Safety in the Laboratory
Science Laboratory Experiments are an important component of Science education. Safety in the laboratory is our number one priority and as a result several safety procedures have been implemented by the Greater Essex County Board of Education.
Safety Form
A Safety Consent Form will be sent home with each student in the first week of class. It must be completed and returned prior to student participation in any laboratory experiment. It is extremely important you complete the form as accurately as possible. Please list all known allergens and their effects (even if minor) so the teacher can arrange for the safest experience possible for your student.
*Please note, there are a few pieces of Science laboratory equipment made with latex. If your student has a latex allergy please inform the school prior to the start of the semester.*
Safety Test
Students will also be taught and tested on safety at the start of each semester. Each student MUST pass a safety quiz with a minimum of 80%. The safety quiz may be re-written on the students lunch time, before or after school until he or she earns a passing grade. The student will not be allowed to participate in any laboratory experiments until a passing grade/knowledge of safety rules, procedures and symbols can be demonstrated to the teacher. There will be no make up days for missed laboratory experiments due to the time and sensitivity of the materials involved.
Dress Code for the Laboratory
Students will be provided with a chemical resistant lab apron and safety googles. Students with long hair will be required to tie their hair back with their own or a teacher provided elastic. All experiments involving chemicals, or biological specimens will require that students wear long pants and closed shoes. Students will be informed of all upcoming experiments so they can prepare to dress appropriately. Students not dressed appropriately will not be admitted into the laboratory due to these safety requirements and there will be no replacement laboratory day. Gloves will be provided for any work with biological specimens. Students often find it helpful to keep a pair of closed shoes and long pants in their locker to change into, just as they keep a change of clothes for physical education.
Safe Behavior
Students who demonstrate inappropriate, unsafe behavior in the laboratory will be asked to remove themselves from the experiment. There will not be replacement days for laboratory experiments due to the time and sensitivity of the materials involved.
Absences
Students who know they will be away on a laboratory day, must inform their teacher as soon as possible (prior to the absence). In the event of a serious illness or other event that prevents a student from participating in a laboratory experiment, they must contact their teacher as soon as possible to discuss how to best complete the laboratory follow-up work. Students are responsible for all missed work.
Senior Level Science Courses
At the senior level, students in Chemistry, Biology and Physics work with more sensitive equipment and chemicals and as a result, lab preparation is often needed prior to the lab. When lab preparation is required, the teacher will assign the appropriate material to be covered a day, or several days in advance. If a senior level student does not complete their lab preparation successfully they will not be admitted to the laboratory as they are unprepared for the experiment which could create a safety hazard for themselves or others in the room.
These safety rules and procedures have been put in place to protect your student and others in the classroom.
Safety Form
A Safety Consent Form will be sent home with each student in the first week of class. It must be completed and returned prior to student participation in any laboratory experiment. It is extremely important you complete the form as accurately as possible. Please list all known allergens and their effects (even if minor) so the teacher can arrange for the safest experience possible for your student.
*Please note, there are a few pieces of Science laboratory equipment made with latex. If your student has a latex allergy please inform the school prior to the start of the semester.*
Safety Test
Students will also be taught and tested on safety at the start of each semester. Each student MUST pass a safety quiz with a minimum of 80%. The safety quiz may be re-written on the students lunch time, before or after school until he or she earns a passing grade. The student will not be allowed to participate in any laboratory experiments until a passing grade/knowledge of safety rules, procedures and symbols can be demonstrated to the teacher. There will be no make up days for missed laboratory experiments due to the time and sensitivity of the materials involved.
Dress Code for the Laboratory
Students will be provided with a chemical resistant lab apron and safety googles. Students with long hair will be required to tie their hair back with their own or a teacher provided elastic. All experiments involving chemicals, or biological specimens will require that students wear long pants and closed shoes. Students will be informed of all upcoming experiments so they can prepare to dress appropriately. Students not dressed appropriately will not be admitted into the laboratory due to these safety requirements and there will be no replacement laboratory day. Gloves will be provided for any work with biological specimens. Students often find it helpful to keep a pair of closed shoes and long pants in their locker to change into, just as they keep a change of clothes for physical education.
Safe Behavior
Students who demonstrate inappropriate, unsafe behavior in the laboratory will be asked to remove themselves from the experiment. There will not be replacement days for laboratory experiments due to the time and sensitivity of the materials involved.
Absences
Students who know they will be away on a laboratory day, must inform their teacher as soon as possible (prior to the absence). In the event of a serious illness or other event that prevents a student from participating in a laboratory experiment, they must contact their teacher as soon as possible to discuss how to best complete the laboratory follow-up work. Students are responsible for all missed work.
Senior Level Science Courses
At the senior level, students in Chemistry, Biology and Physics work with more sensitive equipment and chemicals and as a result, lab preparation is often needed prior to the lab. When lab preparation is required, the teacher will assign the appropriate material to be covered a day, or several days in advance. If a senior level student does not complete their lab preparation successfully they will not be admitted to the laboratory as they are unprepared for the experiment which could create a safety hazard for themselves or others in the room.
These safety rules and procedures have been put in place to protect your student and others in the classroom.