Flinn Scientific Student Safety Contract Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering safety rules, procedures, and precautions for the science laboratory based on the Flinn Scientific Student Safety Contract.

Flinn Scientific Student Safety Contract

A safety agreement detailing rules and procedures to maintain a safe science classroom, which must be signed by both the student and parent or guardian before participating in laboratory activities.

Code One

The emergency phrase that a student must immediately yell out if they or their lab partner are injured in order to quickly get the instructor's attention.

Eyewash Station and Safety Shower Protocol

The emergency response for chemical splashes on skin or eyes, requiring immediate flushing with running water for at least $20\,\text{minutes}$ and prompt notification of the instructor.

Fume Hood

A ventilated laboratory work area used when handling volatile substances or poisonous vapors, into which a student must never place their head.

Acid Dilution Rule

The safety procedure specifying that acid must always be added to water (never water to acid), while stirring or swirling and accounting for heat generation, especially with sulfuric acid.

Pipet Safety

The mandatory procedure of using a rubber bulb or pipet pump to fill a pipet, strictly prohibiting mouth suction.

Chemical Waste Disposal

The proper management of chemical waste where liquids and solids are checked twice and disposed of in designated containers rather than sink drains.

Glass Tubing Transport

The technique of carrying glass tubing, particularly long pieces, in a vertical position to prevent accidental breakage and injury.

Broken Glass Protocol

The procedure for handling broken glass using a brush and dustpan—never bare hands—and disposing of it in a designated glass disposal container.

Rubber Stopper Assembly

The method of lubricating glassware before inserting it into a rubber stopper while protecting hands with towels or cotton gloves, and seeking teacher assistance if glass is frozen.

Broken Mercury Thermometers

An emergency hazard condition where spilled mercury must not be touched and the instructor must be notified immediately.

Laboratory Attire Requirements

Safety clothing standards requiring goggles when using chemicals, heat, or glassware, tying back long hair, securing loose clothing, wearing lab aprons, and wearing shoes that completely cover the foot.

Flammable Liquids Handling

The practice of handling flammable hazardous liquids over a pan to contain spills and keeping them strictly away from open flames or heat sources.

Electrical Safety in the Laboratory

Practices including grasping the plug rather than the cord, operating electrical switches with completely dry hands, and reporting damaged equipment immediately.

Thermal Shock in Glassware

The hazard caused by immersing hot glassware directly into cold water, which can cause the glass to shatter.

Test Tube Heating Safety

The precaution of pointing the open end of a heated test tube away from oneself and others, and never looking directly into a container being heated.

Hot Object Detection

The method of checking whether glass or metal is hot by bringing the back of one's hand close to it before touching, as hot and cold glass look visually identical.

Laboratory Fire Drill Procedure

The safety sequence during a fire drill requiring containers to be closed and gas valves, fume hoods, and electrical equipment to be turned off.

Sharp Instruments Safety

The protocol for handling sharp tools by carrying them with points facing down and away, cutting away from the body, grasping only handles, and never trying to catch falling sharp objects.