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Lab Safety

Laboratory exercises are vital to learning in any science class. Since lab activities involve the use of potentially hazardous materials, students must practice professional standards of behavior. All students and visitors in the science lab must follow the safety procedures listed below:

1. Horseplay and practical jokes are a serious hazard and are NOT PERMITTED.
2. Never eat or drink in the lab or from lab equipment. Never taste chemicals.
3. Do not perform unauthorized experiments with chemicals or hazardous materials. Never conduct an experiment alone.
4. Confine long hair and loose clothing. Wear an apron to protect clothing.
5. Goggles must be worn during activities that may be dangerous to the eyes.
6. All work surfaces must be cleaned after each use.
7. Never all the open end of a heated test tube to point towards anyone.
8. When alcohol is heated it must be in a water bath.
9. When heating materials in glassware with a gas flame, use a wire gauze.
10. Never touch heating equipment or heated glassware. Make certain all hot plates and open burners are off.
11. Never pick up or use broken glassware. Notify the teacher immediately of any broken equipment or glassware.
12. Use a wafting motion to note odors or fumes.
13. Always flame wire loops prior to and after transferring any microorganisms.
14. Never force glassware into rubber stoppers.
15. Never pour water into acid.
16. Always wash your hands after lab exercises.
17. Take note of fire extinguisher, eyewash, shower, and exit locations.
18. REPORT ALL INJURIES TO THE TEACHER IMMEDIATELY.
19. ALWAYS LISTEN FOR ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR TEACHER.
20. YOU ARE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LAB EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS THAT YOU BREAK OR DAMAGE.

Students receive a copy of this information in class and are asked to read it and then sign the agreement below.