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Please review the following safety agreements for DSST science courses. Upon review, sign the electronic signature form at the bottom of the page to acknowledge receipt and understanding.

DSST Physics/Engineering Lab Safety Rules and Procedures

Rules and Procedures:

  • Read the entire procedure before you begin and follow all instructions exactly as explained by your teacher.
  • There is a Zero Tolerance policy for any form of horseplay during an activity. (This could result in removal.)
  • If you are unclear about a certain portion of the activity, ask your teacher.
  • Any accident, regardless of the severity, must be reported to the teacher immediately.
  • Always transport scissors or other sharp objects with the sharp end down; always cut away from yourself during dissection or other lab procedures.
  • Know the location and use of all safety equipment in the lab, which includes: goggles, aprons, eye wash, fire blanket and fire extinguisher.
  • Report any damaged or broken equipment to your instructor immediately.
  • Check cords and plugs for damage and keep the area dry when working with electrical equipment.

Clothing and Safety Equipment:

  • Baggy clothes and long hair must be neatly secured while performing any experiment.
  • Safety goggles must be worn when:
    • Working with any form of heat
    • Working with projectiles
    • Working with sharp objects or glass
    • When determined by the teacher
  • Closed toed shoes must be worn on lab/work days (no crocs) or student will forfeit lab points (or be responsible for make-up).

Heat Source:

  • Attend to heat sources 100% of the time.
  • When heating a substance, use proper equipment and point it away from everyone. 
  • Any glassware that is heated should not be immersed in cold water.
  • Failure to follow fire safety could result in removal as it endangers classmates.

Tools: 

  • Use the correct tool for the job.
  • Do not use tools that are broken/worn out.
  • Use proper body positions including:
    • Lift heavy objects by bending at knees not back
    • Body weight above drill
    • Body in line with hand saw
  • If you are unsure at any point about tool use/safety, ask your teacher.
  • Improper use of tools could result in removal from class.

Makerspace Cleanliness:

  • Keep your area neat and clean.
  • Solid trash should be placed in the trash can; liquid wastes should be placed in the sink with lots of water or other designated disposal area as determined by your instructor. 
  • Broken glass should ONLY be handled by your instructor.
  • All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned at the conclusion of the lab and returned to the assigned area.
  • Wash your hands at the end of each lab.

You must follow all safety rules while performing any lab, 100% of the time. These guidelines are for your safety and the safety of others. Failure to follow these procedures could result in an automatic “M” in the gradebook and removal from class.

Your safety and the safety of others is top priority!

DSST Chemistry/Biology Lab Safety Rules and Procedures


Rules and Procedures:

  • Read the entire lab before you begin and follow all lab instructions exactly as explained by your teacher.
  • There is a Zero Tolerance policy for any form of horseplay during a lab (This could result in removal)
  • If you are unclear about a certain portion of the lab, ask your teacher.
  • Any accident, regardless of the severity, must be reported to the teacher immediately.
  • Always transport scissors or other sharp objects with the sharp end down; always cut away from yourself during dissection or other lab procedures.
  • Eating, smelling/sniffing and drinking are strictly forbidden during labs; only eat, smell, or taste an item if told to do so by your teacher. 
  • Know the location and use of all safety equipment in the lab, which includes: goggles, aprons, eye wash, fire blanket, fire extinguisher and lab shower. 
  • Report any damaged or broken equipment to your instructor immediately.
  • Check cords and plugs for damage and keep the area dry when working with electrical equipment.

Clothing and Safety Equipment:

  • Baggy clothes and long hair must be neatly secured while performing any experiment.
  • Safety goggles must be worn when:
    • Working with any form of heat
    • Working with chemicals
    • Working with sharp objects or glass
    • When determined by the teacher
  • Failure to comply with clothing and PPE guidelines could result in completing an alternative assignment in place of the lab (no removal).
  • Closed toed shoes must be worn on lab days (no crocs) or student will forfeit lab points (or be responsible for make-up).

Heat Source:

  • Attend to heat sources 100% of the time.
  • When heating a substance, use proper equipment and point it away from everyone. 
  • Any glassware that is heated should not be immersed in cold water.
  • Failure to follow fire safety could result in removal as it endangers classmates.

Chemicals:

  • Only mix chemicals in the order described within the lab. If the experiment uses acid, always add acid last.
  • All chemicals and/or any lab supplies must be accounted for at the completion of the lab. No chemical, item, or specimen should ever leave the lab room.
  • Chemicals splashed on the skin or eyes should be flushed with water for a minimum of 20 minutes.
  • Splashing, throwing, or mixing chemicals outside of the protocol could result in removal as it endangers fellow students.

Lab Cleanliness:

  • Keep your lab area neat and clean.
  • Always dispose of chemicals properly and never return unused portions to the original container.
  • Solid trash should be placed in the trash can; liquid wastes should be placed in the sink with lots of water or other designated disposal area as determined by your instructor. 
  • Broken glass should ONLY be handled by your instructor.
  • All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned at the conclusion of the lab and returned to the assigned area.
  • Wash your hands at the end of each lab.

These guidelines are in place to protect all students. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in removal from class if an individual is endangering peers. 

Your safety and the safety of others is top priority!