The York School Science Safety Contract – Middle School 2023 - 2024
Science is all about doing practical investigations This work often involves the use of specialized equipment and chemicals that require particular care and treatment Our main priority in The York School Science Department is to ensure that students know how to conduct themselves during laboratory practical work to ensure their own safety as well as that of others in the lab.
The following guidelines are given to help students develop an understanding of safe laboratory practices. All students are required to follow these guidelines at all times before, during and after laboratory practical work or they will be denied access to future laboratory activities. Teachers will instruct students about these practices, and they will review specific aspects before each lab practical.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ASK YOUR TEACHER BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE ACTIVITY.
3 Never work alone in the laboratory No student may work in the science classroom without the presence of the teacher
4 When first entering a science room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so
5 Perform only those experiments authorized by your teacher Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral Unauthorized experiments are not allowed
6 Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages Middle School students will be conducting the majority of their scientific investigations in their homerooms During a scientific investigation your classroom will be considered a science lab Make sure to thoroughly disinfect your desk before and after the lab
7 Be prepared for your work in the laboratory Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory. Never fool around in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.
8. Always work in a well-ventilated area.
9. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. No backpacks, books or other items should be on the floor around the workstation. Make sure all areas are clean before you finish class.
10. If the lab requires: Lab partners must keep personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles and nitrile gloves, on throughout the lab. Students who need to leave the room during the lab (to use the washroom, etc.) should remove and dispose of their gloves before leaving, and put on a new pair of gloves when they return.
11. Lab work should be done individually if possible and follow all social distancing guidelines setup by The York School. In situations where you are working with a lab partner, allow for mandatory spacing between one another by performing different tasks. eg. if your partner is adding reactants to a flask, you can be timing, measuring the next reactant, performing calculations, etc. at a safe distance from your lab partner.
12. All shared equipment (Ie - scales) must be wiped down with disinfectant (provided) before and after each use.
13. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the teacher immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.
14 Dispose of all chemical waste properly Never mix chemicals in sink drains Check with your teacher for disposal of chemicals and solutions
15 Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use Set up and use the equipment as directed by your teacher
16 Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals or lab equipment Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments
17 Experiments must be personally monitored at all times Do not wander around the room, distract other students, startle other students or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others
18 Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including: first aid kit(s), and fire extinguisher Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located
19. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, and any electrical equipment turned off.
CLOTHING
20. For labs involving chemicals: Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory during practical activities. Teachers need to be advised if the student does wear contact lenses during practical activities.
a. Contact lenses are not recommended to be worn in the laboratory as certain chemical fumes or small particles may become lodged under the lens. Please be aware of the slight increase in the risk of eye damage for contact lens wearers as compared to students in similar situations without contact lenses. All students must wear safety goggles in certain activities, even if they wear contact lenses or prescription glasses.
21 Dress properly during a laboratory activity Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the laboratory Long hair must be tied back, and dangling jewelry and baggy clothing must be secured Shoes must be closed toe, completely covering the foot
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
22 Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc ) or injury (cut, burn, etc ) to the teacher immediately, no matter how trivial it seems Do not panic
23 If you or your lab partner is hurt, immediately get the teacher’s attention Do not panic
24 For labs involving chemicals: If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water for at least 20 minutes Immediately (and loudly) yell out the teacher's name to get the teacher's attention
Adapted from:
The Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO) with Flinn Scientific (2020) 2020-2021 COVID-19 Science Classroom Safety Guidelines Ontario
The Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO) (2017) Science Laboratory General Safety Practices Ontario Flinn Scientific Inc http://wwwflinnsci com/index html and Flinn Safety Pages
Denise Berry (2012) CDNIS Science Safety Contract
The York School Science Safety Contract Agreement
I, (student's name) have read and agree to follow all of the safety rules set forth in this contract I realize that these rules are set to ensure my own safety, and that of my fellow students and teachers I will cooperate with my instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe science lab environment I will also closely follow the oral and written instructions provided by the instructor I am aware that any violation of this safety contract that results in unsafe conduct in the laboratory or misbehavior on my part, may result in my being removed from the lab classroom, detention, receiving a failing grade, and/or further disciplinary action
Student signature
Date