Laboratory Safety in the Schools

While the risk of a classroom or school laboratory accident resulting in injury or serious damage is small, the risk does exist. It is the responsibility of district administrators, safety personnel, and teachers to develop and implement these programs for the safety of all. The importance of laboratory safety has been recognized by industry, government, and institutions of higher education for decades. These entities have developed, implemented, and stringently followed comprehensive safety and procedural programs to reduce the rate of accidents, manage the risk of incidents and injuries to personnel and students, and to establish clear default guidelines and procedures to deal with such events when they do occur.

Keywords Chemical Compatibility; Chemical Disposal; Chemical Hygiene Plan; Chemical Tracking System; Chemicals; Disposal of Toxic Materials; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Green Chemistry; Hazardous Substances; Laboratory; Material Safety Data Sheets; Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA); Public School; Safety; Toxic

Overview

The teaching of science in the nation's schools has progressed far beyond what existed even a few years ago. With the constant pace of progress and discovery in the scientific fields, school districts across the country are constantly being challenged to keep up with these advances, adding them to their science curricula both academically in the classroom and practically in the science and chemistry laboratory. These new experiments (as well as many older ones) being taught in the lab are fairly complicated and have an element of risk to them that must managed by proper laboratory procedures and safety programs. It is the responsibility of the school or district to develop and implement them to ensure the safety of both the teaching staff and the students (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2007).

However, in many districts, comprehensive laboratory safety procedures and programs are either nonexistent, out of date, or not judiciously followed, which increases the risk of accident or injury to all involved ("Promote science lab safety," 2006). This shortcoming can also place the potential liability for such incidents squarely upon the school or school district which failed to develop, update, or fully implement these vital guidelines.

The importance of laboratory safety has been recognized by industry, government, and institutions of higher education for decades. These entities have developed, implemented, and stringently followed comprehensive safety and procedural programs to reduce the rate of accidents, manage the risk of incidents and injuries to personnel and students, and to establish clear default guidelines and procedures to deal with such events when they do occur. The passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 which formalized the requirement that guidelines and precautions must be developed to protect employees of all firms from hazards on the job "set in stone" the requirements for such procedures in industry, government, and academia. Yet, unlike industry and government, in many of the nation's schools, these safety procedures and programs have been slowly or incompletely implemented, if at all.

While the risk of a classroom or school laboratory accident resulting in injury or serious damage is small, the risk does exist. It is the responsibility of district administrators, safety personnel, and teachers to develop and implement these programs for the safety of all. Without proper safety programs in place, that small risk factor can balloon, resulting in potentially grave situations that could escalate into serious injury to people and or damage to school facilities. Properly developed, implemented, and followed safety procedures will help ensure that these risks are kept minimal by familiarizing students with the potential hazards of their activity, preventative measures against accidents, and emergency procedures to follow in the event of an accident to so that a productive and safe learning experience can be shared by all (Roy, 2001).

School District Responsibilities

The development, implementation, and enforcement of school laboratory safety programs are the responsibility of the individual school districts. When a science curriculum is developed, an integral part of that development should include comprehensive safety and health instruction as a first step in practical instruction in the laboratory. While the Federal Government does not require that students be given safety and health instruction, it does require that employees (teachers and assistants) be given this training. Some individual states (such as North Carolina) have recognized the need for a formal laboratory safety program for students, do require that state guidelines be followed and that students receive training similar to that required by the Federal OSHA statutes (Stroud, 2007).

Teacher Responsibility

Teachers are next in the chain of responsibility, as the first line of contact for students in the laboratory; they are the most important link in this chain. By carefully instructing students in the safety procedures to be followed, familiarizing them with the laboratory equipment, the proper handling procedures for chemicals to be used, and by providing adequate supervision during every stage of the learning process, teachers have the most influence on their students to ensure the successful and safe outcome to practical laboratory experiments.

Student Responsibility

Finally, it is the responsibility of the students in the laboratory to follow the guidelines and safety procedures taught to them. While the students may come from a wide variety of backgrounds that may prepare some of them for the responsibilities of the lab, others may not have any experience in such activities or predilection to follow such strict guidelines. It must be impressed upon them that their safety and success depends upon carefully following procedures and adequate time must be set aside to ensure that all are thoroughly familiar with, and motivated to follow, these steps prior to beginning the experiments. In itself, the training is a good start towards establishing a firm step by step procedural foundation that the students may build upon to prepare for and enhance their experience in the laboratory.

Applications

Division of Tasks in the Laboratory

In the laboratory, there is a distinct division of duties and responsibilities between instructors and students. The instructors are responsible for the planning, preparation, instruction, and execution of the practicum while providing adequate supervision during all phases, ensuring adherence to the guidelines of the instruction, and maintaining a safe learning environment for all. The task of supervision and leadership to ensure the safety of students is probably the most critical factor while performing school laboratory experiments (Kaufman, 1995).

The duties of teachers and aides may include, but are not limited to:

• Proper maintenance and operation of laboratory and safety equipment and facilities,

• Proper administrative records keeping and training documentation,

• Identification of possible hazards or hazardous situations that may exist,

• Instruction for participants in safety procedures and emergency action plans,

• Knowledge of and familiarity in the use of safety and emergency equipment,

• Knowledge of the location and operation of critical shutoffs for systems such as gas, liquid, and electricity,

• Proper storage, documentation, and monitoring of chemicals stored in the laboratory,

• Ensuring order and adherence to procedures in the laboratory while experiments are underway.

Students also have responsibilities in the lab. It is critical for them to understand that serious incidents can occur if proper attention is not paid to their experiments, or if their conduct causes an accident with the equipment or chemicals. Safety must be paramount in all of their actions while in this environment. Student responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Proper and safe behavior in the lab

• Knowing and following all applicable safety and health guidelines

• Following standard, established laboratory and chemical handling procedures

• Ensuring that their work stations are kept neat, free from clutter and properly cleaned

• Wearing the proper clothing and safety equipment while in the laboratory

• No eating, drinking, or smoking in the lab

• Properly dispose of all chemicals and broken glassware

• Knowing all emergency and evacuation procedures

The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)

When storing chemicals in the laboratory, a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is the most important part of managing these potentially hazardous substances. The CHP is a written document that outlines the safety procedures and policies that cover the storage, use, and safe handling of hazardous chemicals that are being utilized at that location. It is intended to protect personnel from accidental or unintended exposure to these chemicals. The CHP is of particular importance for schools since it controls the procurement, storage, reliable inventory, and disposal of potentially hazardous substances. In many schools, there are no real controls to the haphazard purchase of substances and the storage of outdated chemicals and chemistry kits. Additionally without a CHP, chemicals which have outlived their shelf life may not be properly disposed of. Like outdated pharmaceuticals, chemicals kept beyond their safe storage date can sometimes prove hazardous due to chemical changes and instability resulting in possible exposure to liability issues for the school if an accident occurs.

The specific guidelines for the CHP are covered by OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard (Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, part 1910.1450) which delineates the mandatory requirements of this statute which is intended to protect individuals from harm from hazardous chemicals. The statute is available online at http://www.osha.gov

The OSHA standard applies to all school employees who work in the laboratory, or who are exposed to these chemicals. It is the responsibility of the school district to assign responsible personnel to develop the CHP for school. Additionally, non-binding guidelines for CHPs can also be found in Appendix A of Federal Regulations 1910.1450 which provides assistance in developing a CHP.

Required Components of a Chemical Hygiene Plan

According to OSHA (2007), a CHP has certain required portions that are outlined here:

• Identified and developed standard safety and health procedures which cover each activity involving the use of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory.

• Guidelines to establish the control (physical, administrative, and emergency) measures required to avoid or reduce exposure to hazardous substances, with a particular focus on extremely hazardous substances.

• A policy ensuring the installation and proper working condition of safety equipment such as chemical hoods, masks, and other preventative equipment.

• Readily available information on the type, hazard, storage and safe handling requirements, and exposure limits of all hazardous chemicals used in that area.

• A formal training plan for all employees working with these hazardous chemicals which covers the detection of an accidental release of these substances, the health hazards of exposure to the substances, necessary protective actions, and emergency response and reporting procedures when dealing with an accidental release of these substances.

• The approval process for the scheduling and teaching of practical classes in the laboratory involving hazardous materials.

• The medical response and evaluation requirements when an individual develops symptoms of exposure to these substances either by standard contact or by exposure during an accidental release, or when regular exposure levels have been above allowed guidelines.

• Formal assignment of an individual as the CHP or Implementation Officer.

• Additional requirements and guidelines for working with very hazardous substances such as known carcinogens, acute toxins, and other elevated health risk compounds.

• A regular mechanism to ensure a yearly review of the institutional CHP (OSHA, 2007).

Non Mandatory Elements of a Chemical Hygiene Plan

The following items, while not mandatory, may also be included in a CHP.

• Proper identification and labeling of all such substances and the ready availability of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) at the location.

• The creation and secure maintenance of records documenting employee exposure levels and past medical treatments for these exposures.

Material Safety Data Sheets

proper handling, storage, and disposition requirements of chemicals. These sheets should accompany all chemicals used by the school and are also available online at www.msdsonline.com if they do not arrive with the shipment from the manufacturer or vendor.

MSDSs are very useful sources of information and should be maintained in one binder located in an accessible location for all employees and readily available to emergency personnel.

Procuring Chemicals

When procuring chemicals, there are some basic guidelines to consider to ensure that the chemical inventory remains fully documented, accounted for, proportional to needs, and properly disposed of when outdated or excess to requirements. A proper procurement system will save the school or district money by ensuring that the chemicals purchased are fully utilized and procured only in necessary quantities. Careful management of the chemical stock also reduces the risks associated with improper handling and loss. Some of these considerations include:

• A procurement plan for purchasing chemicals and chemistry kits.

• A single point of contact for the purchase of chemicals to ensure proper management of the chemical stockpile.

• A training program for logistics support personnel and formal procedures for the reception, handling, and proper routing and storage of the substances.

• Established procedures in the event of accidental release, personnel /student exposure, or loss.

• Review to determine if there is an actual educational requirement for particularly hazardous substances, check if less hazardous substitutes are available.

• of chemical storage facilities.

• Procure adequate amounts of proper protective gear and safety equipment for handling the chemicals.

• Establish a hazardous material disposal plan if needed and ensure that funds are available for it.

• Determine if lesser amounts of the substance can be successfully used when carrying out the laboratory experiments and adjust purchases accordingly.

• Only procure amounts that can be consumed within the average rate of usage for one school year.

• Avoid glass storage containers when possible to reduce the hazard of breakage

Tracking Chemicals

Once lab chemicals have been procured, it is vital to maintain reliable tracking and inventory controls on them. As discussed in the Chemical Hygiene section, it is important that schools keep track of the quantity of chemicals stored at their facilities, their location and disposal dates are known, and finally, appropriate safety and health training has been provided to all employees who come into contact with them.

A chemical tracking system is basically a "single source" repository of all information relating to chemicals used by the school. It can be either paper or computer based and it should track the chemicals from procurement to disposal. An up to date tracking system will ensure that the chemical inventory is managed efficiently, cost effectively, without redundancies, and that chemicals are properly disposed of.

Chemicals may be tracked by name or molecular composition. The system should track each individual container of substances as opposed to the entire inventory on hand. Regular inventory and inspection of the stockpile is highly recommended, as well as immediate disposal as required per the CHP. A tracking sheet documenting date and amount of usage for each type is also recommended to establish usage rates for each chemical.

Labeling of Chemicals

For obvious reasons, one of the most vital things in a laboratory is that the chemicals used there are correctly labeled. Serious-potentially fatal accidents and mishaps can occur when incorrectly combined chemicals and compounds react with each other. These reactions can range from the release of toxic fumes and gasses, unexpected heating or expansion of the substances, to explosions and fire. It is critical that chemicals be properly labeled, containers are not reused for other purposes or substances, and strict controls are maintained to ensure the accuracy of the labeling system. Some of the requirements for an accurate labeling system include:

• Clearly printed and properly affixed labels

• Immediate replacement of damaged, loose, or missing labels

• Labels should include the chemical name or molecular composition, source, handling and hazard data, and the dates received, opened, and the recommended use by date

Chemical Storage Requirements

When storage is being arranged for school chemicals, it is best to first check for any and all applicable Federal, State, and local storage regulations and guidelines. These are often available online or from the fire department, among other sources. The district's insurance provider should also be contacted for any guidelines concerning liability that they have. Some basic measures in regard to storage call for the substances to be kept in either closed cabinets or on heavy shelving equipped with a high enough lip to contain spills. The storage shelves should be secured to the walls and the facility itself should be well ventilated and lockable with no access permitted to students.

Chemicals are stored alphabetically according to compatibility and never by alphabetizing alone (Environmental Protection Agency, 1980).

However, the basics in regard to this are:

• Acids should be stored by themselves in a separate cabinet. Nitric acid should always be segregated by itself.

• Extremely hazardous or toxic chemicals should be stored in a separate, locked cabinet with prominent warnings displayed.

• Volatile or strongly out gassing substances must be stored in properly ventilated units.

• Flammables must be stored in approved flammables storage lockers.

• Some chemicals are sensitive to contact with water and should be stored in water tight containers and storage units.

Additionally, some general criteria for chemical storage are as follows:

• No storage of chemicals, heavy or large containers, or liquids on high shelves or above eye level.

• No floor storage of chemicals ever.

• No storage in temporary use areas such as chemical hoods or workbenches.

• No storage in refrigerators intended for or with food or drink.

• No exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations or to direct heat

It is important to remember that proper storage of chemicals is vital to prevent early degradation of the substances and to prevent mishaps, accidental ingestion, and unintended reactions. The compatibility and storage plan should be prominently displayed and all personnel with access to the storage facility should receive proper training to familiarize themselves with it.

Reducing Hazardous or Toxic Waste Generation

All facilities that employ chemical substances and compounds in their operations produce chemical waste. School laboratories are no exception. To minimize the amount of waste generated, schools should develop waste management plans that follow applicable federal, state and local guidelines for this purpose. Schools can reduce the amount of chemical waste produced by implementing such measures as replacing hazardous chemicals with less toxic substances in classroom experiments, recycling chemicals through cyclical experiments, and using pre-packed amounts of chemicals in experiments to eliminate leftovers (Environmental Protection Agency, 2007).

Chemical Disposal

The safe disposal of chemicals and chemical waste is of great importance for both health and environment reasons. Chemical pollutants can remain in the environment for hundreds, if not thousands of years and can threaten the health and well being of everything that comes into contact with it either directly or indirectly. Therefore it is necessary to have a chemical disposal plan which conforms to all EPA requirements as well as any state or local statutes. Students should be cautioned not to pour chemicals down the drain or to throw chemical waste into regular receptacles. Instead, they should utilize approved waste storage containers that are properly labeled and stored in accordance with applicable rules.

Conclusion

A school laboratory safety program is a key component of any school's science program. Without a comprehensive, up to date, and properly followed program addressing all areas of safety in the laboratory, the management, storage, and disposal of chemicals, chemical wastes, and other potentially hazardous materials, the chance of a serious mishap resulting in injury or damage is greatly increased. Additionally, without such a program in place, schools may have increased exposure to liability and escalated insurance costs in the event of an incident which could have been prevented by the existence of a safety program.

In the 21st century, science plays an increasingly prominent role in the education of our children. Students today are faced with a dizzying array of advances in the natural sciences, chemistry, and physics, and the challenges they face in the classroom to keep up with these advances grows by the day. To adequately prepare students for this modern world in which they cannot fully function without a firm grasp on many of these complex subjects and ideas, teachers and educators must demonstrate the "nuts and bolts" behind these concepts in both old and new ways. The ritual of the school chemistry lab has been passed on through generations of students. As with many activities, there is always an element of risk despite judicious supervision. With a well designed safety plan in place, schools may reduce this risk even more. By replacing some of the more risk oriented experiments with computer simulations, mass demonstrations, and replacing dangerous chemicals with less toxic or hazardous substitutes, educators can further reduce the risk factor in these exercises.

Terms & Concepts

Chemical Compatibility: The stability of a chemical substance when introduced to another chemical. Chemicals are considered compatible if they mix and do not change. Chemicals that change when mixed are therefore incompatible.

Chemical Disposal: The proper disposition, disposal, or destruction of hazardous and or toxic chemical waste or residue produced by school laboratories in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and laws.

Chemical Hygiene Plan: A formal written plan documenting the policies, procedures, and personnel responsibilities which have been developed to help ensure that employees of a business or institution are protected in the workplace from the health hazards connected with the hazardous or toxic chemical substances or compounds used by that entity.

Chemical Tracking System: A current inventory or listing of all the chemicals being used in a school laboratory.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The United States Environmental Protection Agency, the governmental entity tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the preservation of the environment and protecting human health from environmental hazards. The EPA, among other duties, develops the regulations which control the disposal of hazardous materials and chemicals produced by laboratories.

Green Chemistry: Chemical technologies intended to reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture, and use of chemical products (www.epa.gov).

Material Safety Data Sheets: Information sheets that contain proper procedural information needed for the handling, storing, and disposing of chemicals.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA): The United States Occupational safety and Health Administration, the federal agency tasked with overseeing occupational health and safety by setting and enforcing workplace standards; through training, oversight, and education. OSHA standards apply to school employees; however, they do not apply to students.

Bibliography

Environmental Protection Agency. (1980). Chemical compatibility chart. Retrieved November 11, 2007, from http://www.uos.harvard.edu/ehs/enviro/EPAChemicalCompatibilityChart.pdf

Environmental Protection Agency. (2007).Green chemistry. Retrieved November 11, 2007, from http://www.epa.gov/greenchemistry/

Kaufman, J. (1995). Your science lab: Is it a lawsuit waiting to happen? School & College, 34 , 34.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2007). Retrieved November 11, 2007, from http://www.osha.gov/

NSTA position statement: Liability of science educators for laboratory safety. (2010). California Journal of Science Education, 11, 56-59. Retrieved December 15, 2013, from EBSCO Online Database Education Research Complete. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=66842843&site=ehost-live

Promote science lab safety rules to prevent injuries. (Cover story). (2006). Inside School School Safety (LRP Publications), 10 . 4.

Roy, K. (2013). The school safety ranger. Science Teacher, 80, 73. Retrieved December 15, 2013, from EBSCO Online Database Education Research Complete. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=88164185&site=ehost-live

Roy, K. (2013). Sizing up for safety. Science Scope, 36, 94-97. Retrieved December 15, 2013, from EBSCO Online Database Education Research Complete. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=86921632&site=ehost-live

Roy, K. (2001). Wanted: Advocates for science laboratory safety. Science Teacher, 68 , 8.

Stroud, L., Stallings, C., & Korbusieski, T. (2007). Implementation of a science laboratory safety program in North Carolina schools. Journal of Chemical Health & Safety, 14 , 20-30.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2007). School laboratory safety guide. Retrieved November 12, 2007, from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-107/pdfs/2007-107.pdf

Suggested Reading

Ashbrook, P., Leonard, K., Reinhardt, P., (1995). Pollution prevention and waste minimization in laboratories. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (2007). Safety sense: A laboratory guide (2nd ed.). Cold Spring Harbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor

Glencoe Science (2001). Life, earth, and physical science, laboratory management and safety in the science classroom. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

Hassard, J., (2004). The art of teaching science: Inquiry and innovation in middle school and high school. New York, NY: Oxford

Kaufman, J., (1990) Waste disposal in academic institutions. Chelsea, MI: Lewis

Kwan, T,. Summers, J., Texley, K., (2004). Investigating safely: A guide for high school teachers. Arlington, VA: National Science Teachers Association

Kwan, T., Texley, K., (2002). Inquiring safely: A guide for middle school teachers. Arlington, VA: National Science Teachers Association

Pipitone, D., (1991). Safe storage of laboratory chemicals (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Wiley

Saunders, G., (1993). Laboratory fume hoods: A users guide. New York, NY: Wiley