Laboratory Safety

by Renee Tonquest

Health Science Cluster Specialist

 

According to Chapter 74 of the Texas Administrative Code all courses that receive science credit in grades 9-12, for at least 40% of instructional time, the students must conduct laboratory and field investigations.

Safety is an important aspect of any laboratory-based science class. Caution should always be maintained to protect the students and the instructor. The laboratory contains potential pathogenic microorganisms and toxic chemicals. Standard precautions must always be practiced throughout each laboratory investigation.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn when working in the laboratory, including chemical splash goggles, face shields, lab coats, lab aprons, and gloves.  The PPE will be selected based on the material being handled and the particular hazard involved.

Make sure the students always know where to locate the safety equipment in the laboratory and they know to report any accident or injury to the instructor immediately.

Most students working in the laboratory do not think the rules are important until something does happen and they have to take action.  Make sure you make following the rules in the laboratory a requirement.

Here are some online resources for laboratory safety:

• Centers for Disease Control and Protection -- http://www.cdc.gov/
• Council of State Science Supervisors (CSSS) -- Science Education Safety -- http://www.csss-science.org/safety.shtml
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration --  http://www.osha.gov/
• Safety in the Science Classroom – http://www.nsta.org/portals/safety.aspx
• Texas Education Agency -- Laboratory and Field Investigations – FAQ, August 2010 --http://www.tea.state.tx.us/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=2147486150&libID=2147486149
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) -- A-Z Index – http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/