SAFETYSAFETYin thein theScience Science ClassroomClassroom

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Hands-on, minds-on science activities encourage students to become active participants in learning about the world around them.This in-service is designed to assist teachers with one of the very special aspects of teaching science, that of making the experimental environment safe for the students.

Organization is the KeyOrganization is the Key

Teacher should ‘do’ the experiment before assigning it to the students.

Teacher should have all materials ready to distribute to the students.

Teacher should supervise all of the student’s activities.

Teacher should have a plan for collecting materials after the activity.

Teacher should be able to instruct the students in what is expected of them.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWERKNOWLEDGE IS POWERTeachers 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 SCHOOL SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACTPREVENTION ACT

Ed. Code Sections 32228 – 32228.5

Funding = $91,038,000

Allocated on an entitlement basis based on

previous year CBEDS enrollment count

- Approx. $35 per pupil in Grades 8-12

- Minimum $5,000 per school site

- Minimum of $10,000 per district

TEACHER LIABILITYTEACHER LIABILITY

Accidents directly tied to teacher activity

Accidents involving the condition of premises

Accidents involving violations of statutes and other safety rules

NEGLIGENCENEGLIGENCENegligence is the breach of a duty

owed to someone to protect him or her from unreasonable risks of harm.

REASONABLENESSREASONABLENESSWhile 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 CAREDUTY OF CARESupervising students in the classroomProviding adequate instructions

Maintaining lab equipment in proper working order

Providing safe facilities and equipment for labs

Warning students of any possible dangers

STANDARD OPERATING STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (S.O.P.)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

DISTRICT CHEMICALDISTRICT CHEMICALHYGIENE OFFICERHYGIENE OFFICER

The District Chemical Hygiene Officer (DCHO) is a position appointedby the Environmental Health and Safety Office and responsible for overseeing implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. The person designated as the DCHO will have the following minimum

qualifications: Substantial academic background in chemistry, preferably a BS

degree or higher; Familiarity with state and federal occupational safety and health

standards and regulations; At least three years experience planning and implementing laboratory

safety and/or chemical hygiene programs; and Familiarity with school laboratories and the safety issues underlying

school science programs.

DISTRICT CHEMICALDISTRICT CHEMICALHYGIENE OFFICERHYGIENE OFFICER

The responsibilities of the DCHO are to: work with administrators and teachers to develop and implement

appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices, including chairing the district Hazard Review Committee;

work with Science Department Heads at the schools to coordinate and monitor implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan;

see that required inspections are performed and appropriate records are maintained;

provide technical assistance to schools and employees on the Chemical Hygiene Plan;

know the most current legal requirements concerning regulated substances and justify that the Chemical Hygiene Plan is in accord with those requirements;

DISTRICT CHEMICALDISTRICT CHEMICALHYGIENE OFFICERHYGIENE OFFICER

make recommendations to the Hazard Review Committee regarding request to use chemicals not on the standard district inventory because they have been identified by the district as explosive, carcinogenic, mutagenic, highly toxic, or otherwise unsuitable for general school laboratories;

determine need for personal protective equipment beyond that specified for general laboratory use;

contract for appropriate chemical hygiene training for all district employees whose normal work locations include laboratory areas; and

conduct an annual review of the Chemical Hygiene Plan and recommend revisions when appropriate.

ADVICE FADVICE FOROR TEACHERS TEACHERSCLASS SIZECLASS SIZE

Two important factors in determining whether a teacher should perform a particular experiment would be class

size and supervision.

CLASS SIZECLASS SIZE

“No current legal mandate prescribes special limits on class size in science laboratories. The Uniform Fire Code classifies science laboratory classes as academic subjects and specifies 20 square feet per student as a minimum standard in contrast to a vocational education class for which the requirement is 50 square feet per student. In reality, more than 20 square feet per pupil are required for hands-on laboratory science activities. That criterion is reflected in California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 1811(g)(2), which requires the state architect to design laboratory classrooms for occupancy by 26 students in grades seven through twelve or 24 students in grades nine through twelve. These design specifications are generally understood by state and local agencies to be equivalent to 1,300 square feet of floor space, including preparation and storage areas.” (Pg. 2-3)

GENERAL SAFETYGENERAL SAFETY

Goggles must be worn by students AND teacher when doing laboratory work

Goggles shared by students should be sanitized between usesPrecautions must be taken when using sharp objects (i.e.,

knives, scalpels, needles, pins, etc.)Students should not clean up broken glass; Teacher should

use leather gloves when picking up broken glass, or use tools such as brooms, dustpans, forceps, etc.

When working with hot materials, noxious plants or live animals, teacher and students should wear proper hand protection

Wash hands after lab work

SAFETY WITH FIRE & HEATSAFETY WITH FIRE & HEAT

Teacher should never leave the room when any fire is lit or any heat source is being used

Never heat flammable liquids.Use only tempered glassware for lab workTie back long hair when working around any heat sourceWhen using a hot plate, locate it so that student cannot

pull it off the worktop or trip over the cordNever use alcohol burnersCandles should be placed in a drip-pan before using and

should only be used under adult supervisionA fire extinguisher should be kept near the activity area

and the teacher should be trained in its use

DANGEROUS MATERIALSDANGEROUS MATERIALS

Use only safety matchesUse only non-mercury thermometersDiscard old batteries appropriatelyNever allow or encourage students to place any

materials near their mouth, nose or eyesDo not touch dry iceClean up all liquid spills and inform the teacher

immediately. They can be slippery!Do not use or mix chemicals in any manner other than

that stated in the approved laboratory procedure

SAFETY WITH PLANTSSAFETY WITH PLANTS

Wash hands after working with plants and seeds

Never put seeds or plants in mouth

Do not handle seeds or plants if there are cuts or sores on your hands

Over 700 species of plants can cause death or illness!

Be aware of the signs of plant poisoning (i.e., headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, itching or skin eruptions)

Be alert to plant safety on field trips

SAFETY WITH ANIMALSSAFETY WITH ANIMALS Any handling of animals by

students must be carefully supervised; parent permission slips should be kept on file

Never mishandle or mistreat animals

A safety lesson should be given to teach students how to care for and treat classroom animals

Animals caught in the wild should never be brought into the classroom

After handling animals, students must wash their hands with soap.

Reptiles are possible carriers of Salmonella; check guidelines for classroom suitability.

Be aware of animals students might encounter while on a field trip

At no time should dissection be done on an animal corpse unless it was specifically purchased from a reliable supplier

Never keep animals preserved in formaldehyde in your classroom or school!

EMERGENCY PROCEDURESEMERGENCY PROCEDURESTeacher should establish emergency procedures for (at

least) the following…◦ emergency first aid, electric shock, poisoning, burns,

fire, evacuations, spills and animal bitesReview emergency procedures with students before

beginning any classroom experimentBe prepared and have equipment and supplies nearby for

unforeseen emergenciesIdentify emergency authorities and their contact

information; Establish procedures for notifying appropriate authorities in the event of an emergency

DISPOSALDISPOSAL

Teacher must identify appropriate protocols for hazardous waste disposal PRIOR to the lab activity.

Students and the teacher must follow all protocols set by the school district for disposal of all hazardous wastes, including dissected animals, chemical solutions, etc.

ADVICE FOR TEACHERSADVICE FOR TEACHERSSECURE YOUR CHEMICALSSECURE YOUR CHEMICALS

Chemicals must be inventoried and stored properly.

Don’t stockpile your chemicals.

Dispose of chemicals properly.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETSMATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

Identity Physical Characteristics Special hazard Reactivity Data Health Hazard Data Personal Protective Equipment Hazardous Waste Disposal

Each school must maintain the most current MSDS received for all chemicals stored and/or used in the science department. MSDSs will be kept in a location readily accessible to employees working in school laboratories.

The District Chemical Hygiene Officer will maintain a master set of MSDS’s for all chemicals in the district.

All chemical orders must include a request for the most recent MSDS from the supplier.

• Flammable Liquids• Corrosive Chemicals• Toxic Chemicals• Reactive Chemicals• Water and air sensitive chemicals

GUIDELINES FOR STORING GUIDELINES FOR STORING CHEMICALS FROM SPECIFIC CHEMICALS FROM SPECIFIC HAZARD CLASSESHAZARD CLASSES

Health (Blue) 0-------------------------------4No health A fewhazard is whiffs of the gasPresent or vapor could cause death

Flammability (Red) 0-------------------------------4Materials will Extremely flammablenot burn liquids; volatile flammable liquids; dusts/mists explosive

Reactivity (Yellow) 0-------------------------------4Materials are Materials are readilyNormally stable capable of detonation or capable of detonation explosion

CHEMICALS NOT CHEMICALS NOT PERMITTED IN PERMITTED IN CALIFORNIACALIFORNIA

CHEMICALS NOT CHEMICALS NOT PERMITTED IN PERMITTED IN CALIFORNIACALIFORNIA(continued)(continued)

DISPOSAL OF CHEMICALSDISPOSAL OF CHEMICALS

a. Ignitable- Materials capable of causing fire.b. Oxidizer- Substances that readily yield oxygen, such as permanganates, nitrates, etc.c. Corrosive- Aqueous solutions with pH = 2 or 12.5d. Reactive- Substances that are unstable, explosive, water reactive or generated toxic gases.e. Poison- Substances containing arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver or any specified chlorinated organic substances.f. Other wastes not falling into one of the above classes.

ADVICE FOR TEACHERSADVICE FOR TEACHERSSUPERVISION OF SUPERVISION OF

LABORATORY ASSISTANTSLABORATORY ASSISTANTSLab assistants are to be held accountable to the same safety standards as every other student in the classroom.

SAFETY ISSUESSAFETY ISSUES

Proper eye-care safety practicesProper handling of glasswareProper setup and handling of electrical

equipmentSafe use of chemicals in the laboratoryCorrect methods for storing, handling, and

disposing of surplus, waste and deteriorated chemical substances

SAFETY ISSUESSAFETY 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 ISSUESSAFETY ISSUESProhibition 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 ISSUESSAFETY ISSUESProper behavior and courtesy in a

laboratory situation

Earthquake-safe behavior and evacuation routes

SAFETY HANDBOOKSAFETY HANDBOOK

New and High Profile Issues

Ch. 4- Safety in the Ch. 4- Safety in the Elementary Elementary

Science Classroom (new)Science Classroom (new)Become familiar with:◦Ch. 1- Introduction◦Ch. 2- First Aide◦Ch. 3- General Laboratory Safety Precautions

◦Ch. 5- Additional Safety PracticesPhysical Space and Class Size◦California Code- 1,300 sq. ft., including teacher-preparation and equipment/chemicals storage

Know about:◦Adequate room ventilation◦Location and proper use of cut-off vales (gas, water, electric)

◦Location and use of fire extinguisher◦Fire blankets◦Eyewash stations

Make safety a habit- review, explain and model safety rules and regulations

Ch. 4- Safety in the Ch. 4- Safety in the Elementary Elementary

Science Classroom (new)Science Classroom (new)

Notable safety recommendations:◦avoid the use of glass where possible, substituting appropriate plastic ware instead

◦avoid the use of mercury thermometers with elementary students.

Implement a goggle sanitation plan if multiple classes will share goggles.

Ch. 4- Safety in the Ch. 4- Safety in the Elementary Elementary

Science Classroom (new)Science Classroom (new)

Must-have items are: ◦appropriately sized chemical splash goggles ◦Non-allergenic gloves◦protective aprons ◦eyewash units ◦safety spray hoses/shower◦ABC tri-class fire extinguishers (A is for paper, wood, cloth, rubber, or plastic fires; B is for burning liquids, gases, or greases; and C is for burning electrical equipment);

◦fire blanket; ◦first-aid kit (as local and state policies permit).

BLOOD SAMPLINGBLOOD 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 SAMPLINGHUMAN 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 STUDIESEPITHELIAL TISSUE STUDIES

Use of cotton swap or blunt toothpick

Disposal similar to blood typing material

Must have parent permission slip- VOLUNTARY !

MICROSOPESMICROSOPES

Students with eye infections should not use a microscope

BACTERIA & FUNGIBACTERIA & 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 SOLVENTSFLAMMABLE SOLVENTS

Never use the flame to heat solvents

Use electric heat via a water bath

ACRYLAMIDE, ETHIDIUM ACRYLAMIDE, ETHIDIUM BROMIDE, FORMALDEHYDEBROMIDE, FORMALDEHYDE

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)

Chemicals Causing Most Chemicals Causing Most Common Accidents in Common Accidents in

SchoolsSchoolsMercuryCarbon monoxideMace (pepper spray)Hydrochloric acidEthylene glycolSulfuric acidChlorineSodium hydroxide

Explosive ChemicalsExplosive Chemicals((for immediate disposal only by

explosives technicians)

Benzoyl peroxideCarbon disulfideDiisopropyl ether, Ethyl ether/diethyl ether (if stored longer than 12 months)

Nitrogen triiodidePerchloric acidPhosphorous (white/yellow)Picric acidPotassium metalSodium azide

IONIZING RADIATIONIONIZING RADIATIONSchools should not accept gifts of X-ray machines or radioactive materials until:1. the machines have been checked by a

qualified health physicist or radio- logical physicist to determine that the equipment can be operated safely and with- out excessive radiation leakage; and

2. the radioactive materials have been deter- mined not to exceed permissible quantity limits specified by CCR, Title 17, Section 30180

3. and have been found to be free of removable contamination in excess of 0.005 microcurie.

ALTERNATIVES TO ALTERNATIVES TO DISSECTIONDISSECTION

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 ANIMALSLABORATORY ANIMALS

Humane care of

animals

Proper handling of

animals

Warnings on cages

Have students and parents sign a safety agreement outlining rules and expected behavior.

Arrange for the use of school-approved vehicles and drivers if transportation is required.

Carry a mobile phone in case of emergencies.

For water-related field experiences, ensure that at least one adult is trained in water safety techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and life saving.

FIELDTRIPSFIELDTRIPS Obtain the most current weather forecast prior to the activity in order to plan for potential hazardous weather conditions and to better inform students of appropriate clothing.

Group students in pairs or teams under the supervision of an adult chaperone.

Monitor student activities continually.

Reinforce the learning objectives for the field experience and keep students focused on the activity’s purpose and any assigned tasks.

SAFETY TESTSSAFETY TESTS

Safety in the laboratory should be taught and reinforced throughout the year

Safety is a team effortTeacher should keep a log to

document safety instruction (topic, date)

Student Safety AgreementLaboratory Safety Test

BEHAVIOR BASED SAFETYBEHAVIOR BASED SAFETY

Hazards represent only 2% of safety issues

Training represents only 6% of safety issues

Performance represents 92% of safety issues

SAFETY GOGGLESSAFETY 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 INJURIESEYE INJURIESImmediate 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 AIDEFIRST 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 AIDEFIRST 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 POISONSEXPOSURE TO POISONS

Contact local Poison Control Center

- See Appendix E for

Regional Poison Centers

GENERAL INFORMATIONGENERAL 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 OCDE© 2012 OCDEAll rights reservedAll rights reserved

Developed by: Developed by: Dean Gilbert, Science CoordinatorDean Gilbert, Science Coordinator

Orange County Orange County Department of EducationDepartment of Education