Safety in Middle School

Science2012

Why is Lab Safety Important?

Lab safety is an important aspect of every lab based science class.

Lab safety rules and symbols are needed so that students do not injure themselves or their classmates.

Lab Safety Rules

1. Always follow the teacher’s directions and only do lab work when a teacher is present.

2. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times. No Horseplay!

3. Do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials until told to do so.

4. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the lab. Do not use lab glassware as food or beverage containers

5. Report ALL accidents to your teacher immediately, even if you think it is minor.

Never Eat or Drink in the Science Lab!

Lab Safety Equipment

Safety Shower Safety GogglesEye Wash

Eye Protection

Safety goggles should be worn when using chemicals or when pointed objects or tools are being used.

Lab Safety Equipment

Fire

Extinguisher Fire Blanket Fume Hood

Fire When lab activities incorporate the use of an open flame, make

certain safety materials such as a fire blanket and extinguisher are present.

Students should be taught “stop, drop, and roll.”

Remind students that long hair should be tied back and that nylon fabric is easily melted.

Students should only observe teacher demonstration of fire use.

Science Lab Safety Features

Fire

Extinguisher

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Remove the pin that keeps the handle in place. Point the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle. Move the fire extinguisher side to side as it

discharges, to cover as much area as possible. It takes only thirty seconds to discharge the

fire extinguisher so make sure your aim is good.

Never use a fire extinguisher on a person!

Lab Safety Symbols

Glassware

Heat

Eye and Face

Sharp

Electrical

Animal

Chemical

Fire

Other Chemical Hazards and Symbols

Flammable

Explosive

Toxic/Poison

Irritant

Corrosive

Environmental

Accidents and Injuries Report ALL accidents and injuries to your teacher

immediately!!! Be aware of safety hazards associated with each

chemical you use. Eye accident – Wash the eye with copious

amounts of water for at least 15 min. Fire Burns – Stop, Drop, and be covered with a fire

blanket or soaked with water. Do not remove clothing stuck to victim. Get medical attention immediately.

Waste Disposal

First ask your teacher where/how to dispose of waste.

Never pour anything down the drain unless you are told to do so.

A waste bottle will be supplied for substance that cannot go down the drain.

Reasons for proper waste disposal

Hazardous chemicals down the drain can lead to pollution of ground water, lakes, rivers, etc.

Plants and animals will die if they are exposed to hazardous chemical waste.

Serious health problems will become present in people if hazardous waste finds its way into drinking water.

Allergies An allergy is a hypersensitivity to a

foreign substance that is harmless to most people but produces a reaction (sometimes violent) in an allergy sufferer.

Teachers need to be aware of their student’s allergies. Classroom teacher will keep a list of such allergies.

The school nurse should be made aware of these as well.

Laboratory Materials

Respect lab equipment and work to keep the science lab neat and in order.

What’s Wrong With This Clean Up Area?

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Remember…

Do your part to keep

science safe!

The Law Science must be taught in K-Grade 12..

Science must be taught in a safe environment.

Science must provide for a least restrictive environment.

Safety training must be completed for everyone.

Adequate space must be maintained for science classes.

The school and teacher are held liable if the teacher knowingly exposes a student to a harmful situation.

Quiz

1. What does this symbol mean? A. Help B. Poisonous C. Halloween is next month

2. If there is an accident you should ___________. A. Tell the teacher immediately B. Clean it up C. Tell your friend what to do

3. If part of you catches on fire, you should ____________. A. stop, drop, and roll B. run till the fire goes out C. pull the fire alarm

4. Long hair should be ___________. A. put in a ponytail B. left alone, long hair is pretty C. swung back and forth

5. When you walk in a lab you should _____________. A. start the experiment B. read all the instructions and start C. Wait for the teacher

6. This is a _________________. A. Fertilizer B. Cleaning solution C. Fire Extinguisher

7. You can eat anything in the lab that you want to. True False

8. Means chemists are working here. True False

9. and 10 Write down two things that are wrong in the picture on the next page.