Lab Safety Contract

Lab Safety Contract

General Rules

1. Prepare for the lab by reading the instructions and safety information ahead of time.

2. Always stay on task—don’t fool around in the lab. No horseplay, pranks, or practical jokes.

3. Follow all verbal and written instructions given by the instructor.

4. Never work in the lab unsupervised or perform unauthorized or unapproved experiments.

5. Do not eat, drink, apply cosmetics, manipulate contact lenses, or chew gum in the lab.

6. Keep work areas tidy. Keep aisles and exits clear, and move backpacks, jackets, and other personal items out of  the way of lab work.

Personal Safety

1. Wear approved eye protection properly at all times while you perform lab work.

2. Wear any additional safety equipment (aprons, gloves, etc.) as directed by the instructor.

3. Wear closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, avoid loose or baggy clothing, and avoid short skirts or shorts while  performing lab work.

4. Report all accidents, spills, or injuries to the instructor immediately.

5. Know how to use all classroom safety equipment and its location.

6. Know the location of the nearest exit.

7. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling any laboratory materials.

Laboratory Safety

1. Consider all lab chemicals and specimens to be dangerous. Do not touch, smell, or taste any chemicals or  specimens unless specifically instructed to do so.

2. Read the label on the bottles carefully before using chemicals. Be sure you’re using the correct chemical at the  correct concentration before removing it from the bottle.

3. Do not remove chemicals, equipment, or other supplies from the lab.

4. Follow proper procedures when operating a burner or heat source. Always turn the device off when not in  use.

5. Place all used matches in a cup of water and dispose of them at the end of the class period.

6. Do not handle broken glass with bare hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass and place it in a  designated glass disposal container.

7. Dispose of all waste materials only as directed by the instructor.

8. Do NOT dispose of any solid down the drain.

Safe Physics Lab Techniques

1. Do NOT use a thermometer as a stirring rod.

2. To obtain more accurate temperature data, make sure the thermometer is suspended in the substance being  measured and not resting on the bottom of the container.

3. Place equipment that can roll (stirring rods, thermometers, etc.) in a basket or container to prevent  breakage.

4. Review rules for working with numbers, significant figures, and error analysis.

5. Use a clean scoopula, spatula, or spoon for every chemical to prevent contamination.

6. Use grounded electrical sockets. Unplug equipment by gripping the plug, NOT the cord.

7. Inform your teacher of equipment with bare or loose wires.

8. Keep electrical equipment away from water.

9. Determine the adequate amount of space needed to safely perform motion, force, and projectile  experiments.

Lab Safety Assignment

Now that we have gone over the Lab Safety Contract, you are to take it home and go over it with your parent/guardian. Afterward, you both will need to sign the last page and turn it in. This will be due by August 15th and will count as a participation grade.