Laboratory Safety – Whose job is it anyway?

No laboratory activity is so important that teachers and students in the Austin Independent School district cannot take the time to be safe. Safety in the science classroom is everyone’s responsibility. Learning science concepts and doing science process must be achieved in a safe environment.  It is not the responsibility of the teacher alone to assure that safety practices are followed in the classroom.  Safety is the responsibility of students, teachers, science department chairs, the science supervisor and the State Board of Education.

The Science Student

The science student should not expect the teacher to shoulder the entire responsibility for a safe learning environment in the science classroom and laboratory.  Each student must contribute to the safety of others and help maintain an atmosphere of safe learning. Before students may participate in any laboratory activity the student is responsible for agreeing to and signing a laboratory safety agreement. Additionally a student must obtain their parent/guardian signature on the laboratory safety agreement. Students should:

1. Read and study the science activity or laboratory investigation prior to going to class.
2. Know and follow all safety rules prior to the first investigation.
3. Be alert during the laboratory time. Watch for potential problems, and report unsafe situations immediately. Do not work alone in the laboratory.
4. Do not attempt unauthorized activities.  Work only on authorized activities that are related to the investigation.
5. If a chemical spill occurs, report it immediately and follow the instructions of the teacher.
6. Keep your area clean.  Clean up the area at the end of the class. Dispose of biological and chemical waste properly.
7. Do not enter preparatory or equipment storage rooms or chemical storerooms.
8. Always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before leaving the laboratory.

Note: A detailed list of student responsibilities required by the State of Texas may be found at http://www.tenet.edu/teks/science/safety/safety_manual.html

The Science Teacher

Advanced planning and preparation can be the best safety practice a teacher can use to reduce accidents.  A summary of teacher responsibilities include:

1. Understanding each science laboratory or field investigation in advance.
2. Make pre-laboratory activities a regular routine before taking students into a laboratory setting.  Go over all safety precautions in the investigation, and answer questions and concerns before beginning the activity.
3. Label all chemicals correctly and clearly.
4. Materials to be used during the laboratory should be arranged carefully and in a safe area for students to use.
5. Maintain order and discipline during the activity.  Safety rules are to be obeyed by all students.
6. Monitor the laboratory room or field site.  Work with students to correct any procedure or behavior that is not safe
7. Students should promptly clean up their area while wearing safety goggles.  Chemicals and biological waste should be disposed of correctly.
8. If accidents do occur, follow AISD district policy and guidelines on first aid and reporting the accident.

Note: A detailed list of teacher responsibilities may be found at http://www.tenet.edu/teks/science/safety/safety_manual.html

The Science Chair and Lead Teacher

The science chairperson and lead teacher must have safety as a high priority. They should monitor the safety in laboratory, preparatory, and storage rooms.  Below is a summary of the science chair and lead teacher responsibilities as listed by the Texas Education Agency.

1. A monthly schedule for inspecting laboratory facilities, preparatory and equipment rooms, and storage rooms should be developed.  Identify problem areas and develop plans to improve safety.
2. District procedures for proper disposal, labeling, and the handling of chemicals should be discussed with the science teachers.
3. Announce additions to the MSDS library as new chemicals and hazardous materials are added to the department. Each teacher should be made aware of the hazards of new chemicals
4. Work with teachers to keep students in compliance with safety rules.
5. Assist with emergency actions that are needed for laboratory accidents, assistance to an injured person, and cleaning up of chemical spills, broken glass ware, and fires.
6. Work with science teachers in reporting and investigating an accident.  The purpose of the investigation is to determine the cause and make corrections if possible, not to place blame.
7. It should be the responsibility of the science chairperson to maintain a file and records, documenting all accidents.

Note: A detailed list of teacher responsibilities may be found at http://www.tenet.edu/teks/science/safety/safety_manual.html