Greensboro Day School Upper School Science Department

Makers Club Safety Agreement

While in the Science labs, it is paramount that all club members understand potentially dangerous equipment or situations, some of which are unique to these rooms and the activities conducted in them. Read and follow the following rules. If any of these guidelines are unclear to you, ask Mr. Regester for clarification.

General Lab Rules  Never work in the lab/shop unless supervised by a Mr. Regester.  No “horsing around.” No swordfights with the metersticks.  Wear safety goggles if working with power tools, projectiles, glassware, flames or hot liquids.  Use equipment only as directed in the project instructions or by Mr. Regester. Experimentation and innovation is welcomed, but if you want to try a different procedure, check with the Mr. Regester first.  Report any equipment that isn’t working properly.  Report any accidents, even minor ones, immediately.  Know the locations of the fire extinguishers. There’s one in the prep room between the two Physics labs, and also one in the hallway at the corner. Do not hesitate to use one if the need arises.  The physics labs do not have fume hoods. Any task that releases dangerous fumes must be performed outside the building, or in a fume hood in one of the chemistry labs. This includes spray painting, brush painting with organic solvents, and the use of certain glues (e.g. PVC cement).  When using a knife, screwdriver, soldering iron or any other hand tool, do not push or pull towards you or any body part such that, if the tool slips, you would be cut, impaled, burned, mangled or bludgeoned.  If you see any dangerous situation, warn others immediately and notify a teacher.

Special Rules Regarding Power Tools  No students are permitted to use power tools without a Mr. Regester in the room supervising. These tools include the drill, the drill press, band saw, circular saw, table saw, scroll saw and power sander.  No student should operate any power tool until after they have received instruction in its use by the Mr. Regester. If you are uncomfortable using a tool, let the teacher know so your concerns can be addressed and special attention or instruction given.  Eye protection (goggles) must be worn whenever operating any power tools, or when standing near power tools being operated by others.  When not in use, there should be locks on the electric plugs of the power tools. If you notice that a lock is not in place, let the Mr. Regester know.  Loose-fitting clothing, jewelry, or other articles which could potentially become entangled in machinery are prohibited near the power tools. This means: no ties, no long necklaces or loose bracelets, no hooded sweatshirt, no pullstrings. Long hair must be pulled back and secured in a ponytail.  Do not distract anyone operating power tools. Be careful not to startle anyone operating a tool, even inadvertently.  Operation of the power sander can produce copious airborne dust. Use a dust mask. For large jobs, take the sander outside for use.

I have read and understood the above rules, and pledge to abide by them.

______student signature date

I have read and agree with the above rules, which are a condition for participation in this club.

______parent signature date