Safety Manual

SAFETY MANUAL
Scientific exploration can and should be exciting for students and teachers. As such, exploration often involves the hands-on manipulation of chemicals as well as physical demonstrations of scientific principles. Students and teachers gain the most from hands-on learning when safety measures are set in place and followed. A curriculum that embraces hands-on experimentation with biological, chemical and physical materials and experiments while making safety an inherent part of its scientific process, allows the freedom of exploration while maintaining a healthy respect for materials with which they work.

Safety, therefore, is not the responsibility of a single person. Within a school, the responsibility falls within several levels. When all persons within a school work together, the outcome for safety is at its highest. For schools who may not have a safety system already in place, the information below illustrates the levels at which safety should be considered with regards to the science curriculum. The information highlights some of the important issues to consider. Discussion of safety issues with appropriate personnel within the school or district should result in the development of a definitive set of responsibilities and guidelines. Contact with the local OSHA, EPA, Fire Marshall and university chemistry department can be helpful when developing a laboratory safety plan.