PHYSICS PRINT
YOUR Name:_______________________________
2002 - 2003 Per: ________
Date: __________________
SAFETY
IN THE PHYSICS LABORATORY
In Physics you will frequently perform
laboratory activities. While no human
activity is completely risk free, if you use common sense and your “good lab sense” you will encounter
no problems. Good Lab sense is an
extension of common sense. Sensible
laboratory conduct won't happen by memorizing a list of rules, any more than a
perfect score on a written driver's test ensures an excellent driving
record. The true "driver's
test" of lab sense is your actual
conduct in the laboratory.
The following safety pointers apply to
all laboratory activities. For your
personal safety and that of your classmates, make following these guidelines
second nature in the laboratory. Your
teacher will point out any special safety guidelines that apply to each
activity.
If you understand the reasons behind
them, these safety rules will be easy to remember and to follow.
SAFETY ASSIGNMENT:
1.
Read all of the safety guidelines.
2.
Sign these safety rules at the
bottom
3.
In ink, put your name, date, and period
on a sheet of binder paper.
4.
With your partner, for each listed safety
guideline (yes, you each have to do all 17 of them!):
a) Make a “bumper sticker “ slogan that expresses what the safety
rule says
5.
Turn in your work stapled with your partner’s work. This must be on file before you begin lab
work.
This work is due today.
HOMEWORK:
Take home this safety contract and have your parents read and
sign.
Rules
of Laboratory Conduct for Safety
in the Physics Laboratory
1 . Never
work in the lab unless a teacher is present and aware of what you are doing.
2. Prepare
for the lab activity or experiment by reading it over first. Ask questions about anything that is unclear
to you. Note any cautions that are
stated.
3. Dress
appropriately for a laboratory. Avoid
wearing bulky or loosefitting clothes or dangling jewelry. Pin or tie back long hair, and roll up loose
sleeves.
4. Keep
the work area free of any books and materials not needed for what you are
working on.
5. Wear
safety goggles when working with flames, heated liquids, or glassware.
6. Never
throw anything in the laboratory.
7. Use
the apparatus only as instructed in the manual or by your teacher. If you wish to try an alternate procedure,
obtain your teacher's approval first.
8. If
a thermometer breaks, inform your teacher immediately. Do not touch either the mercury or the glass
with your bare skin.
9. Do
not force glass tubing or thermometer into dry rubber stopper. The hole and the glass should both be lubricated with glycerin (glycerol) or soapy water,
and the glass should be gripped through a paper towel to protect the hands.
10. Do
not touch anything that may be hot, including burners, hot plates, rings,
beakers, electric immersion heaters, and electric bulbs. If you must pick up something that is hot,
use a damp paper towel, a pot holder, or some other appropriate holder.
11. When
working with electric circuits, be sure that the current is turned off before
making adjustments in the circuit.
12. If
you are connecting a voltmeter or ammeter to a circuit, have your teacher
approve the connections before you turn the current on.
13. Do
not connect the terminals of a dry cell or battery to each other with a
wire. Such a wire can become
dangerously hot.
14. Report
any injuries, accidents, or breakages to your teacher immediately. Also report anything that you suspect may be
malfunctioning.
15. Work
quietly so that you can hear any announcements concerning cautions and safety.
16. Know
the locations of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and the nearest exit.
17. When
you have finished your work, check that the water and gas are turned off and
that electric circuits are disconnected.
Return all materials and apparatus to the places designated by your
teacher. Follow your teacher's
directions for disposal of any waste materials. Clean the work area.
I have read and understand the lab safety
rules above. I realize that my
cooperation is important to the safety of everyone in the lab.
Print Your
Name:___________________________________
____________________________ ____________________
Student Signature Date
____________________________ ____________________
Parent Signature Date
Keep this document in the extra section
of your notebook.