|
[Student
Area|Teacher Area|Judge Area]
Safety
Guidelines for Experimentation
Safety is the watchword
when exhibiting at all STEM Exhibitions. Without exception, the highest
standards of safety are required. The following are safety measures of
particular concern.
Glassware Hazards
No glassware may be displayed. Plastic containers should be substituted
for glass. Any container that holds water or other spillable substance,
such as salt, or sugar must be secured in a stable manner.
Chemical Hazards
Chemicals that present any possible hazard may not be displayed. Since
few chemicals are safe, substitute colored water and/or table salt or
use photographs or drawings. Refer to the Merck Index and/or The
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics to determine potential hazards of any
chemicals that are to be studied. Only sodium chloride (NaCl) and
sucrose (table sugar - C 12 H 22 O 11 ) crystals may be displayed.
Drugstore products, such as toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, antacids,
sleep aids, aspirin, sunscreens, and so forth, may not be displayed,
although their clean, empty packages may be displayed. Water in plastic
bags and glass containers may not be displayed. All vessels containing
any materials must be adequately sealed.
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, corrosive, or highly poisonous substances are not
to be brought to any exhibit area. This includes gasoline, alcohol, and
lighter fluids. Armed rockets or their propellants are prohibited.
Cylinders of compressed gas or aerosol cans are not allowed in the
display area. Automobile storage batteries containing sulfuric acid are
not allowed. All other substances must be shielded in such a way that
maximum protection is provided for spectators, neighboring exhibitors,
and the student exhibitor.
Fire Hazards
Open flames, torches, or burners are not to be used. Electrical heating
units must be well protected and must not be near the front of the
exhibit. Electrical units are not to be connected except upon judge’s
request. Hotplates must be mounted on a noncombustible insulating
material.
Radiation Hazards
Projects dealing with radiation, either from cathode ray, X-ray, or
radioactive materials, must present no hazard to the public or the
student exhibitor. If there is any doubt as to the safety of the
project, contact the Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair, Inc.
Safety Chair, Kristian Coerper
at
Kenwood Academy - GSR #41 Email:kcoerper@cps.edu
|