Student Lab Safety Agreement

Sinagua Middle School Science 8

Purpose:
The 8th Grade Science curriculum at Sinagua Middle School is a hands-on laboratory experience. You (the
student) will be doing many experiments and lab activities involving the use of potentially hazardous materials.
Safety in the science classroom is the number one priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe
science classroom, a set of rules has been developed and is called the Lab Safety Agreement. These rules must
be followed at all times. Additional safety instructions will be given for each activity. We ask that you and your
parent/guardian read these rules carefully and sign the agreement to abide by these rules at all times in any
science classroom. Without this signed agreement, you will not be allowed to participate in laboratory
activities and will lose credit for these activities.

Safety Rules:
1. Perform only authorized and supervised experiments.
2. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the classroom.
3. Read the procedure ahead of time; ask questions if you are unclear about anything.
4. Know the locations of all safety equipment and how to utilize this equipment. These include, but are not
limited to, the fire extinguisher, safety shower, fire blanket, eyewash station, first-aid-kit, fire alarm and
exits.
5. Wait to touch the materials until after all instructions have been given.
6. Chemicals or laboratory consumables can easily get into food or drink that is brought into the lab,
therefore it is important that NO FOOD OR DRINK BE BROUGHT INTO OR CONSUMED IN THE
LABORATORY AREA (this includes bottled water and chewing gum).
7. Do not engage in horseplay such as tickling, throwing objects, squirting water, etc. Some of the most
serious lab accidents have resulted due to this type of behavior. Misbehavior such as horseplay could
result in your dismissal from the classroom and you may not be allowed to participate in future labs and
activities.
8. Keep the aisles and work areas free from clutter; put your book bags and other material away or in the
classroom area.
9. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals in sink drains. Sinks are to be used only
for water and those solutions designated by the instructor.
10. Never taste or directly inhale chemicals or lab equipment.
11. Stay out of the storage rooms unless granted special permission by the instructor.
12. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments. Clean, rinse, and wipe dry all
work surfaces (including the sink) and apparatus at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment
clean and in working order to the proper area.
13. Do not leave a laboratory experiment unattended (especially those involving heating or chemical
reactions). For example, when using a hot plate, all members of the group should remain with the
experiment even if the bell rings signifying a break.
14. Report an accident or spill to the instructor. If it was an accident, there will be no repercussions.
15. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Inform the teacher glass has been broken and they will
take care of it.
 16. Any time chemicals, heat or glassware are used, students will wear laboratory goggles. There will be no
exceptions to this rule!
17. 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 loose or baggy
clothing must be secured. Shoes should completely cover the foot.
18. If your skin comes into contact with a corrosive chemical, wash it with water for at least 15 minutes.
19. If a chemical gets in your eye, use the eyewash station for at least 15 minutes.
20. Personal electronic devices (cell phones, MP3 players, ear buds, etc.) will NOT be allowed in lab.
21. Remember, hot glass and metal look exactly the same as cool glass and metal. Determine if an object is
hot by bringing the back of your hand close to it prior to grasping it.
22. Never look into a container that is being heated.
23. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water; it may shatter.
24. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped or cracked glassware.
25. Do not let the potential hazards listed above make you afraid to participate in the lab. If instructions are
followed and care is taken, the likelihood of an accident is greatly reduced. Labs are usually the most
fun-filled part of any science course.

See Page 3 for Lab Safety Agreement

After reading the Student Lab Safety Agreement, please complete the questions below and sign this
agreement.

QUESTIONS
1. Do you wear contact lenses? □ YES □ NO
2. Are you color blind? □ YES □ NO
3. Do you have any allergies? □ YES □ NO
If YES, list specific allergies:

STUDENT AGREEMENT

I, ________________________________ (student’s name) have read and agree to follow all of the safety
rules set forth in the Student Lab Safety Agreement. I realize that I must obey these rules to insure my own
safety, and that of my fellow students and instructors. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my
instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe lab environment. I will also closely follow any oral and
written instructions additionally provided by the instructor as part of a specific activity. 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 being removed from the laboratory, detention, and/or receiving a failing grade
for the lab.

____________________________________
Student signature

____________________________________
Date

I, as the care taker of the student listed above, have read and agree to the safety rules set forth for my child
in the Lab Safety Agreement. I understand that any violation of these safety rules that results in unsafe
conduct in the laboratory or misbehavior, may result in my child being removed from the laboratory,
detention, and/or receiving a failing grade for the lab.

____________________________________
Parent signature

____________________________________
Date

Please check one:

• Yes, I would like you to contact me if my child is misbehaving or violating any of the safety rules
within the laboratory setting.

Phone number: ________________________ Preferred email:__________________________________

• No, you do not need to contact me if my child is misbehaving or violating any of these safety rules
within the laboratory setting. Please handle the situation following the proper protocol set in place by
the school.