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SAFETYin the
Science Classroom
Strategic Science Teaching © 2012 Used with Permission from the Los Angeles County Office of EducationLos Angeles County Office of Education http://sst.lacoe.edu
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Teachers are entrusted with the responsibility to educate our children.
In carrying out this fundamental responsibility, the teacher has a number of duties.
SCHOOL SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT Funding = $100,000,000
$71,087,000 ongoing
$28,913,000 one-time (equipment)
Allocated on an entitlement basis
- $42-46 per prior year pupil enrolled in Grades 8-12
- Minimum $5,000 per school site
- Minimum of $10,000 per district
TEACHER LIABILITY
Accidents directly tied to teacher activity
Accidents involving the condition of premises
Accidents involving violations of statutes and other safety rules
NEGLIGENCENegligence is the breach of a duty owed to someone to protect him or her from
unreasonable risks of harm.
REASONABLENESS
While science presents potential hazards, prudent safety practices greatly reduce accidents.
Safe science classes have no greater risk than P.E., vocational ed., or home economics classes.
DUTY OF CARE Supervising students in the classroom Providing adequate instructions
Maintaining lab equipment in proper working order
Providing safe facilities and equipment for labs
Warning students of any possible dangers
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (S.O.P.)
Science teachers must be familiar with their district Standard Operating Procedures as they pertain to:
- Chemical storage rooms
- Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Emergency equipment
- Good housekeeping
- Emergency evacuation
- Lab safety
ADVICE FOR TEACHERS
CLASS SIZECLASS SIZE Two important factors in
determining whether a teacher should perform a particular experiment would be class
size and supervision.
ADVICE FOR TEACHERS
SUPERVISION OF SUPERVISION OF
LABORATORY ASSISTANTSLABORATORY ASSISTANTS Lab assistants are to be held
accountable to the same safety standards as every other student in the classroom.
ADVICE FOR TEACHERS
SECURE YOUR CHEMICALSSECURE YOUR CHEMICALS Chemicals must be inventoried and
stored properly. Don’t stockpile your
chemicals.
Dispose of chemicals properly.
SAFETY ISSUES
Proper eye-care safety practices Proper handling of glassware Proper setup and handling of electrical
equipment Safe use of chemicals in the laboratory Correct methods for storing, handling,
and disposing of surplus, waste and deteriorated chemical substances
SAFETY ISSUES
Appropriate, safe use of heat sources in the laboratory
First-aid procedures
Prompt notification to supervisor of a potentially dangerous condition and/or calling “911” if the situation is an emergency
Safe, and humane treatment of animals
SAFETY ISSUES
Prohibition of the use or presence of any venomous animals, constrictors, poisonous plants, or plant pests
Proper fire prevention & control techniques
Correct methods for cleanup after experiments
SAFETY ISSUES
Proper behavior and courtesy in a laboratory situation
Earthquake-safe behavior and evacuation routes
SAFETY HANDBOOK
A Focus on New Issues
BLOOD SAMPLING
Does your district have an Exposure Control Plan (ECP)?
What is your district policy on use of human blood? Is blood typing a part of your ECP?
HUMAN BLOOD SAMPLINGThe CA Code of Regulations essentially requires each school district to prepare a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP) designed to eliminate or minimize the exposure of all employees to the blood or certain body fluids of any other person, thus minimizing the likelihood of employees being infected by bloodborne pathogens.
A similar responsibility to protect students from such infection is implied.
EPITHELIAL TISSUE STUDIES
Use of cotton swap or blunt toothpick
Disposal similar to blood typing material
Must have parent permission slip- VOLUNTARY !
MICROSOPES
Students with eye infections should not use a microscope
BACTERIA & FUNGI
Should be handled as though they were pathogens
Should not be cultured
To sterilize plates:
- Autoclave @ 15 ppsi for 15-20 min.
- Wait 1 day and repeat
- Wait 1 day and repeat a third time
- Discard in the regular trash
FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS
Never use the flame to heat solvents
Use electric heat via a water bath
ACRYLAMIDE & ETHIDIUM BROMIDE- - Used in gel electrophoresis
- Neurotoxin, carcinogen, a potent mutagen
- CA Dept. of Health recommends non-use in high schools
FORMALDEHYDE or FORMALIN-
- Preservative for specimens
- Carcinogenic to humans
- Disposed of as directed by the Dept. of Toxic Substance Control (Appendix K)
ACRYLAMIDE, ETHIDIUM BROMIDE, FORMALDEHYDE
ALTERNATIVES TO DISSECTION
Ed. Code 32255 require students must be notified of their right to alternatives
Alternatives must not require more effort or degree of difficulty
Student objection must be substantiated by note from parent
LABORATORY ANIMALS
Humane care of
animals
Proper handling
of animals
Warnings on cages
SAFETY TESTS
Safety in the laboratory should be taught and reinforced throughout the year
Safety is a team effort Teacher should keep a log to
document safety instruction (topic, date)
Student Safety Contract Laboratory Safety Test
BEHAVIOR BASED SAFETY
Hazards represent only 2% of safety issues
Training represents only 6% of safety issues
Performance represents 92% of safety issues
SAFETY GOGGLES
Required when performing science activities involving hazards to the eyes (Ed. Code 32030-31)
Am. Natl. Standards Institute- industrial quality eye protective devices (No vent/contact lens)
May be sold to schools “at cost”
Proper sterilization
EYE INJURIES Immediate treatment = 15 minute
flush with water
Middle & High Schools should have an approved eyewash station
PREVENTION = always wear approved eye protection
Teachers should follow the same approach to safety when demonstrating an experiment
FIRST AIDE
ELECTRICAL SHOCK- Use dry insulator to push victim away from electrical source
BURNS- Do not attempt to neutralize chemical burns; flush with low pressure water
FIRST AIDE
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR)-
- Must be done by someone who is
trained by the American Red Cross or American Heart Assn.
BITES BY SNAKES, INSECTS & MAMMALS
- It is a violation of Ed. Code to have
poisonous animals in the classroom
EXPOSURE TO POISONS
Contact local Poison Control Cntr.
- See Appendix E for
Regional Poison Centers
Los Angeles Regional Drug & Poison Information Center
(213) 222-8086 or
(800) 777-6476Check your local directory for contact information
GENERAL INFORMATION
Remain calm
Have someone call for assistance
Stay with the person until the supervisor or medical personnel takes over
Written accident report should be filed
Do an “After Action Report”
© 2012 LACOEAll rights reserved
Developed by: Dean Gilbert, Science ConsultantLos Angeles County Office of Ed.
Rick Hall, Science CoordinatorSan Bernardino County Superintendent
of Schools