.
Flush with large amounts of water and use safety shower. Call your teacher
immediately.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
DISPOSAL ALERT
This symbol appears when
care must be taken to dispose
of materials properly.
BIOLOGICAL HAZARD
This symbol appears when
there is danger involving
bacteria, fungi, or protists.
OPEN FLAME ALERT
This symbol appears when use
of an open flame could cause a
fire or an explosion.
THERMAL SAFETY
This symbol appears as a
reminder to use caution when
handling hot objects.
SHARP OBJECT SAFETY
This symbol appears when a
danger of cuts or punctures
caused by the use of sharp
objects exists.
FUME SAFETY
This symbol appears when
chemicals or chemical
reactions could cause
dangerous fumes.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
This symbol appears when
care should be taken when
using electrical equipment.
SKIN PROTECTION SAFETY
This symbol appears when use
of caustic chemicals might
irritate the skin or when contact
with microorganisms might
transmit infection.
ANIMAL SAFETY
This symbol appears whenever
live animals are studied and
the safety of the animals and
the students must be ensured.
RADIOACTIVE SAFETY
This symbol appears when
radioactive materials are used.
CLOTHING PROTECTION
SAFETY
This symbol appears when
substances used could stain
or burn clothing.
FIRE SAFETY
This symbol appears when
care should be taken around
open flames.
EXPLOSION SAFETY
This symbol appears when the
misuse of chemicals could
cause an explosion.
EYE SAFETY
This symbol appears when a
danger to the eyes exists.
Safety goggles should be worn
when this symbol appears.
POISON SAFETY
This symbol appears when
poisonous substances are used.
CHEMICAL SAFETY
This symbol appears when
chemicals used can cause
burns or are poisonous if
absorbed through the skin.