Hazardous Substances or Devices

The ISEF Affiliated Fair/Intel ISEF allows students to conduct research involving hazardous substances or devices as long as students adhere to federal and state regulations and guidelines which are designed to protect the safety of researchers.

Rules

1. The use of hazardous chemicals and equipment, firearms, radioactive substances and radiation require proper supervision by a Designated Supervisor. The Designated Supervisor must be directly responsible for overseeing student experimentation.
   
   
2. Student researchers working with hazardous substances or devices must follow proper safety procedures for each chemical or device used in the research. Extra precautions should be taken in working with flammable, explosive or highly toxic chemicals, chemical mixtures found in pesticides, and mutagens or carcinogens.
   
   
3. For all research requiring a Federal and/or State Permit, the student/supervisor will be expected to have the permit prior to the onset of experimentation. A copy of the permit must be submitted for review to the ISEF-Affiliated Fair SRC along with the other appropriate forms after experimentation but prior to competition.
   
   
4. Use of radiation and radioactive substances are tightly regulated. Students must strictly adhere to safety standards of the authorized institution where such substances/devices are used in the research.
   
   
5. Differentiation between hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals can best be determined by utilizing the Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
   
   
6. The following forms are required:
   1. Checklist for Adult Sponsor
   2. Research Plan (1A) and Attachment
   3. Approval Form (1B)
   4. Regulated Research Institution Form (1C) - if applicable
   5. Designated Supervisor Form (3)