Florence County School District Three

Elementary / Middle
Science Safety Plan
and
Procedures
2010-11

2010-2011
Science Contact Team
JCL-Gayle Williams
LCE-Melissa Allen
MSE-Amy Liebenrood
OES-Barbie Ward
SES-Tiffany Smith
JPTMS-Debbie Whittington
REMMS-Jean Gregg
LCHS-Cheri Turbeville
ACE-Gaylen Humphrey
Teacher Incentive Fund Coordinator Dr. Patricia Chandler
Senior Director of Curriculum & Instruction Barbara Woodbury

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Science Safety MUST be planned for BEFORE any hands-on science lessons take place in a classroom.
General Information
1. Determine your SCIENCE SAFETY PROCEDURES before students arrive on the first day of school.
KNOW what the procedures are ahead of time. Schools using AIMS Science materials, there is a Handson Safe Science poster with your notebook.
2. Identify students with medical and allergy problems for potential concerns.
3. Be sure there is adequate workspace before beginning the lesson. Allow for wheelchair accessibility, if
needed.
4. Plan Science Safety Lessons before beginning hands-on lessons.
5. Have students and parents sign Science Safety Contracts. Samples in Appendix.
6. Report any and all injuries and allergic reactions immediately to appropriate personnel.
7. KNOW where the closest fire alarm and fire extinguisher is located.
8. Follow all emergency plans, if necessary.
9. Be sure that EVERYONE wears protective equipment when investigations involving glass (not
recommended), heat, chemicals, projectiles, or dust-raising materials are conducted.
10. Be sure students understand that chemicals must NEVER be mixed just for fun or to see what might
happen; that they should never taste chemicals; and that they should always wash their hands after
working with chemicals.
11. Do not allow students to dispense chemicals or hot liquids.
12. There should be no eating or drinking during science investigations.
13. Do NOT store chemicals or biological specimens in the same refrigerator used for food and beverages.
14. Lock all chemicals in a cool, dry space.
15. Do NOT use mercury thermometers with elementary students.
16. Use only equipment that is in good working order. Inspect equipment before each use.
17. Have immediate access to a first aid kit for emergency treatment.
18. Tie back long hair.
19. Secure loose clothing and dangling jewelry.
20. Clothes should cover upper and lower body.
21. Wear only close-toed shoes during lab activities.
22. Hands should always be washed after every inquiry activity.
23. Discourage tasting and smelling. When smelling is required, students should waft vapors toward their
nose using their hand. They should never inhale the vapors directly.
Classroom Management
1. SUPERVISE students at all times.
2. Students must NEVER work in a science lab, or in a classroom, without a responsible adult.
3. Arrange your classroom to minimize any barriers for students during the lessons. No clutter should be in
this area.
4. POST and ENFORCE all safety procedures. You MODEL safety procedures at all times.
5. Know the safety hazards before starting an activity. Do a dry run without the students to identify
unforeseen hazards.
6. Discuss safety concerns before each lab activity and monitor for compliance.
7. Do not assign homework that requires students to perform hazardous experiments at home.
8. Pick up and transport a microscope with one hand under the base and one hand on the arm.
9. Maintain a clear view of students at all times.
10. Have an established procedure for student accident or injury.
11. Students should report all accidents to the teacher.
12. Check classroom/lab daily for safety hazards.
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13. Use only age-appropriate activities with students.

14. Limit the size of student groups to a number that can safely perform the activity without causing
confusion or accidents.
15. Have a goggle sanitation plan for goggles used by multiple classes.
Plant Safety
1. Know your plants. Never eat parts of unknown plant.
2. Wash your hands after handling plants.
3. Know your students with allergies.
4. Store fertilizer in locked cabinets. Wash hands well after using chemicals.
5. Beware of mushrooms and poison ivy, examine the site for poisonous plants.
6. Before using the outdoor as a learning lab,
Animal Safety
1. Teachers have the primary responsibility of caring for animals over the weekends and vacations.
2. The comfort of animals should be of prime concern.
3. Know your students with allergies.
4. Students should not stick fingers in cages.
5. Use heavy gloves when handling animals.
6. Wash hands after handling animals.
7. Purchase healthy animals from reliable sources.
Electrical Precautions
1. Be sure students understand they must NOT perform experiments with electrical current at school or at
home.
2. Make sure electrical cords are short and plugged in to the nearest socket.
3. Do NOT use extension cords and have long wires running along the floor.
4. Be sure cords are in good repair.
5. Be sure hands are dry before touch anything electrical; cords, switches, appliances, tools. Water is a
good conductor of electricity.
6. Use only three-prong (grounded) plugs. Cover outlets when not in use.
7. NEVER grasp any electrical device that was just turned off, it may be hot from use and result in a burn.
8. Wear appropriate safety equipment at all times.
Glassware Precautions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

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Substitute plastic for glass.

Students are NOT to clean up broken glass.
Keep a dustpan and broom available for broken glass.
Keep a separate container for broken glass.
Contact your custodial staff for proper cleaning and disposal.

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Chemical Precautions
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

8.
9.

Students are NOT allowed to bring in chemicals from home.

KNOW the district chemical hygiene plan.
Label all chemicals with respect to hazards and other needed information.
Be sure you have the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all chemicals
used and have placed a copy in the MSDS notebook in the school office. Be
sure to send Jay Alexander a copy of each MSDS sheet. Generic chemicals
and store bought substances must be listed on your chemical inventory. NO
student is allowed to bring in chemicals from home.
Store all chemicals in a cool, dry, locked space. Label and date the containers.
Never use unfamiliar chemicals without consulting MSDS sheets first.
Be sure to wear American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1
approved eye protective equipment (typically chemical splash safety
gogglestypes G, H, or K only), gloves, and aprons during all activities,
including demonstrations in which chemicals, glassware, potential projectiles,
or heat are used. If you do not have these items, do NOT do the activities.
Do not allow students to dispense chemicals.
Dispose of unwanted chemicals and materials according to state and local
regulations.

Read and discuss Practicing Safe Science in the Classroom, The Eyes Have It, Jan. 2003 http://www.alccollegedale.com/PDF/s01w_theeyeshaveit.pdf

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Florence School District Three

Training Documentation Form
The following employees have been identified as Science teachers who use science kits, provide hands-on
science instruction, and may have access to chemicals during science labs. As a result of this training, these
employees understand safety concerns, procedures, and are aware of chemical hazards in their work area. They
understand the procedures for chemical storage location, emergency clean-up procedures, science lab safety
procedures, and maintaining MSDS labels in the MSDS notebook in the office, as well as sending a copy to Jay
Alexander:
Type in teachers names, have them sign beside it once training has been completed, AND send copy of this
completed form to the Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

On this date, ___________________, employees of ____________________________________ received

Science Lab Safety training.

Science Safety School Trainer

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CHEMICALS CAN CAUSE INJURIES

WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES

HARMFUL

DANGEROUS

SUBSTANCE

FUMES

IF SWALLOWED

MISUSE

PROTECT BODY

CAN CAUSE

FROM

ACCIDENTS

HOT OBJECTS

PROTECT
CLOTHING

WASH HANDS
WITH
SOAP AND WATER

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POISONOUS

ENSURE

PLANTS OR

ANIMAL

THORNS

SAFETY

ELECTRICAL
SAFETY

WORK COOPERATIVELY

FIRE SAFETY:
OPEN
SHARP OBJECTS

FLAMES

IN USE

SPECIAL
DISPOSAL
INSTRUCTIONS

RECYCLE MATERIALS USED

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Florence District 3
Science
Grades Pre K-1
Safety Rules
1.

I will listen carefully.

2.

I will follow directions.

3.

I will wash my hands after science activities.

4.

I will keep myself and others safe.

Safety Contract
I will be a responsible scientist.

______________________ _______________
Students Signature
Date
______________________ _____________
Parents Signature
Date
______________________ _____________
Teachers Signature
Date

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Florence School District Three

Elementary Science Laboratory Safety Contract
I will act responsibly at all times in the classroom.
I will follow all instructions about laboratory procedures given by the teacher.
I will keep my science area clean.
I will wear my safety goggles at all times in the classroom and/or laboratory and protective clothing when
necessary.
I know where the fire extinguisher is located in the classroom and /or laboratory.
I will notify a teacher of any emergency.
I will never work in the science center alone.
I will never eat or drink in the laboratory unless instructed to do so by the teacher.
I will only handle living organisms or preserved specimens when authorized by the teacher.
I will not enter or work in the storage room unless supervised by a teacher.
I understand students will be removed from the science activity area by the teacher if:
a. their personal appearance or dress is such that they can cause injury to themselves or other students.
b. they are behaving in such a manner that they cause injury to themselves or other students.
c. they are not following the prescribed safety rules for the science activity area or the particular science activity
being conducted.
d. they are going beyond the limits of the science activity into areas that may lead to an unsafe situation.
e. they have not completed the pre-experiment activities that will allow them to work safely in the classroom.
******************************************************************************************
I, ________________________________have read each of the statements in the Science Laboratory Safety
Contract and understand these safety rules. I agree to abide by the safety regulations and any additional written
or verbal instructions provided by the school district or my teacher. Contact lenses are controversial in the
science laboratory. Some experts feel that they are an added risk if there is a chemical splashed in the eye. All
students must wear safety goggles to minimize the risk of accidents. As a parent, the decision is yours and your
eye care specialist.
My child (does, does not) wear contact lenses. (Please circle a response.)
I, ___________________________________, have read all of the rules. I have discussed them with my child
and feel that my child understands what they mean and the consequences for removal from class. I would like to
inform the school that my child has the following physical or medical situation that could affect their learning in
a science class. (Ex., specific allergies, etc).
1. _______________________________
2. ______________________________
3. _______________________________

_____________________________________
Student Name

_______________________________________
Parent Signature

_____________________________________
Home Phone

_______________________________________
Business Phone

____________________
Date

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Florence School District Three

Student Safety Contract/ Agreement
Class ____________________________ Students Name_________________________________
Teachers Name_________________________________
I WILL:
1. Follow all written and oral instructions given by the teacher.
2. Ask questions, or state concerns before beginning a lab procedure.
3. Behave in a manner that will ensure the health and safety of myself and others in the laboratory or
classroom at all times.
4. Use protective devices for my eyes, face, hands, body and clothing during laboratory activities.
5. Know the location and use of first aid and fire extinguishing equipment.
6. Refrain from eating, drinking, chewing gum or applying cosmetics in the laboratory.
7. 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 the 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.
Students signature _____________________________________ Date: _____________________
Parents signature ______________________________________ Date: ______________________
Teachers signature _____________________________________ Date:______________________
Please list any known allergies or health problems: (If additional space is needed, please use the
back of this sheet.):

Do you wear contact lenses? NO YES (If yes, please complete the section below.)
Contact lenses are not recommended to be worn in the laboratory as certain chemical fumes or small
particles may become lodged under the lens. Please be aware of the slight increase in the risk of eye
damage for contact lens wearers as compared to students in similar situations without contact lenses.
All students must wear safety goggles in certain activities, even if they wear contact lenses or
prescription glasses.
Please check the appropriate choice below and sign. Whatever your decision should be, it is up to
your son/daughter to follow your choice.
1. My son/daughter, will wear contact lenses under goggles during labs. ___________
2. My son/daughter, will remove contact lenses prior to lab and will wear glasses under goggles
___________

Parent/ Guardian Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _______________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _______________
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Florence School District Three

SCIENCE SAFETY CONTRACT
STUDENT GENERAL BEHAVIOR, WORK HABITS, SAFETY WEAR

I WILL:
1. Follow the teachers directions and make sure I understand what to do. If I do not understand what to do
I will ASK my teacher questions until I do understand.
2. Wear safety equipment as directed by the teacher.
3. Mix materials only when directed by the teacher.
4. Only taste, drink, or eat during a science lesson when I am directed by the teacher.
5. Wash my hands before I touch my face, mouth, eyes, and other parts of my body, or clothing after I have
worked on a science activity.
6. Be careful of loose clothing, long hair, and jewelry when doing science activities.
7. Notify my teacher if I spill or break something so he/she can direct the cleanup.
8. Only dump things in the sink with my teachers permission
STUDENT AND TEACHER SAFETY CHECKLIST
My teacher has told me about and I understand how to use the following safety items in my classroom.
Safety Rules __________

Safety Equipment
Fire extinguisher
Fire blanket
Goggles
Eye wash

__________
__________
__________
__________

Heat Sources used in class

(List)_________________________

__________

_____________________________

__________

_____________________________

__________

Electrical Equipment

__________

Telephone or Call Button __________

What to do:
During a fire _________
During a chemical splash on the body _________
When disposing of chemicals
_________
When performing experiments
_________
Following a chemical spill
_________

When using chemicals

_________

During an accident
_________
During an eye emergency ________
During an electrical emergency _________

Students signature________________________________________ Date___________

(I have reviewed this Safety Form with my teacher and my parent/guardian.)
Parents signature__________________________________________ Date__________
(I have reviewed this Safety Form with my child.)
Teachers signature_________________________________________ Date__________
(I have reviewed this Safety Form with my students.)

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Florence School District Three

ELEMENTARY SCIENCE SAFETY CONTRACT K-3
I WILL:
1. Follow all directions given by the teacher.
2. Wear safety goggles whenever the teacher directs.
3. Conduct myself in a respectful manner at all times when doing science.
4. Handle animals respectfully.
5. Always wash my hands after handling animals and chemicals.
6. Immediately report any injury or spill to the teacher.
7. Use proper techniques and be careful with equipment and sharp instruments.
I have read, understand, and agree to follow all these safety procedures.

______________________________________ ____________ __________

Student Signature
Date
Grade Level

______________________________________ ____________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Please indicate if your child has any allergies or other medical conditions of which the teacher
should be aware.
Allergies______________________________________________________
Other_________________________________________________________

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SCIENCE SAFETY CONTRACT

Science is an active, hands-on class. We will be doing many activities that require the use of sensitive equipment and potentially
harmful materials if used incorrectly. Safety is the # 1 priority in our classroom. To ensure a safe learning environment, all students
will be instructed in science classroom safety and this contract will be kept in the student agenda as a reminder of safe classroom
practices. A copy of the student/parent/guardian safety contract will be made and filed at school.

I will act responsibly at all times in the classroom.

I understand that horseplay, jokes, and pranks are not appropriate in a science classroom.
I will follow all instructions, written and verbal, about the laboratory procedures given by the teacher.
I will not touch any equipment or supplies until instructed to do so by the teacher.
I will perform only those activities that have been authorized by the teacher.
I will never do anything that is not called for by the procedure.
I understand that unauthorized experiments are forbidden.
I will keep my table and the area around it clean and neat.
I will wear safety goggles whenever we are working with chemicals or heat.
I will immediately notify the teacher of any emergency.
I will tie back long hair, baggy clothes, and dangling jewelry while doing science activities.
I know whom to contact for help in case of an emergency.
I will not take anything out of the classroom without permission from the teacher.
I will never eat, drink, or chew gum in the classroom unless instructed to do so by the teacher.
I will not use classroom equipment as containers for food or drink.
I will only handle living organisms when authorized to do so by the teacher.
I will ask the teacher for help if I do not understand how to use a piece of equipment.
I will never taste chemicals or substances during an experiment.
I will never mix ingredients unless instructed by my teacher.
I will wash my hands at the end of an experiment.
I will wear proper eye protection devices while engaged in participation or observation of science activities
involving potential hazards to the eye.

I understand and agree to follow all of the safety rules in this contract. I understand that I must obey these rules to make sure that my
fellow students, my teacher, and I work and learn in a safe environment. I will cooperate completely with my teacher and fellow
students to maintain a safe environment. I will also closely follow the oral and written instructions provided by the instructor. I am
aware that any violation of this safety contract that results in unsafe conduct in the classroom or misbehavior on my part will result in
being removed from the classroom, or other appropriate measures to maintain safety.
Student Signature: _________________________________________________

Date: ________________________

Dear Parent or Guardian:

We feel that you should be informed regarding the schools effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom environment. You
should be aware of the safety instructions your child will receive before participating in any work. Please read the list of safety rules
above. Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this Student Safety Contract, are aware of the measures taken to
insure the safety of your child in the science classroom, and will instruct your child to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules
and procedures in the classroom. If your child repeatedly refuses to follow the science safety rules and procedures, he/she will be
excluded from participation in the science experiments. Your childs grade will be reduced as determined by the teacher.
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________________

Date: ________________________

In case of accident or emergency contact:

Name: _____________________________________________________

Phone #___________________________

Name: _____________________________________________________

Phone #___________________________

Please list any known allergies or health problems:

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Florence School District Three

REQUEST FOR ATTENTION TO SAFETY CONCERNS
The following is a safety concern in the science area: (please explain in as much detail as
possible and write legibly)
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
CONCERN:

SOLUTION:

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This information taken from http://www.kdhnie.com/pdf/scitec.pdf .

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Other resources:
http://www.csss-science.org/downloads/scisaf_cal.pdf - safety calendar-Run a copy for each teacher.
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/quizzes28/mpoarch/SafetyQuiz.html - safety quiz
http://www.tvgreen.com/Forms/safettest.htm - safety quiz
Science Safety Quiz safety quiz
http://www.sciencesafetyconsulting.com/pdf/K5Activities.pdf - Lab safety practice drills/activities
http://www.educationalrap.com/song/lab-safety.html - safety rap
http://ims.ode.state.oh.us/ODE/IMS/Lessons/Content/CSC_LP_S05_BC_L03_I04_01.pdf - science is
elementary grade 3 safety lesson

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