You may not perform laboratory work without the direct supervision of the teacher. Under no circumstances will you be allowed to work in the laboratory alone

You will be instructed at the beginning of each laboratory as to the potential dangers that may be encountered and the proper precautions that are required to eliminate or reduce such hazards.

You will become familiar with the instructions of laboratory procedure prior to the initiation of any related activity. Read all directions for the experiment at least two times. Ask questions if you don’t understand any part of the directions. No changes from the instructions will be allowed without permission from the teacher or instructor.

Never perform any activity that is not authorized or supervised by the teacher or instructor.

Do not operate equipment (i.e. Bunsen burner or centrifuge) without operating instructions or specific permission from the teacher or instructor. 

No eating, drinking or applications of cosmetics is allowed in the laboratory.

Always wash hands with soap and water after handling chemicals, plants, animals, or dissection tools.

Careless behavior in a laboratory can cause accidents. Horseplay, teasing, loud talking or tossing objects are not allowed in a laboratory.

All personal possessions such as books, coats, and papers not related to the procedure should not be brought into the laboratory work area.

You will be made aware of the use and location of all safety equipment (i.e. goggles, gloves, apron, fume hood, eyewash, etc.)

Never reach over a Bunsen burner, chemical reagents or other laboratory equipment.

At the completion of the laboratory period or when an experiment is complete, return all equipment to proper storage and clean the work area. All materials to be discarded must be placed in the appropriate trash receptacle.

Goggles must be worn any time the student is working with glassware, organic specimens or chemical reagents.

Unbound long hair should be held back in the laboratory.

Dangling jewelry and trailing sleeves (and other forms of loose clothing) are considered to be potential safety hazards and should not be worn during laboratory exercises.

Students must know and follow the science safety rules and sign the science safety agreement before participating in any science labs. Parents must read and sign the science safety agreement acknowledging the need for their child to follow the safety rules and procedures as set out by the contract.

Both parents and students acknowledge that if the student and/or parent refuses to sign the science safety agreement or the student subsequently repeatedly refuses to follow the science safety rules and procedures, the student will be banned from participation in the science labs. The parents and students acknowledge that lack of participation in the assigned science labs will reduce the student’s grade as determined by the teacher. Without laboratory participation, they may be ineligible to take the regents examination.

        Follow all written and oral instructions given by the teacher.

Ask questions, or state concerns before beginning a lab procedure.

Behave in a manner that will ensure the health and safety of myself and others in the laboratory or classroom at all times.

Use appropriate protective devices for my eyes, face, hands, body and clothing during laboratory activities.

Know the location and use of first aid and fire extinguishing equipment.

Refrain from eating, drinking, chewing gum or applying cosmetics in the laboratory.

Keep my work area clean and free of clutter during lab class.

I understand and realize that many accidents are caused by carelessness and being in a hurry. I will come to class prepared to be responsible so that safety and welfare of myself and others is not jeopardized.

I have read the set of written science safety rules prepared by my teacher and agree to follow these and any other rules.

In case of accident or emergency contact:

Name:__________________________ Phone #________________________

Please list any known allergies or health problems._______________________

(If additional space is need, please use the back of this sheet.)

Please be advised that there is a slight increase in the risk of eye damage when contact lenses are worn. To reduce this risk, as well as others, we require all students to wear goggles during procedures which involve the use of chemical dissection or projectiles. Unless you give your permission by signing below your child will not be permitted to wear contact lenses during laboratory science classes.

I ___________________________(Parent/Guardian) have read the foregoing and give permission for __________________(Student) to wear contact lenses (with goggles) during science labs.

Students will be given a Safety Quiz before being allowed to participate in laboratory activities.  No one will be allowed to conduct experiments until they receive 100% on this quiz.  (There is no room for error in this!)

                 Science Laboratory Safety Symbols