skip to main content

HCPSS Office of Secondary Science
Student Safety Agreement

Español | 中文 | 한국어

Introduction

Safety in the science classroom is the number one priority for students, instructors, and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules has been developed and provided via this student safety agreement. These rules must be followed at all times.

This agreement is to be acknowledged annually by parents/guardians in HCPSS Family File each year, and by students as they complete their lab safety training in their science course.

General Guidelines

  1. At all times pay attention, follow directions, and think about what you are doing. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.
  2. No laboratory work is to be done unless the instructor has given permission and is present in the classroom. If you do not understand how to use equipment, chemicals, or proper and safe procedures, ask the instructor for assistance.
  3. Follow all posted equipment/procedure safety rules and all follow safety zone expectations given by the teacher and/or staff, and perform only those experiments and use the appropriate equipment authorized by the instructor.
  4. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. Do not wander away from your assigned lab area. Avoid distracting others while they are involved with an experiment. Work only at your assigned lab area.
  5. 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. Take care that hair, clothing, and hands are a safe distance from flames at all times. Wear shoes that completely cover the foot and have non-slip soles.
  6. Handle and use equipment only when performing class-related work.
  7. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory.
  8. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment, including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety shower, and fire blanket. Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located. Know the location of the phone to the front office if further help is needed.
  9. Use eye protective devices when chemicals, glassware, and electrical or heat sources are used. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory unless you have permission from your instructor. Wear protective clothing when prescribed by safety procedures.
  10. Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully.
  11. When completing an experiment, clean your work area thoroughly. Turn off all gas and water valves if used, and flush disposed liquids down the sink with a large amount of water. Put all materials away after use.
  12. Do not use the sink to discard matches, papers, or solid materials. Use chemical waste jars to dispose of materials that cannot be placed in the sink. Ask for assistance when cleaning up broken glass, using the proper safety procedures.
  13. Do not return unused chemicals to their original containers unless specifically requested to do so.
  14. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous unless they are known to be safe. Do not remove chemicals or equipment from the class unless directed to do so. Do not inhale chemical vapors. Never pipette by mouth. Never mix chemicals unless instructed to do so by your instructor.
  15. Carry sharp or pointed tools downward and away from others.
  16. Get assistance when handling large, heavy, or bulky items.
  17. Report all unsafe conditions, accidents, or injuries immediately. If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the eyewash station or safety shower for at least 20 minutes. Notify the teacher and/or staff immediately.
  18. Always lubricate glass tubing and thermometers before inserting them in a stopper.
  19. Never point the open end of a test tube that is being heated or reacting at yourself or others.
  20. Never look into a container that is being heated.
  21. Always add acid to water, never water to acid.
  22. Never leave anything unattended while it is heating or reacting.
  23. Disconnect appliances by pulling the plug rather than pulling the cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching an electrical switch, plug, or outlet. Turn off and unplug power supplies before making circuit connections.
  24. After each experiment, wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the classroom.

Updated: 07/25/2025