1. Safety in Elementary Science

2. “….for students to truly understand the nature of science, they need
regular opportunities to manipulate equipment and to think like
a scientist.”
“Inquiry opens their minds…guide their journey safely”
Charles A. Dana Center – Safety Standards

3. Why is Lab Safety Important?
Lab safety is a major aspect of every lab based science class.
Lab safety rules and symbols are needed so that students do not injure themselves or their classmates.

4. Lab Safety Rules
Always follow the teacher’s directions and only do lab work when a teacher is present.
Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times. No Horseplay!
Do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials until told to do so.
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.

5. Never Eat or Drink in the Science Lab!

6. Lab Safety Equipment
Safety Shower
Eye Wash
Safety Goggles

7. Eye Protection
Safety goggles should be worn when using chemicals or when pointed objects or tools are being used.
Safety goggles can be used by more than one person if sterilized between uses. Goggle sanitizers are used for this purpose.

8. Lab Safety Equipment
Fire
Extinguisher
Fume Hood
Fire Blanket

9. 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.
Elementary students should only observe teacher demonstration of fire use.

10. Science Lab Safety Features
Fire
Extinguisher

11. 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!

12. Lab Safety Symbols Glassware Heat Eye and Face Sharps Electrical
Animal
Chemical
Fire

13. Other Chemical Hazards and Symbols
Flammable
Explosive
Toxic/Poison
Irritant
Corrosive
Environmental

14. Chemical Hazard Symbols and Definitions
Flammable – Any substance that will burn if exposed to an open flame.
Explosive – A substance that may explode if exposed to heat or flame.

15. Chemical Hazard Symbols and Definitions
Toxic/Poison – A substance that can lead to death if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed by the skin.
Corrosive – A substance that can destroy or burn living tissue and can eat away at other materials.

16. Chemical Hazard Symbols and Definitions
Irritant - A substance that causes inflammation upon contact with skin or mucous membranes.
Environmental - Substances that are harmful to the environment. They must be disposed of properly, not washed down the drain.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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.

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

23. What’s Wrong With This Picture?

24. Do your part to keep science safe!
Remember…
Do your part to keep science safe!

25. 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.

26. 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

27. 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
Means chemists are working here.
True False
9. and 10 Write down two things that are wrong in the picture on the next page.

29. Sources
Turner, B. and K.K.Shamsid-Dean Good, Messy, Frothing Fun. Teaching Problem-Based Lab Safety. Science Scope. April/May:
Curan, David Chemical Safety Symbols Explained. Accessed 2005 June 19.
Free Weird Science Clipart. Accessed 2005 June 18.
2001 Science Education Centre. Making School Laboratories a Safe Place, Educators Guide. Accessed 2005 June19.
2004 March. Laboratory Safety Symbols. Accessed 2005 June 19.
Safety Signs and Symbols
2004 Environmental Defense and GetActive Software. Scorecard, The Pollution Information Site. Accessed 2005 June26.