• Properly plan all laboratory activities, including researching and implementing all necessary safety precautions;
• Complete all required training, including the annual online course, Science Lab Safety;
• Maintain a chemical inventory and safety data sheets (SDSs) for all science chemicals;
• Train all students in the hazards and safety precautions associated with all science activities, including teacher demonstrations;
• Conduct all science activities with flammable* and/or toxic chemicals** in lab hoods;
• Minimize the purchase, use, and storage of hazardous chemicals;
• Ensure all students are trained in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment, such as eyewash stations and emergency showers;
• Test eyewash stations and emergency showers at least monthly, and ensure they are unobstructed and clean;
• Ensure proper PPE is readily available and in good condition, including chemical-resistant gloves and aprons, lab coats, chemical-splash goggles, and face shields;
• Ensure all chemicals, especially flammable and corrosive chemicals, are properly stored;
• Ensure all doorways, halls, aisles, and stairs used for building evacuation are unobstructed;
• Prohibit eating, drinking, smoking, gum chewing, application of cosmetics, manipulation of contact lenses, and other such activities in the laboratory;
• Prohibit horseplay, practical jokes, or other behavior that might confuse, startle, or distract people in the laboratory.

NIOSH School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide  

• When entering chemical names, CAS numbers should be included, if possible
• ‘Container Type’ can include: glass bottle, plastic jar, glass vial, aluminum can, cardboard drum, plastic bag, metal can, etc.
• ‘Total Amount’ is the estimated maximum quantity expected to be at the facility at any time during the year
• ‘Date Brought’ is the date on which the chemical was introduced to the facility

• Chemical Information List Form

1. An appropriate fog or haze machine must be selected for the application.  It must bear a label showing it has been tested by a recognized independent testing laboratory for safety.
2. The fog “juice”, the chemical product used to generate the fog or haze, must be approved by Systemwide Safety Programs.  Product information, including the fog juice safety data sheet (SDS) and information about the fog/haze machine, may be submitted for product evaluation by MCPS employees using the MCPS Chemical Product Evaluation Form.  The fog juice must be designed for use with the specific machine selected.  If the fog juice or machine are not approved for MCPS use, they may not be used.  Approved machines and fog juice are below:  
   • Chauvet Lighting AmHaze ECO used with Chauvet Lighting High Performance Haze Fluid (machine user manual; SDS)
   • Reel EFX DF-50 Diffusion Hazer used with Reel EFX Diffusion Fluid (machine user manual; SDS)
3. If an appropriate machine is selected and the fog juice is approved for MCPS use, a smoke detector test must be completed to determine if the intended use will activate any smoke detectors.  Please note that not all smoke detectors are readily visible; some are located in ducts.   
4. The required steps for conducting a smoke detector test are:

• • Schedule the test with school administration and the building service manager. The test may not be conducted while classes are in session. 
  • Before activating the machine, notify school administration and Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management, Electronic Detection Unit (240-740-3066), that a test will be conducted that might activate the fire alarm system.
  • Ensure a copy of the fog juice SDS is available.  The SDS is needed for fire personnel if the test activates the fire alarm system and to address any health-related concerns that might arise.
  • Activate the machine in the location required for the performance, producing the amount of fog or haze needed.  If the test activates the fire alarm system, fire evacuation procedures must be followed: call 911 and evacuate the building.  The building may not be re-occupied until permission is granted by the fire department.
  • If the test does not activate the fire alarm system, the location and quantity of fog generated should be recorded.  School administration and the Electronic Detection Unit should be notified the test has been completed.
  • If the test indicates the machine will not activate the fire alarm system, it may be used in a similar manner for the performance.
  • For the performance, audience notification of fog machine use must be provided via a lobby and program notice.  The notice must also note that audience members may contact a production representative if there are questions or concerns.  The SDS should be reviewed for any information indicating potential hazards for individuals with respiratory conditions.  A copy of the fog juice SDS must be available during the performance.
  • If the fog machine activates the fire alarm system during the performance, fire evacuation procedures must be followed.

• Keep combustible materials at least 2.5 feet (30 inches) away from the kiln.
• Ensure the kiln exhaust ventilation system is operating properly (signs of poor exhaust airflow include excessive heat or odors in the kiln room and/or rusty sprinkler heads or ceiling tile grids).
• Ensure the kiln exhaust ventilation system is turned on, and the hood is not obstructed, when the kiln is on.
• Regularly inspect the kiln, including the electrical cord, for damage.
• Do not fire pieces that have newspaper or wires embedded in the clay.
• Keep the kiln area free of clutter and excessive dust.  Remove ceramic (clay, glaze) dust using wet cleaning methods or a HEPA vacuum - do not vacuum with a regular vacuum.
• Safely open and secure the kiln lid with the appropriate safety arm or chain when loading and unloading.
• Do not overload the kiln.
• Turn off the kiln prior to loading or unloading.
• Do not leave the kiln unattended while firing.
• Do not open the kiln until it has cooled to room temperature.
• School staff should not attempt to move kilns. Schools should contact Division of Maintenance if a kiln must be moved.
• Always keep students away from the kiln.