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[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, Elizabeth
Copper, CPS
Retired,
Email: ecopper3@gmail.com
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