Science Laboratory Safety Contract for Students - Faculty & Staff ...

2010
Science Laboratory Safety Contract for Students
Universal Science Laboratory Agreement for
Georgia Perimeter College
Science Lab course number Semester and year Campus
Instructor Meeting Day/Time Room number
Students will not be permitted to remain in the science laboratory or ISCI classroom without completing and signing this
document.
Student Name (printed): ________________________________ GPC Student ID number: ______________________
I acknowledge and agree to all of the following:
I have received a printed copy, or the address of an electronic copy, of the Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines.
I have read carefully and understand all of the Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines provided to me.
I understand that I am responsible for following the Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines at all times.
I understand that my safety and the safety of my classmates depend on my actions in the science laboratory.
I understand that failure to follow these Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines could result in a serious accident or injury.
I understand that students who do not follow the Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines may be asked to leave the
laboratory and will receive no credit for the missed exercise or assignment. Multiple violations of the Science Laboratory
Safety Guidelines could result in disciplinary sanctions, which can include expulsion.
I am aware that science laboratories contain materials which, if handled improperly, may be hazardous, particularly for
students with chronic medical issues or students who are pregnant or nursing. I will consult my physician or health care
provider about potential risks associated with the laboratory if I have a medical issue or concern. I understand that if I wish
to withdraw from the laboratory after consultation with my physician or health care provider, I will need to submit a letter
from the physician or health care provider within the first two weeks of class indicating that I should not continue in the
laboratory due to a health risk. I understand that I assume all liability if I decide to remain in the laboratory portion of the
course.
I agree to indemnify and hold Georgia Perimeter College, its employees and agents harmless from any and all actions or
claims arising as a result of participation in science laboratory activities. I also understand that any activity involves some
element of risk for which the College is not responsible.
Signature ____________________________________ Date _________________
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Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines
General Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines (applicable to all Science laboratories)
1. Be familiar with and follow these Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines.
2. Prepare before you come to lab. Read your laboratory manual or other assigned readings and instructions carefully
before lab. Pay close attention to any safety concerns.
3. Listen carefully to instructions given before, during and after the lab.
4. Come to the laboratory prepared to perform laboratory experiments or activities. Obtain and bring all personal
protective equipment required by the instructor or by laboratory guidelines. This may include gloves, goggles,
laboratory coats, aprons, etc. You are responsible for inspecting your personal safety equipment for leaks, tears or
damage, and replacing it as necessary to avoid accident or personal injury.
5. Come to the laboratory dressed appropriately for all possible safety hazards. This includes the following:
a. Closed-toed shoes must be worn in all science laboratories. Open-toed shoes, shoes with holes or openings on
the foot, sandals, flip flops, ballet slippers, flats which expose the top of the foot, high heels, and platform
shoes shall not be worn to the science laboratory. Laboratory activities may expose you to hazardous
chemicals, heated, or heavy items that may injure the feet if spilled or dropped. Shoes should be made of an
impermeable material such as leather. Cloth shoes which may permit hazardous chemicals to penetrate.
b. Avoid exposed skin in science laboratories. Shorts, skirts which expose the legs, pants with holes, exposed
midriffs, and cleavage or plunging necklines are not appropriate for a science laboratory. Painful burns and
disfiguring scars may result from exposure of bare skin to chemicals. Long pants and long sleeves are
recommended. Tights and panty hose are not adequate leg covering. Laboratory coats or aprons are strongly
encouraged.
c. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, flowing sleeves, dangling scarves or jewelry, heavy coats, or jackets in the
laboratory. Loose fitting clothing or dangling scarves or jewelry can get caught on equipment or get into
flames or chemicals.
d. Pull back or otherwise secure long hair, headscarves, hijabs, and other loose clothing. As an option, personal
protective devices, such as personal face veils and masks may be used.
e. Use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as goggles or gloves, when working with chemicals,
small particles or projectiles, flames or sources of heat, or as directed by your instructor.
f. If “loaner” goggles are used, they should be sanitized between uses.
6. In case of medical emergency, students should carry a wallet card with emergency contacts, and medical information
including allergies, medical conditions, medications, physician’s name and phone number, and health insurance
information.
7. Do not bring food or drink into any laboratory unless it is to be used as part of a laboratory experiment.
8. Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or apply cosmetics (including hand lotion and lip balm) in any laboratory room
where hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials, or biohazards are used or stored. Do not taste or put anything into
the mouth in the laboratory.
9. Keep hands, writing instruments, and laboratory materials away from face and mouth.
10. Georgia Perimeter College prohibits student use of cell phones, pagers, or similar communication devices in
classrooms, laboratory areas, libraries, and Learning and Tutoring Centers. Exceptions to this policy, due to special
circumstances, shall be at the discretion of the Laboratory Supervisor in the individual area.
11. Students are not permitted in the laboratory without the supervision of an instructor at any time. Please wait outside
the room until your instructor arrives. Only students officially enrolled in the course may be present in the laboratory
except for brief tours/visits with the Laboratory Supervisor or instructor present.
12. Students are not permitted in the laboratory prep rooms or chemical storage areas at any time.
13. Students should be aware that science laboratories contain materials which, if handled improperly, may be hazardous.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which describe hazards associated with the chemicals used in the science
laboratory, are available from the instructor or Laboratory Supervisor. Students are free to examine MSDS, but may
not remove them from the laboratory. MSDS are also available online. http://www.usg.edu/ehs/library/msds.phtml.
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14. For your protection, bandage all exposed cuts before dissecting or using chemicals.
15. All body fluids are considered to be potential biological hazards. If a body fluid is present in lab due to injury, accident, or as
part of an experiment, personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles must be used when handling or cleaning
up potentially hazardous biological material.
16. Students who have, or who develop, chronic medical issues such as (but not limited to) hypoglycemia, diabetes,
epilepsy, heart ailments, any other medical condition which may cause sudden loss of consciousness, and students who
are pregnant or nursing, should consult with their physicians or health care providers as soon as possible about
potential risks associated with participation in a science laboratory. Such students assume all liability if they decide to
remain in the laboratory portion of the class. A student who wishes to withdraw from a laboratory after consultation
with his/her physician or health care provider should submit a letter from the physician or health care provider
indicating that the student should not continue in the laboratory due to a health risk.
17. IMMEDIATELY notify your instructor for assistance If you are injured, or if any type of accident, chemical spill, or
breakage occurs.
18. Familiarize yourself in advance of the location and proper use of safety equipment such as fire alarm, fire extinguisher,
emergency eyewash, safety shower, fire blanket, and phone.
19. Use step stools to reach high objects. Never stand on laboratory stools or chairs.
20. Maintain a neat laboratory workspace with work area and aisles free of personal items. Do not create trip hazards.
Know the location of the nearest exit. Pathways to exits must be clear.
21. Conduct only those experiments authorized by the syllabus or the instructor.
22. Never handle equipment, supplies, or chemicals until you have been given specific information on their use and safety
considerations.
23. Guidelines for the use of equipment, supplies and chemicals including the following:
a. Observe and respect all safety signs on equipment.
b. Avoid direct contact with hazardous chemicals.
c. Use all equipment and hazardous chemicals only in accordance with their intended purpose.
d. If you open any container, re-cap it securely.
e. Use care when dealing with laboratory burners, hot plates and steam generators. Turn such equipment off
when not in use. Always handle such equipment as if it were hot, even when you do not see a flame or it
appears to be off.
f. Keep laboratory equipment and breakable items away from edges of tables, benches, or counters.
g. Carry microscopes with both hands.
h. Do not use microscopes if you have an eye infection.
i. Be alert for sharp or broken objects which may cause injury.
j. Do not use cracked or chipped laboratory glassware.
24. Students must follow all guidelines for disposal of materials including:
a. Do not attempt to clean up broken glass, a chemical spill, or breakage of a mercury thermometer by yourself.
Notify your instructor IMMEDIATELY in the event of a breakage or a chemical spill.
b. Dispose of needles, nails, and other sharp objects in an approved sharps container.
c. Dispose of broken glass in a broken glass container.
d. Dispose of other hazardous materials as specified by your instructor.
e. Correctly discard any excess reagents. Do not return any excess reagent to the stock bottle.
f. Dispose of all chemical waste in the proper waste container as indicated by your instructor. NEVER pour any
chemical down the sink without explicit permission from your instructor.
25. No horseplay will be permitted in the laboratory. Do not distract or startle other people when they are handling
hazardous materials.
26. Any student who endangers another's safety or his/her own safety will be forbidden use of the laboratory.
27. Damage, destruction, or theft of Georgia Perimeter College property is prohibited and will be subject to punishment
prescribed in accordance with the Student Responsibilities Section of the Georgia Perimeter College Student Handbook
or other appropriate policies.
28. Reconfiguring the laboratory computers or installing any program onto the laboratory computers is prohibited.
29. Before leaving the laboratory:
a. Clean up after yourself in all science laboratory areas. Clean and return all materials to their proper location.
Wash test tubes, beakers, and other glassware. Thoroughly wipe down your laboratory space before and after
each exercise with cleaning liquids provided.
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b. Turn off all gas nozzles and water faucets before leaving the laboratory. Turn off and unplug all hotplates,
meters, and other electrical items before leaving the laboratory.
c. Disassemble your experimental set up and leave your laboratory station as you found it. For instance, remove
any clamps, tape, string, etc. that you placed on the equipment.
d. Return items that you have used to their storage locations.
e. Sinks are not trash receptacles. Do not dispose of any trash in the sink.
f. Wash your hands with soap and water before you leave the laboratory.
g. No laboratory material is to leave the laboratory.
30. In laboratories with controlled ventilation systems, doors must remain closed.
31. It is the goal of Georgia Perimeter College to provide a safe and effective environment for students and employees to learn
and to work. Generally, children under the age of sixteen (16) are not allowed in the College classroom(s). Due to the
particular dangers in the College laboratories, under no circumstances, whatsoever, should children be allowed in the
College laboratories. The policy shall not apply to students under the age of sixteen who are enrolled in a course or
program, either for credit or non-credit, or recreation, or who are attending any event on campus which is open to the
public.
All science laboratory students are required to comply with Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines as specified in this document
and any additional guidelines that may be listed in their course syllabi. Any student who does not comply with these Science
Laboratory Safety Guidelines will be subject to the following penalties:
Violation
First Safety Violation
Second Safety Violation
Third Safety Violation
Consequence
Warning
Removal from laboratory class and assignment of a zero for
that laboratory class period. The Instructor will complete the
Disruptive Behavior Form. See GPC Policy on Disruptive
Student Behavior in an Academic Setting.
Third violation constitutes willful disregard of laboratory
rules. See GPC Policy on Disruptive Student Behavior in an
Academic Setting. Disciplinary sanctions as deemed
appropriate as specified in the Student Code of Conduct,
which can include expulsion.
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Biology Laboratory Safety Guidelines
1. Be familiar with and follow all General Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines, above.
2. Do not bring any biological material from outside the laboratory into the laboratory unless specifically instructed to do
so as part of a laboratory exercise.
3. Use appropriate personal protective equipment as directed.
a. Wear goggles and gloves when dissecting and when directed by the instructor.
b. When instructed, wear gloves when handling chemicals.
4. Wash your hands with soap and water both before laboratory class and before you leave the laboratory.
5. Do not sit on laboratory work stations.
6. Use extra care when working with scalpels or sharp instruments.
7. Never lay a test tube flat on work station. Test tubes must be placed in test tube racks.
8. Before leaving the laboratory follow appropriate cleanup procedures as follows:
a. Dispose of used, preserved specimens, live organisms, or dead organisms in the designated red bag-lined
biohazard box or autoclave bag. Do not dispose of used, preserved specimens, live organisms, or dead
organisms into a regular trash can. This is a severe violation of the safety guidelines.
b. Never pour bacterial cultures down the drain. Dispose of bacterial cultures as directed by your laboratory
instructor.
c. Put away all microscopes properly with scanning objective in place, and center the mechanical stage so that
extended arms DO NOT strike other microscopes or walls of the cabinet.
d. Clean all prepared slides and return to the correct slide tray. Do not throw glass slides or cover slips in the trash.
Dispose of them as directed by your laboratory instructor.
e. Place any biologically-contaminated items (toothpicks, sheep blood, swabs, slides) into the appropriate
biohazard disposal container as indicated by your instructor.
9. It is the policy of Georgia Perimeter College (GPC Policy Manual, section 325,
http://www.gpc.edu/governance/policies/300/325.html) to follow all CDC guidelines, OSHA, and state regulations related
to infection control and treatment of biohazardous waste to help insure the health and safety of our employees, faculty,
and students. The procedure for ensuring that adequate infection control measures are taken in Biology Laboratories is as
follows:
a. Blood and other body fluids testing should be limited to courses where discussion of safe handling techniques is taught
as part of the laboratory procedure.
b. Gloves must be worn when taking blood, touching blood or other body fluids, or mucous membranes. Gloves must be
changed after contact with each subject and discarded into marked waste receptacles. Hands and other skin surfaces
must be washed immediately with germicidal soap after removing gloves or if contaminated with blood or other body
fluids.
c. Disposable lancets, swabs, cotton balls or other items used in sampling body fluids must be placed in marked waste
receptacles lined with heavy plastic bags or autoclavable bags convenient to the work area in the lab. Waste bags must
be removed daily and autoclaved or incinerated.
d. Glassware, slides or other reusable items contaminated with blood or other body fluids must be placed in fresh
solutions of Clorox or other appropriate disinfectant. Work areas must be wiped down with Clorox or other appropriate
disinfectant. Contaminated paper waste must be placed in garbage bags which must be sealed and sent to an
incinerator or autoclaved.
e. Mouthpieces for spirometers must be changed for use by each student and used mouthpieces discarded by the
student into contaminated waste bags. The unit must be cleaned at the end of daily lab use with an appropriate
disinfectant. Small spirometers should not be used.
f. Earpieces on stethoscopes must be cleaned before and after use with appropriate disinfectant. Stethoscopes should
not be used if the user has lesions or open wounds about the face or ears.
g. Refer to college policies regarding cleaning microscopes.
h. In taking samples of body fluids (throat cultures, saliva or urine specimens), the person working with another student's
sample must wear gloves. Where potential for splatter or splash exists, the person sampling must use glasses or shield.
Persons with cuts or lesions should not take samples. Any contaminated disposable items (swabs, etc.) must be placed
by student into appropriate disinfectant or autoclavable disposable bags. It is recommended that disposable lab
aprons or smocks be required for all labs where splash or splatter potential exists and that they be disposed of as
contaminated wastes.
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i. Place "cut kits," for cleanup of blood from accidental injury, in all labs or clinics where potential for injury exists. Cut
kits may be assembled from common household items and are in addition to first aid kits already provided.
Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guidelines
1. Be familiar with and follow all General Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines, above.
2. You must attend the first lab session, receive safety training, and pass the safety quiz before beginning work in the
Chemistry Laboratory. Chemistry students must view the chemistry safety video, “Starting with Safety” which is shown
in class and is available online at http://www.gpc.edu/~dunchelb/safetyvideo.htm or http://vimeo.com/6170550 or
http://aladdin.vcampus.com/0001/0062/000000005446/1_62_5446_1/cospecific/DSN1_62_5446_1co42503/assets/i
mages/demos.htm.
3. In laboratories, student dress is expected to meet all safety codes. Avoid exposed skin in chemistry laboratories.
Shorts, skirts which expose the legs, pants with holes, exposed midriffs, and cleavage or plunging necklines are not
appropriate for a chemistry laboratory. Painful burns and disfiguring scars may result from exposure of bare skin to
chemicals. Students must wear long pants, long sleeves, splash-proof goggles, and low- or flat-heeled, closed-toed
impermeable shoes that completely cover the foot while in chemistry laboratory, and may wear laboratory coats or
aprons and gloves. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing, flowing sleeves, dangling scarves or jewelry, or heavy coats
and jackets. Keep long hair, headscarves, and loose clothing pulled back and secured. As an option, personal
protective devices, such as personal face veils and masks may be used. Loose fitting clothing or dangling scarves or
jewelry can knock over equipment or get into flames or chemicals. You will be asked to leave the laboratory if you are
not properly dressed.
4. Do not sit on laboratory work stations.
5. Read labels on chemicals for any safety precautions and know the nature of the chemicals you are using.
6. Some chemicals used in chemistry laboratory may be absorbed by contact lenses. It is advisable to remove contacts
before laboratory and wear glasses, or wear tight-fitting splash-proof goggles during laboratory exercises that will
involve these chemicals.
7. Always use a fume hood when working with volatile chemicals.
8. Never use chemicals from an unlabeled container.
9. To avoid respiratory damage, never smell hazardous chemicals.
10. Do not taste chemicals or pipette solutions by mouth. Assume that all reagents are poisonous and act accordingly.
11. Should eyes or skin come into contact with a hazardous chemical, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15
minutes using the emergency eyewash or use the safety shower, as appropriate. Be sure to inform the instructor. If
the affected area is underneath clothing, the clothing should be removed. Get prompt medical attention.
12. Never lay a test tube flat on a work station. Test tubes must be placed in test tube racks.
13. When mixing or heating chemicals in a test tube, point the tube away from your face and away from other people.
14. Never add water to acid.
15. Carry glass containers in specially designed bottle carriers or a leak resistant, unbreakable secondary container.
16. When transporting chemicals on a cart, use a cart that is suitable for the load and one that has high edges to contain
leaks or spills.
Geology Laboratory Safety Guidelines
1. Be familiar with and follow all General Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines, above.
2. Students who sign this document acknowledge that they have viewed the geology safety video, available online at
http://gpc-wm1.gpc.edu/oit/jprice/LabSafety_0003.wmv.
3. When conducting a hardness test with a glass plate, or a streak test with a streak plate, lay the plate flat on the table;
do not hold it in your hand. The edges of the glass plate might be sharp. Students should take care not to cut
themselves on the edges. Inform the instructor immediately if a glass plate is broken so that the pieces can be disposed
of safely. A glass disposal box should be available within the Geology Lab. If a glass plate or other glassware breaks,
notify the instructor immediately.
4. Do not attempt to clean up broken glass by yourself. Broken glass should be put into a glass disposal box, and not into
the trash can.
5. Do not stick yourself or anyone else with nails or teasing needles (dissecting needles).
6. When using 10% hydrochloric acid for rock and mineral identification, students should use only a very small drop of
acid, and should use care so as not to get the acid on the lab table, their skin, clothes, or in their eyes, or on any other
student.
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7. Rinse and blot all samples with paper towel after acid tests. Do not leave wet or acid-covered specimens on the lab
tables, and do not put wet or acid-covered specimens in the specimen trays.
8. If you get acid on your hands, wash immediately and notify your instructor. Do not rub your eyes after doing an acid
test until after you have washed your hands. If you notice any adverse reactions after washing thoroughly, get prompt
medical attention.
9. If acid get in the eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes using the emergency eyewash. Get
prompt medical attention.
10. If acid is spilled on other areas of the body, inform the instructor and use the safety shower, as appropriate. If the
affected area is underneath clothing, the clothing should be removed. Get prompt medical attention.
11. Report any acid spill immediately to instructor.
12. Close acid bottles securely ,and return them to the acid storage cabinet.
13. Do not taste any minerals or rocks, or put anything into your mouth in the laboratory.
14. Microscopes should be carried with two hands to prevent dropping the microscope. Dropping the microscope will
damage the microscope, and can cause injury to your feet.
15. When using microscopes and illuminators, use care not to trip over the electrical cords. Tripping on a cord can pull a
microscope or illuminator into the floor, which may injure you or other students.
16. Turn off and unplug microscopes and other electrical equipment when finished. Wrap power cords around equipment,
or bind them with rubber bands. Do not leave cords dangling in the aisles.
17. Unplug equipment by pulling on plug, not cord.
Physics Laboratory Safety Guidelines
1. Be familiar with and follow all General Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines, above.
2. Wear impact-resistant safety goggles in the laboratory when instructed to do so.
3. Goggles binoculars, telescopes, spectroscopes, 3-D glasses, or any laboratory devices that are positioned near the eyes,
should be sanitized before and after use. This does not apply if such goggles belong to you, and you are the only
person using them.
4. Do not position yourself under hanging masses or other heavy objects. Be attentive to the possibility that top-heavy
equipment may topple over.
5. Stay out of the path of moving objects to avoid injury.
6. Handle hot materials with protective gloves. Be careful around steam. Keep hands and face away from spouts that
emit steam. Be aware that true steam is invisible.
7. When working with electrical circuits:
a. Construct only those circuits prescribed by the laboratory write-up.
b. Do not turn on the power supply until the instructor has checked your circuit.
c. Use only currents and voltages prescribed in laboratory write-up.
d. Do not allow electrical circuits to dangle over the edge of your lab table.
e. If you observe smoke, melting, or other electrical irregularity, turn the power off immediately and notify instructor.
f. Turn off and unplug electrical equipment when finished. Wrap power cords around equipment, or bind them with
rubber bands. Do not leave cords dangling in the aisles.
g. Unplug equipment by pulling on plug, not cord.
8. When using lasers:
a. Do not shine laser in anyone's eyes, including your own.
b. Do not look into laser, even when it is turned off.
c. Do not look directly at the beam’s reflection off a shiny surface.
9. When working with radioactive materials:
a. Never put radioactive sources in mouth or near face.
b. Make sure all radioactive sources are accounted for before leaving the laboratory.
c. Wear gloves and lab coats when handling radioactive minerals or liquids. Wash your hands with soap after coming
into contact with such materials. This does not apply to plastic encased samples, which require no special
handling.
d. Use the principles of TIME, DISTANCE, and SHIELDING to minimize your exposure.
Decrease TIME spent next to sources.
Increase DISTANCE between you and the source.
Increase SHIELDING between you and the source.
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10. Spectrum tube power supplies operate at HIGH VOLTAGE. Always turn power supply OFF and let it cool for a minute
before attempting to change a tube.
11. When working with lenses, mirrors, or other glassware:
a. Examine the item carefully before picking it up. If it is chipped or cracked, you could get cut.
b. Bring any chipped, cracked, or broken glassware to the attention of your instructor.
c. Do not set lenses or mirrors near the edge of a lab table, from which they might fall.
d. Do not stack anything on top of a lens or mirror.
12. Never look at the Sun, either directly with the naked eye or through a telescope.
Astronomy Laboratory Safety Guidelines
1. Be familiar with and follow all General Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines, above.
2. Binoculars, telescopes, spectroscopes, 3-D glasses, or any other devices are used that are positioned near the eyes,
should be sanitized before and after use.
3. Spectrum tube power supplies operate at HIGH VOLTAGE. Always turn power supply OFF and let it cool for a minute
before attempting to change a tube. Unplug the power supply and wrap its cord when finished.
4. When working with lenses, mirrors, or other glassware:
a. Examine the item carefully before picking it up. If it is chipped or cracked, you could get cut.
b. Bring any chipped, cracked, or broken glassware to the attention of your instructor.
c. Do not set lenses or mirrors near the edge of a lab table, from which they might fall.
d. Do not stack anything on top of a lens or mirror.
5. Never look at the Sun, either directly with the naked eye or through a telescope.
Integrated Science (ISCI) Safety Guidelines
By its very nature, Integrated Science is a combination of activities drawn from all of the science disciplines. As such, ISCI
students must follow all Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines relevant to the activities in each laboratory.
Furthermore, because ISCI classes are not necessarily held in a dedicated ISCI laboratory room, ISCI students must also
follow the Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines applicable to the type of laboratory room in which the class is held. The
room may present a hazard even if the experiment does not.
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