North Haven Public Schools

Chemical Hygiene Plan2016-2017

Appendix H

Office of the Science Coordinator

LABORATORY PROCEDURES AND GENERAL SAFETY RULES IN AN ACTIVITY ORIENTED SCIENCE PROGRAM (Based on recommendations found in School Laboratory SafetyGuide, Department of Health and Human Services, 2006.)

SAFETY FOR STUDENTS

INTRODUCTION

Planning, preparation and implementation of safety laws and regulations in the science classroom and laboratory are the responsibility of the school administrators, teachers and students. A positive student attitude toward safety is imperative.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Know the location of the exits in the laboratory and the building.
Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, eye washes and overhead safety showers and alarm systems with pull stations.
In case of an emergency or accident, know and follow the established emergency procedures.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Do not engage in practical jokes or behavior that would risk injury to you or others.
Respect laboratory space, equipment and the work of others.
Do not sit on laboratory tables, counters or sinks.
Visually check to see gas valves and faucets are turned off when not in use.
Use materials and equipment in the correct way, as instructed by your teacher.
The performance of unauthorized experiments is forbidden.

APPAREL

Always wear appropriate protective gear, as instructed.
Remove protective gear and return to proper storage location before exiting the laboratory.
Wear shoes that adequately cover the feet.
Wear clothing that adequately covers the torso.
Secure long hair and loose clothing or jewelry.

HYGIENE

Food or drink, open or closed, should not be brought into the laboratory unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.
Do not apply cosmetics or fragrances while in the laboratory.
Keep your hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth while using chemicals.
Wash hands thoroughly at the conclusion of each lab.
Notify your teacher of any sensitivity you may have to particular materials.
Notify your teacher if you wear contact lenses.

GENERAL WORK PROCEDURES

Know the Safety for Students contract.
Never block access to exits or emergency equipment.
Report all spills, accidents, or injuries to an adult immediately.
Visually check to see that gas valves and faucets are turned off upon arrival to and dismissal from class.
Always prepare for an experiment by reading the directions completely before beginning to work. Follow directions carefully and intelligently, noting all precautions. Do not add to, omit or change directions, unless your instructor directs you to do so.
Never work in the laboratory without supervision.
Make certain no flammable materials are in the surrounding area when lighting a flame.
Do not leave a Bunsen burner or hot plate unattended. Be careful when handling hot glassware and apparatus in the laboratory. Hot materials may look the same as cool materials. Identify materials with the potential to be hot, as needed.
Turn off and unplug all heating or electrical apparatus after use.
Turn off all gas valves and water faucets after use.
Visually check to see that gas valves and faucets are turned off upon arrival to and dismissal from class.

CHEMICAL HANDLING

Check labels multiple times to verify you are using the correct substance. Do not use chemicals in unlabeled containers.
Do not use or mix chemicals not called for in the laboratory activity.
Hold containers away from the body when opening or transferring chemicals.
Never directly touch, taste or smell (review wafting) reagents. Always use the proper utensil to remove a reagent from a container.
Never use a metal spatula when working with peroxides. Metals will react with peroxides.
Never return unused chemicals to stock bottles. Do not put any object in a reagent bottle except the one with which it may be equipped.
Use a hot water bath to heat flammable liquids.
Add concentrated acid to water slowly. Never add water to a concentrated acid.
Use the laboratory chemical hood, if available, when there is a possibility of release of toxic materials. When using the hood, the sash opening should be kept to a minimum.
Clean up spills properly and promptly as instructed.
Dispose of or return all materials as instructed.

HOUSEKEEPING

Coats, bags, and other personal items must be stored in designated areas.
Keep work area neat and free from unnecessary objects.
Inspect all equipment for defects prior to use; do not use damaged equipment.
Thoroughly clean your laboratory workspace at the end of the session.
Dispose of broken glassware in designated containers.
Dispose of waste as instructed.
Do not block sink drains with debris.

State Statute:

“Any person who is working, teaching, observing, supervising, assisting or engaging in any work, activity or study in a public elementary or secondary school or workshop.. where protective devices can reduce the risk of injury to the eyes..shall wear an eye protective device..in the manner in which such device was intended to be worn.” (CGS 10-214a). When in doubt, wear goggles.

Science Department Policy

A positive student attitude toward safety is imperative. Any student in violation of any part of the Safety for Students contract can be directed to leave the laboratory. Persistent offenders can incur progressive disciplinary actions up to and including removal from the course.

Please read and discuss this policy with your parent/guardian. The form below must be completed and signed and returned to your science instructor before you can actively participate in laboratory work. BOE approval June 2007

TO BE RETURNED TO TEACHER:

We have read and discussed the Safety for Students contract and agree to comply with Science Department Policy.

Printed Name of Student______Date______

Signature of Student______

Signature of Parent/Guardian______

Signature of Instructor(s)______

Course(s)______