Laboratory Safety Rules

1. Laboratory Safety Rules Riverton Middle School 2012-2013

2. Dress Code • To protect yourself from injuring your eyes, wear safety goggles whenever you perform experiments. • Tie back long hair for safety. • Remove or tie back any article of clothing or jewelry that can hang down and touch chemicals – roll up sleeves. • Skin should not be exposed on any part of the mid-section. • NEVER wear open shoes or sandals during an experiment.

3. General Precautions • Read all directions carefully. Follow directions specifically. If you have a question, ask it! • Never perform unauthorized or unassigned activities. Never handle equipment without permission. • Never perform experiments without a teacher’s supervision. • Never eat or drink anything in the lab. No gum chewing will be allowed at any time! • Keep working areas clean and organized at all times. Bring only required materials to class; all other items (purses, backpacks, etc.) should be left in your locker. • Do NOT engage in horseplay.

4. First Aid • Always report all accidents or injuries to your teacher, no matter how minor. • Learn what to do in case of specific accidents, such as getting chemicals in your eyes or on your skin. • Be aware of the location of the first aid kit and when and how to use it! • Know the location of emergency equipment, such as the fire extinguisher, and how to use it. • Know the location of the nearest telephone and whom to contact in an emergency (the office ext. 200).

5. Using Chemicals Safely • Never directly sniff any chemical substance – WAFT! • Never mix chemicals “for the fun of it”. You might produce a dangerous, possibly explosive substance. • Never put your face near the mouth of a container that holds chemicals. Many chemicals are poisonous. Never touch, taste, or sniff a chemical unless you are told to do so. • Use only those chemicals needed in the activity. Read and double-check labels on supply bottles before using any chemicals. • Dispose of chemicals as instructed.

6. Using Chemicals Safely (cont.) • Be extra careful when working with acids and bases. Pour all chemicals over the sink or a container, not over your work area. • If you are instructed to test for odors, use a wafting motion to direct the odors to your nose. Do not inhale the fumes directly from the container. • Take extreme care not to spill any material in the laboratory. Wash chemical spills and splashes immediately as instructed.

7. Using Glassware Safely • Never use broken or chipped glassware. If glassware breaks, notify the teacher – who will dispose of it properly. Never handle broken glassware with bare hands. • Never eat or drink from lab glassware. • Thoroughly clean glassware before putting it away.

8. Using Sharp Instruments • Handle scalpels or other sharp instruments with extreme care. Never cut material toward you; cut away from yourself. • Immediately notify your teacher if you cut your skin when working in the lab.

9. Animal and Plant Safety • Never perform experiments that cause pain, discomfort, or harm to animals – at school or at home. • Animals should be handled only if absolutely necessary. Your teacher will show you how to specifically handle each species. • If you know you are allergic to certain plants, molds, or animals, tell your teacher. • During field work, protect your skin appropriately. Know how to recognize poisonous plants in our area. Never eat anything outdoors. • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals or a cage containing animals. Wash hands after touching plants or soil.

10. End of Experiment Rules • After an experiment has been completed, turn off and unplug all burners or hot plates. • Turn off and unplug any other electrical equipment that you used. • Clean up your work area and return all equipment to its proper place. • Dispose of waste materials as instructed by your teacher. • Wash your hands after every experiment. • You and your parent/legal guardian MUST sign the rules signature form before you can participate in any laboratory activities!