1. Academy of Math and Science
Elementary
Science
Lab Safety

2. Reasons for Science is a hands-on laboratory class.
Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority.
A signed lab safety contract and a score of 95% or better on the safety test are required to participate in labs.

3. General Safety Rules
Listen to or read instructions carefully before attempting to do anything.
Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.
Notify your teacher if any
accidents occur.

4. Always wash your hands with soap and water after working in the lab.
During lab work, keep your hands away from your face.
Tie back long hair.

5. Don’t wear loose, baggy clothes or open-toed shoes.
Keep your work area uncluttered.
Take to the lab station only what is
necessary.

6. Never put anything into your mouth during a lab experiment.
Clean up your lab area at the end of the laboratory period.
Never “horse around” or play practical jokes in the laboratory.

7. Glassware Safety
Chipped or cracked glassware should not be used. Show it to the teacher.
If a piece of glassware gets broken, do not try to clean it up by yourself. Notify the teacher.
Don’t put broken glass in the lab trashcan. There is a special glass disposal container for it.
Do not place hot glassware in water. Rapid cooling may make it shatter.

8. Chemical Safety
Wear protective goggles and a lab apron whenever using chemicals.
Never mix chemicals together unless you are told to do so.
Never taste any chemicals (you should never taste anything in the lab).
Do not put your nose over the container and inhale the fumes. If you need to smell a chemical, waft the fumes toward your nose with one hand.

9. Follow the instructions of your teacher when disposing of all chemicals.
Wash your hands after handling any chemicals.

10. Electrical Safety
Be sure your hands and your lab area are dry before using electrical equipment.
Never poke anything into electrical outlets.
Unplug cords by pulling the
plug and not the cord.
Unplug all electrical equipment
of the at the end of the lab period.

11. Heating Safety
Let burners and hotplates cool down before touching them.
Use tongs and/or protective
gloves to handle hot objects.
Never reach across an open
flame or burner.
Always point the top ends of test tubes that are being heated away from people.
Never leave a burner or hotplate unattended.

12. First Aid Injury: Burns
To Do: Immediately flush with cold water until burning sensation is lessened. Tell the teacher!

13. First Aid
Injury: Cuts
To Do: Pressing directly on minor cuts will stop bleeding in a few minutes.
When the bleeding stops clean the cut with soap and water and bandage.
Tell the teacher!

14. First Aid Injury: Fainting
To Do: Provide fresh air and have the person lay down so that their head is lower
than the rest of
their body.

15. First Aid Injury: The eyes
To Do: Flush eyes immediately with plenty of water for several minutes. If a foreign object is lodged in the eye, do not allow the eye to be rubbed.

16. First Aid
Injury: Poisoning
To Do: Tell the teacher immediately!!

17. First Aid Injury: Spills on the skin
To Do: Flush with large quantities of water. For acid spills, apply baking soda solution. For base spills, apply vinegar or boric acid.

18. First Aid Injury: Electrical shock
To Do: Shut off the current at the source. Remove wire with rubber gloves. Alert the teacher immediately.

19. You Should Never… Eat or drink in the lab
Use lab glass-ware to eat or drink out of

20. You Should Never… Engage in…. practical jokes horse play rough house

21. Remember to… Stay at your work station Maintain a clean work area
Read and follow all directions
Report any spills, accidents, or injury to the teacher immediately
Clean and put away all equipment at the end of the lab period
Dispose of waste products according to instruction

22. Any Questions? REMEMBER:
Carefully read through the entire safety contract and sign.
Have your parents read and sign your safety contract.
Study for the safety quiz later this week!