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/
