Science Lab Safety Reinforcement Agreement

Any type of science experimentation involves potential hazards, and unforeseen risks may exist. The need to prevent injuries and accidents cannot be overemphasized!

Use of this lab manual and any LabPaqs are expressly conditioned upon your agreement to follow all safety precautions and accept full responsibility for your actions.

Study the safety section of this lab manual until you can honestly state the following:

Before beginning an experiment I will first read all directions and then assemble and organize all required equipment and supplies.

I will select a work area that is inaccessible to children and pets while experiments are in progress. I will not leave experiments unattended, and I will not leave my work area while a chemical equipment is set up unless the room is locked.

To avoid the potential for accidents, I will clear my home laboratory workspace of all non-laboratory items before setting up equipment and supplies for my experiments.

I will never attempt an experiment until I fully understand it. If in doubt about any part of an experiment, I will first speak with my instructor before proceeding.

I will wear safety goggles when working with chemicals or items that can get in my eyes

I know that except for water, most solvents, such as toluene, alcohols, acetone, ethers, and ethyl acetate are highly flammable and should never be used near an open flame.

I know that the heat created when water is added to concentrated acids is sufficient to cause spattering. When preparing dilute acid solutions, I will always add the acid to the water – rather than the water to the acid – while slowly stirring the mixture.

I know it is wise to wear rubber gloves and goggles when handling acids and other dangerous chemicals; I should neutralize acid spills with sodium bicarbonate; and I should wash acid spilled on skin or clothes immediately with plenty of cold water.

I know that many chemicals produce toxic fumes, and cautious procedures should be used when smelling any chemical. When I wish to smell a chemical, I will never hold it directly under my nose, but will use my hand to waft vapors toward my nose.

I will always handle glassware with respect and promptly replace any defective glassware. Even a small crack can cause glass to break, especially when heated. To avoid cuts and injuries, I will immediately dispose of any broken glassware.

I will avoid burns by testing glass and metal objects for heat before handling. I know that the preferred first aid for burns is to immediately hold the burned area under cold water for several minutes.

I know that serious accidents can occur when wrong chemicals are used in an experiment. I will always read labels before removing chemicals from their containers.

I will avoid the possibility of contamination and accidents by never returning an unused chemical to its original container. To avoid waste I will try to pour only the approximate amount of chemicals required.

I know to immediately flush any chemical spill on the skin with cold water and consult a doctor if required.

To protect myself from potential hazards, I will wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and enclosed shoes when performing experiments. I will tie up any loose hair, clothing, or other materials as well.