PROCESS

Follow the steps below to watch videos, browse websites, and access worksheets that need to be completed.  

This is an OVERVIEW of the steps:

1. Watch videos
2. Read and sign the safety lab contract
3. Take a closer look at safety procedures
4. Answer the safety worksheet
5. Describe what to do during accidents
6. List 4 routes of chemical exposure
7. Learn about possible hazards to the human body from chemical exposure
8. Complete the checklist to ensure all required components are turned in

Note:  there are questions within this process section that require your answers on a separate sheet of paper.  These questions are found in the Mini-Quiz section.  There are eleven (11) questions that must be answered.  They will all be in the same, color, and font (BIG RED LETTERS THAT LOOK LIKE THIS).  Make sure to put all of your answers to these questions on the same sheet.  The directions under the mini-quiz will provide more information.

Please go to each step's section below for more directions and information. 

Step 1 - WATCH VIDEOS

Watch these videos:

1.  Lab Safety Rules (3:53 min long) This is a fun video on lab safety made by other high schoolers.  It is set to the music of Chris Brown's "Look at me now" song, which you may recognize.  "Lehhgo!"

2.  Top 10 Rules of Science Lab Safety  (7:37 min long, skip to 0:35 min to begin)  This video outlines 10 important safety rules for lab.  This is a quick introduction.  There will be more guidelines for you to be familiar with, and that you will see in step 2.

Step 2 - SAFETY LAB CONTRACT

Read over the Lab Safety Contract.  Make sure you are familiar with all of the rules in the contract, and ask questions for clarification as needed.

Step 3 - A CLOSER LOOK

Visit this Hazardous Communication website

1. Click on the “Introduction" tab.  Read through the content, and answer the "Quick Check" question.  This is a very short section (3 slides) that explains how to navigate the rest of the sections that you will visit below.  It also introduces the federal RIGHT-TO-KNOW Law.

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2. Click on the “Labeling" tab.  Read through the content, and answer the "Quick Check" questions in the section.  

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3. Click on the “MSDS" tab.  Read through the content, and answer the "Quick Check" questions in the section.

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4. Click on the “Health Hazards" tab.  Read through the content, and answer the "Quick Check" questions in the section.  

Now take out a sheet of paper and writing utensil and answer the questions on the mini-quiz below.  Option: you may also open up a word processor such as Microsoft Word and type your answers in there.  Note:  there are additional questions to answer after the mini-quiz in the latter sections.  Please make sure you answer 11 questions for the mini-quiz.  Record all answers on the same sheet, and turn it in to the teacher when you are done.

Mini-Quiz:

1.  Describe the federal Right-to-Know Law

2.  What does MSDS stand for?

3.  Where can a student locate the MSDS for a chemical?

Step 4 - SAFETY WORKSHEET

Answer questions on this Safety Worksheet.  Print the worksheet and answer questions directly on it.  Pass the worksheet into your instructor.  Students may work together in pairs to answer the questions, but every student must pass in their own worksheet.

Step 5 - STUDENT RESPONSE DURING ACCIDENTS

Many accidents can occur in the science lab.  The different scenarios that you might face are listed below, as well as the proper student response in each situation.

   ACCIDENT                          

• cuts                                              
  • ​Notify the instructor immediately.  Remove gloves, wash affected area under running water in sink area.  Clean with alcohol wipe, cover with bandage as necessary.  Instructor will fill out incident report.
• ​broken glassware
  • ​Notify the instructor immediately.  Sweep up broken pieces.  Throw broken glass away into a box labeled specifically for "Broken Glass".  Instructor will fill out incident report.
• chemical spills
  • ​Notify the instructor immediately.  Tell the instructor the kind of chemical that was spilled, and its approximate volume.  Instructor will treat the chemical spill using the chemical spill kit.  Instructor will fill out incident report.
• fire
  • Do not attempt to put out the fire.  Evacuate the building using the closet exit route.  Do not use the elevator; use the stairs.  Notify the instructor as soon as possible.  Follow school fire drill policy.  Instructor will fill out incident report.
• explosions
  • Evacuate the building using the closet exit route.  Do not use elevator, use the stairs.  Notify the instructor as soon as possible.  Follow school emergency evacuation policy.  Instructor will fill out incident report.
• exposure to chemicals
  • ​Immediately notify the instructor.  Describe the chemical and the route of exposure.  Instructor will give directions.  Instructor will fill out incident report.

Mini-Quiz:

4.  What should you do if you break a beaker in science lab?

5.  What is the proper response in the event of a fire?

6.  What should you do if you cut yourself in lab?

Step 6 - CHEMICAL EXPOSURE

• Look at the image above and list three ways that chemicals can enter the body.  
• Verify your answers and find a fourth way that chemicals can enter the body by visiting this website:  Princeton University Lab Safety Manual

Mini-Quiz:

7.  Name 4 chemical exposure routes into the human body

8.  Name 2 things that you can wear in the lab to protect yourself from exposure to chemicals

Step 7 - POSSIBLE CHEMICAL HARMFUL EFFECTS ON THE HUMAN BODY

Visit this website Ansell Chemsafe to learn how chemicals can affect the body.  

You may view more images on the effects of dangerous exposure to chemicals and potential harm from working with chemicals improperly in a lab.

Be warned that the images are graphic, and viewer discretion is advised. The instructor makes no claim that viewing these images is mandatory.

They may cause illness, nausea, and other negative reactions. Including them in this website is solely for educational purposes only.

Proceed at your own caution. If you would like to view the additional images, you may click here

Mini-Quiz:

9.  List 3 types of illnesses that can occur from exposure to chemicals.

10. What's the difference between acute and chronic effects? 

11. What kind of "burn" can you get when working with chemicals?

Step 8 - CHECKLIST

TURN THESE MATERIALS IN TO THE TEACHER

   _____    Signed safety lab contract

   _____    Safety worksheet

   _____    Mini-quiz

Click on the EVALUATION button on the left navigation panel (scroll back up to view it)