Honors Biotech Flinn Safety Contract

Can a student ever work alone in the laboratory?

No. An instructor must always be present.

When you first enter the science room, what can you touch?

Nothing—do not touch equipment, chemicals, or other lab materials until instructed.

When should you read the lab procedure?

Before entering the laboratory, not once the experiment begins.

What materials should be at your lab work area?

Only your lab instructions, worksheets, and/or reports. Backpacks, purses, books, etc. should be stored elsewhere.

What should you do with your chair when it is not being used?

Push it under the desk to keep aisles clear.

What safety equipment and locations should you know before doing labs?

Know the location and operation of the first aid kit, eyewash, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket, plus the fire alarm and exits.

When should a fume hood be used?

When working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors.

What should you NEVER do when using a fume hood?

Never put your head inside the fume hood.

Can chemical wastes be mixed together in the sink?

No. Never mix chemicals in sink drains.

What is normally allowed to go down the lab sink?

Water and solutions specifically designated by the instructor.

Where should solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and other insoluble materials go?

Into the proper waste containers, never the sink.

How many times should you check a waste-container label before adding chemical waste?

Twice.

What should you do with your hands after every experiment?

Wash them thoroughly with soap and water.

Can you leave your experiment to walk around the room while it is running?

No. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times.

Can students enter science storage or preparation rooms?

Only with specific permission from the instructor.

What must you do if there is a fire drill during a lab?

Close containers and turn off gas valves, fume hoods, and electrical equipment.

How should you carry a sharp instrument?

With the tip or point directed down and away from you.

In what direction should you cut with a knife or sharp instrument?

Away from your body.

What should you do if a sharp instrument starts falling?

Do not try to catch it.

Where should you grasp sharp instruments?

Only by their handles.

When are safety goggles required?

Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are being used. There are no exceptions.

Can contact lenses be worn in the lab?

Yes, but only with adequate eye protection using specially marked, non-vented safety goggles.

Why should the instructor know who wears contact lenses?

In case the student experiences eye exposure to hazardous chemicals.

What must be done with long hair, loose clothing, and dangling jewelry?

Long hair must be tied back, and loose clothing/jewelry must be secured.

What type of shoes are required?

Shoes must completely cover the foot; sandals are prohibited.

How serious must an accident be before you report it?

Any accident or injury must be reported immediately, even if it seems trivial.

What should you yell if you or your lab partner are injured?

“Code one, Code one.”

How long must you flush your eyes or skin after a chemical splash?

At least 20 minutes with running water from the eyewash or safety shower.

What should you do if a mercury thermometer breaks?

Do not touch the mercury. Notify the instructor immediately.

How should all chemicals in the laboratory be treated?

As though they are dangerous.

Can you smell a chemical directly from its container?

No. Only smell chemicals when specifically instructed, using the demonstrated wafting technique.

How many times should you check a chemical bottle's label before taking chemical from it?

Twice.

How much chemical should you take from a container?

Only as much as you need.

What should you do with unused chemical you already removed from its original container?

Never return it to the original container.

Can you use your mouth to create suction in a pipet?

Never. Use a rubber bulb or pipet pump.

When transferring reagents between containers, where should you hold them?

Away from your body.

When diluting a strong acid, which is added to which?

Always add acid to water.

What should you do after adding acid to water?

Swirl or stir the solution and be aware that heat can be produced.

Which acid does the safety contract specifically warn can produce substantial heat during dilution?

Sulfuric acid.

Where should flammable hazardous liquids be handled?

Over a pan that can contain spills.

Where should flammable liquids NEVER be dispensed?

Near an open flame or other heat source.

Are you allowed to take laboratory chemicals or materials out of the lab?

No.

How should long pieces of glass tubing be carried?

Vertically to reduce the chance of breakage and injury.

How should broken glass be cleaned up?

With a brush and dustpan, never your bare hands.

Where does broken glass go?

In the designated glass-disposal container.

What should you do before putting glass tubing into a rubber stopper?

Lubricate the glassware first.

How should your hands be protected when inserting or removing glass tubing from a stopper?

With towels or cotton gloves.

What should you do if glassware becomes “frozen” in a stopper?

Take it to the instructor rather than attempting to remove it yourself.

What may wash bottles be filled with?

Distilled water only.

When unplugging electrical equipment, what should you pull?

The plug itself, not the cord.

What condition must your hands be in before touching a switch, plug, or outlet?

Completely dry.

What three kinds of glassware should never be used?

Glassware that is chipped, cracked, or dirty.

What are signs of damaged electrical equipment?

Examples include frayed cords, exposed wires, or loose connections; report the damage and do not use the equipment.

Can hot glassware be put into cold water to cool it quickly?

No. It may shatter.

Can you reach across an exposed flame?

Never.

Can a lit burner be left unattended?

No. Neither can anything that is being heated or visibly reacting.

Where should the open end of a heated test tube point?

Away from yourself and everyone else.

Why should you be cautious around glass or metal even after heating stops?

Both can remain very hot for a long time.

Should you look into a container while it is being heated?

Never.

Can hot equipment be placed directly on the lab desk?

No. Place it on an insulating pad.

Why is it difficult to tell whether glass is hot?

Hot and cold glass look the same.

How should you check whether an object might still be hot before touching it?

Bring the back of your hand close to it without touching it.

What are the two rules in the contract that specifically say to check a label twice?

Check the chemical bottle label twice before taking chemical, and check the waste-container label twice before disposing of chemical waste.

What is the exact minimum flushing time for chemical exposure to the eyes or skin?

20 minutes.

What is the acid-dilution rule most likely to be tested?

Acid goes into water.

What should you do with extra chemical—put it back or dispose of it properly?

Dispose of it as instructed; never return it to the original container.

Which side of your hand should you use to check for heat?

The back of your hand.

If a chemical spill or cut looks insignificant, do you still report it?

Yes—immediately, no matter how trivial it appears.

What three personal conditions does the contract specifically ask students about?

Whether they wear contact lenses, are color blind, or have allergies.

What happens if the safety contract is not signed by both the student and parent/guardian?

The student cannot participate in laboratory activities.