SAFETYin the

Science Classroom

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Teachers are entrusted with the responsibility to educate our children.

In this fundamental responsibility, the teacher has a number of duties.

The breach of a particular duty owed to a student or others may lead to liability for both the teacher and the school district that employs that teacher.

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 An important factor in determining

whether a teacher should perform a particular experiment may be to limit class size appropriate to the degree of risk.

ADVICE FOR TEACHERS

SUPERVISION OF SUPERVISION OF

STUDENT AIDESSTUDENT AIDES Student aides are to be held

accountable to the same safety issues 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 or agencies of any dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions

Safe, and humane treatment of animals

SAFETY ISSUES

Prohibition of the use or presence of any venomous animals, 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

Teacher should keep a log to document safety instruction (topic, date)

Student Safety Contract Laboratory Safety Test

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

FIRST AIDE

SHOCK- If electrical, 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 Amer. Nat. Red Cross or Amer. 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 Cntr.

(213) 222-8086 or

(800) 777-6476

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

Consider what things could be changed to lessen the chance of accidents happening

© 2001 LACOEAll rights reserved

Developed by Dean GilbertScience Consultant