Laboratory Safety

Safety in the
First Classroom
For Students and Families
What does a SAFE scientist look like?
A student who is ready to be a scientist has...

● Hair pulled/pushed back.

● Proper attire covering skin.

● Closed-toe shoes are worn.

● Safety goggles on.

● Protective gloves on.

 Why do SAFE scientists need EYE PROTECTION?

● No/incorrect protective eyewear = risk of scientist’s sight

● Liquids + chemicals + objects = need for eye protection

● The ideal eye protection covers the front, sides, top, and bottom of the
scientists.
 EYE PROTECTION for Young Scientists

● Learning Resources, Inc. plastic goggles are suitable for students in K+.

● The goggles…

○ Cover all areas of the orbital region.

○ Are in compliance with the ANSI/ISEA regulation ANSI Z87.1.

○ Cost $4.45 each (to be provided by the school during lessons).

○ Can be purchased at the following link if desired:

https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/safety-goggles-22/s98484.
 Cleaning EYE PROTECTION for Young Scientists

● Goggle cleaning as determined by the ACS…

○ Use warm water and dishwashing detergent to clean all parts of the goggle.

○ Drying follows.

○ Prevents environmentally transmitted diseases.

How do we prepare for a SAFE science environment?
Our classroom is ready when...

● Unnecessary materials are put

away.

● Food and drinks are stored away

from the science area.

● Science materials are not being

played with.

● Music and other distractions are

off and away.

● All students look like safe scientists.

 What SAFETY EQUIPMENT is in our classroom?
We will take all precautions to keep our students safe.
We will have the following in our classroom:

● Goggles ● Fire blanket

● Lab aprons
● Gloves
● Hand-free eye-wash station
● Deluge safety shower
● Fire extinguisher
● Sand bucket
● Fire detection with pull station
● First-aid kit
● Spill control kit
● Chemical storage cabinet
● Laboratory chemical fume hood
● Broken glass and sharps containers
 CHEMICALS is in Our Classroom

● All chemicals will be stored and locked in a storage cabinet.

● Any chemicals to be used will be sorted and dispersed by the

teacher.

● Prior to use, students will review protocol for the usage of the
chemicals.

● In a science lab, even water is a chemical!

 What if there is an ACCIDENT in our classroom?
Our school has an Emergency Action Plan.

● Minor accident:

● General emergency:

● Clothing fire:

● Other sources of fire:

● Visible smoke, unknown source:

● Chemical spills and broken materials: or or

● Chemical accident involving a student: or or

 If there are LIVE ANIMALS in our classroom...

● The animals will be protected…

○ From pain, nutritional deficiencies, or exposure to parasites, hazardous

chemicals, radiation, or toxic conditions.

● Only healthy animals will be used.

● Long-term plans to be made for all animals used.

● Animals used in labs to be obtained by the teacher.

● Pets will not be allowed in the lab.

 If there are LIVE ANIMALS in our classroom...

● All equipment will be sterilized before and after use.

● Allergies to animals will be acknowledged.

● Acceptable and inappropriate behaviors will be discussed.

● Training on safety precautions for handling animals will take place.

● Experimental procedures will be defined and approved by the

teacher.

● All injuries will be reported immediately.

 If there are PRESERVED ANIMALS in our classroom...

● Animals preserved in chemicals may be used.

● All equipment will be sterilized before and after use.

● Allergies to animals will be acknowledged.

● Acceptable and inappropriate behaviors will be discussed.

● Training on safety precautions for handling animals will take place.

● Experimental procedures will be defined and approved by the

teacher.
 We can help each other follow the SAFETY CONTRACT!
Students: I pledge to... Families: I pledge to...

● LOOK like a safe scientist. ● SUPPORT my child’s science

education.
● BEHAVE like a safe scientist.
● PROTECT my child by helping them
● FOLLOW the rules like a safe dress like a safe scientist.
scientist.
● GUIDE my child by reinforcing safe
● REMIND others how to be safe science behaviors.
scientists.
● SHARE the excitement for my child’s
science education.

Students and families:

Please discuss the SAFETY CONTRACT worksheet, sign, and return to the teacher.
 References
McLeod, V. (2017, July 11). Handling and Storing Chemicals. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from
http://www.labmanager.com/lab-health-and-safety/2017/07/handling-and-storing-chemicals#.WoIvKWa-JPN

Stony Brook University. (n.d.). Eye Protection. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from
https://ehs.stonybrook.edu/programs/laboratory-safety/personal-protective-equipment/eye-protection

Stony Brook University. (n.d.). Appropriate Clothing in Laboratories. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from
https://ehs.stonybrook.edu//programs/laboratory-safety/personal-protective-equipment/appropriate-clothing-laboratories

American Chemical Society. (2009, June 1). Recommendations for Shared Goggle Cleaning. Retrieved from
https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/about/governance/committees/chemicalsafety/safetypractices/goggle-cleaning-pdf.pdf

Fisher Science. (n.d.). Safety Goggles. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/safety-goggles-22/s98484

Carolina. (n.d.). Recommended Safety and Emergency Equipment for the Laboratory. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from
https://www.carolina.com/teacher-resources/Interactive/recommended-safety-emergency-equipment-for-lab/tr11077.tr

Laboratory Emergency Procedures. (2009, August). Retrieved from http://www.mtu.edu/physics/research-facilities/safety/pdfs/emergency-procedures.pdf

The University of Western Australia. (n.d.). Laboratory emergency response procedures. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from
http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/incidents-injuries-emergency/procedures/lab#hazardous

Roy, K. (2004, June 30). Responsible Use of Live Animals in the Classroom. Retrieved February 12, 2018, from
http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/story.aspx?id=49473