St Leonards College Science Safety Guidelines for Students

St Leonard’s College Science Safety Guidelines for Students

Introduction Safety is an important concern in the science classroom as you are learning new skills and working with unfamiliar equipment and materials that can pose some degree of hazard. Some of the hazards that may be encountered include: � Spillage � Combustion � Toxicity, from absorption, inhalation, or ingestion of materials. � Explosion � Corrosion � Sharp objects � Moving parts � Electric shock � Radiation � Heat and extreme cold (dry ice) � Infection.

Some examples from 2010 Students severely burnt in science lab explosion � Two Sydney students have suffered third degree burns in an explosion in a high school science lab. � The two 15 -year-old students had been doing an experiment with methylated spirits at the time of the accident, the spokesperson said. � The female student suffered burns to her back, chest, head and neck while the male student was injured on his upper arm and torso. � Paramedics have rushed the students to Westmead Children's Hospital where they are being treated

Some examples from 2010 TAS teachers to be warned over safe usage of needles 10/09/2010 � Tasmanian teachers will be warned about needle safety, after 18 students in a science class used the same needle for a blood test. � The group of students at Dover District High School have been urged to take tests for bloodborne viruses, including HIV, after they shared a needle during a finger prick test on August 9.

Some examples from 2010 Science experiment with magnesium leaves Preston students, teachers injured August 20, 2010 � A SCIENCE experiment involving magnesium has exploded, overwhelming children and teachers at a school in Preston. � Three boys were then taken by ambulance to the Northern Hospital and one boy to the Austin Hospital for treatment. � Paramedics who arrived at the scene said they checked for sore throats, coughs, chest tightness and potential injuries. � “All involved are incredibly lucky. The children sitting closest to the table were thankfully wearing proper eye protection, otherwise they may have suffered quite serious burns, '' paramedic team leader Stephen Moody said. � “We were told a container of magnesium somehow ignited causing a large flash and a plume of magnesium smoke. � “Magnesium burns at a very high temperature so there was potential for the children to have inhaled a seriously hot vapour. � “There was also a possibility that the students could have been sprayed with magnesium particles that have the potential to burn the eyes and skin.

Introduction �Your safety is our number one priority! �It is important that you familiarise yourself with the following guidelines to ensure you get the most out of your science lessons and enjoy a fantastic year of Science.

General Rules �No student may enter the laboratory unless a teacher is present.

General Rules �NEVER conduct unauthorised experiments. �Always follow the set instructions for each experiment.

General Rules �Eating and drinking are strictly forbidden due to the possible risk of contamination by hazardous substances. � Airborne particles or fumes can contaminate food.

General Rules �Any activities that introduce objects into the mouth are also prohibited, eg licking labels, sucking pencils and pipetting by mouth.

General Rules �Proper footwear is essential - open-toed shoes, thongs, bare feet etc. , are not permitted �If it is a casual day and you have Science, make sure you wear appropriate shoes.

General Rules �Long hair judged hazardous by the teacher needs to be tied back.

General Rules �Rings, loose jewellery, bands, bangles etc. , should be removed before undertaking any experiment.

General Rules �Safety glasses, gloves and lab coats must be worn at appropriate times, on the instruction of your teacher.

General Rules �All cuts or broken skin should be covered. �If you have a cut, ask your teacher before starting the experiment for a band aid.

General Rules �Contact lenses, if you wear them, make sure your teacher knows �Chemicals trapped under contacts will damage the eye more than normal.

General Rules �Do not touch chemicals, apparatus or pre- set up experiments unless instructed by the teacher.

THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS �Become familiar with the lay out of the laboratory and the places for storing apparatus

THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS �Take care when handling all apparatus. �Most accidents occur at the start or the clean-up when students are handling chemicals and equipment.

THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS �Do not touch broken glass with your fingers. � Use a brush and pan to sweep up broken glass. �Place broken glass in yellow bins provided.

THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS �Always use a holder when heating substances in a test tube. � Slant test tube AWAY from face (both your own and that of your partner)

THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS � Always turn the bunsen off when finished with. � Use the blue flame for heating and the orange flame at all other times. � Bunsens etc. must not be lit with bits of burning paper - use matches or tapers.

THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS �Always use a fire proof mat under heating apparatus and all hot objects.

THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS �Never leave any experiment unattended.

THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS �Never use flammable liquids e. g. methylated spirits, disulphide, acetone etc. , near sources of ignition.

THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS �After using electrical apparatus - Switch off and pull out plug.

THE USE OF CHEMCIALS �Never taste chemicals. �Test the smell of gases only by wafting the vapour carefully towards you with your hand.

THE USE OF CHEMCIALS �NEVER drink water out of laboratory glassware or taps.

THE USE OF CHEMCIALS �Always check labels before using a chemical.

THE USE OF CHEMCIALS �Never return used chemicals to the bottle – dispose of as directed

THE USE OF CHEMCIALS �Don't hold jars or bottles by the stopper or lid.

THE USE OF CHEMCIALS �Use only the recommended quantities of chemicals

CLEANLINESS AND TIDINESS �Keep your bench space clean and tidy

CLEANLINESS AND TIDINESS �Solid waste - this includes filter and litmus papers, matches etc. , should be placed in a bin at the front of the room. �NEVER in the sinks or long troughs.

CLEANLINESS AND TIDINESS �You are responsible for returning apparatus or chemicals to the correct storage place in the laboratory/on the trolley.

CLEANLINESS AND TIDINESS �Wash your hands thoroughly after using chemicals or biological specimens.

EMERGENCIES �If your skin or eye comes in contact with a strong chemical, wash IMMEDIATELY with running water. �Report to your teacher.

EMERGENCIES �Burns should be washed IMMEDIATELY with cold running water. �Report to your teacher.

EMERGENCIES �Cuts or similar injuries - Report to your teacher.

EMERGENCIES �Fire Report at once to your teacher. �DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE WATER.

Conclusion � Your teacher will advise you of any other safety precautions that relate to specific experiments you will be doing. � Always listen very carefully to this advice. � Have a happy and SAFE year of Science!