Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets

Science And Math  #6

Science Safety

• Rule 1- DOING. Before doing an activity, ask your helper or an adult to review with you how to safely do the activity. If you have any questions, ask for help from your helper or an adult. If you do not feel comfortable about doing something, get more information before proceeding.

• Rule 2 - PLAYING. Goofing around and horseplay are out! Spills, accidents, broken or damaged equipment or supplies, or fires can happen easily if horseplay is tolerated. Save the horseplay for later.

• Rule 3 - TASTING. Never taste, eat, or drink anything while doing an activity unless specifically told to do so by your helper or an adult. If the activity calls for tasting something, be sure to clean your hands first.

• Rule 4 - MIXING. Do not mix any substances that you have not been told to mix. Some may cause serious consequences such as an explosion or poisonous gases.

• Rule 5 - SMELLING. Never smell substances directly from a bottle, bowl, or other container. If you ever need to smell a substance, the container should be held 15cm (6 inches) away from the nose and a hand waved over the opening of the container toward the nose. This will waft some of the fumes toward the nose without exposing you to a large dose of anything noxious or harmful.

• Rule 6 - PROTECT EYES! Goggles should always be worn when chemicals are being mixed or heated. Goggles will protect the eyes from chemicals that splatter or explode. Running water should be available. If some chemical happens to get in an eye, flush the eye thoroughly with running water for 15 minutes. If irritation develops, contact a doctor and take the chemical container and activity description along.

• Rule 7 - PROTECT SKIN! Wear protective gloves when handling chemicals. If a chemical spills on the skin, flush the area with water for 15 minutes. If irritation develops, contact a doctor and take the chemical container and activity description along.

• Rule 8 - CLEAN UP DANGEROUS MESSES IMMEDIATELY! Many activities will create some mess and that is okay. But, do clean up spills and obstacles that are likely to cause someone to get hurt or to damage property. Most accidents can be prevented with common sense.

• Rule 9 - DISPOSE OF CHEMICALS PROPERLY. Poisonous or flammable substances must be disposed of correctly to prevent harming people, animals, plants, and property. Ask your helper or an adult for directions on how to do this right.

• Rule 10 - COPE WITH FIRE. If a fire happens in the activity area, tell your helper or an adult immediately. If the helper or an adult is not in the area, get safely away from the fire and get help. Remember - Stop, Drop, and Roll!

From Funtivities (Iowa State University)

Submitted by K. Anderson

For more information please call 401.277.5255

Back to Early Childhood
Back to Home Day Care
Back to School Age Child Care
Back to Youth And Teens