Safety

Safety: the prevention of accidents by people through planning and performance.

  • Safety in the classroom is the most important component to any successful science activity.

  • You are responsible for both you and your classmates safety.

Classroom Safety:

  • obtain teachers permission before attempting any activity

  • wear safety glasses when using chemicals in an experiment

  • students must stand during the experiment facing the front of the room. All stools must be placed under the desk

  • long hair and loose sleeves must be secures so they do not interfere with the activity

  • lab desks must be kept clear of loose papers, texts, and notebooks

  • all isles should be kept clear

  • all equipment must be returned clean to their proper location

  • all chemicals must be disposed of in a manner as instructed by the teacher

  • the lab bench must be wiped down at the end of the experiment

Chemical Safety:

  • read the labels of all chemical bottles before handling them

  • never handle chemicals with your bare hands

  • be able to recognize hazardous product symbols

  • never taste chemicals unless instructed by the teacher

  • use only small quantities of chemicals and never return excess chemicals to the container unless instructed by the teacher

  • always replace the lid on the container as some chemicals react with air or the moisture in the air

  • when checking the odour of a chemical, use your hand to waft the fumes carefully towards you. Never put chemicals directly under your nose

  • chemical spills should be cleaned up immediately as directed by your teacher

  • chemicals should be disposed of as directed by your teacher. Don’t leave unused chemicals in the sinks

Fire Safety:

  • learn the proper method for lighting and using the Bunsen burner.

  • Light the Bunsen burner only when you are ready to use it and never leave it unattended

  • keep combustible materials away from sparks and flames unless directed by the teacher

  • when heating chemicals in a test tube, always direct the tube away from people. keep the test tube at an angle and control the source of heat

  • know the proper procedures for leaving the building in case of a fire

  • if clothing ignites, then smother with a fire blanket or roll on the floor to smother flames

  • know the proper use of the fire alarm, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket