Science Orientation Skills—Student Resource for Science 8

HHPS and WHMIS

At school, in the lab, and at the workplace safety rules and standards are important. Learning to identify safety issues, safety rules, the Hazardous Household Products Symbols (HHPS), and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) may reduce your risk of injury or death.

Try it Yourself—Safety Rule Scavenger Hunt

Flushing has another meaning (or two) in science safety.

**Answer**
If chemicals splash onto your body, immediately flush them off with water. If a chemical lands in your eyes, wash your eyes immediately and continue for 10 minutes. Get to a physician as soon as possible.

The backhand rules!

**Answer**
Handle hot objects carefully. Bring the back of your hand close to, but not touching, the object. If you are burned, hold the burned area under cold water or put ice directly on it.

A bucket of sand saves the land!

**Answer**
Use sand or a large container to smother small fires.

To wave or to waft, that is the question.

**Answer**
If you need to smell a chemical, hold the container away from your face and slowly waft or wave the air directly above the container toward your nose with your hand.

Common sense is not that common, so what are three key rules of safety?

**Answer**
Never do any experiment without the approval and direct supervision of your teacher, parent or guardian. Read all written instructions before doing an activity. Never taste anything or directly smell an unknown chemical.

Why would you want to roll on the dirty floor?

**Answer**
If you are on fire, drop to the ground, and roll on the floor to smother the flames. Cover the flames with coats or blankets to help smother the flames.

Butter is not very good for this.

**Answer**
Handle hot objects carefully. Bring the back of your hand close to, but not touching, the object. If you are burned, hold the burned area under cold water or put ice directly on it.

Home Alone isn’t a good science safety movie.

**Answer**
Never do any experiment without the approval and direct supervision of your teacher, parent, or guardian.

How could your safety behaviour protect fish?

**Answer**
Dispose of materials as directed by your teacher. Do not pour chemicals down the drain as these may get into a salmon-spawning stream.

10.

Forgetting these locations can be hazardous to your health.

**Answer**
Know the location of safety and first-aid equipment, including fire extinguisher, fire blanket, first-aid kit, and fire alarm. Never play with safety equipment.