Laboratory chemical synthesis research typically lacks the preplanned hazard responses found in production-scale industrial laboratories. Chemical safety management is a known challenge in education-based facilities, which is concerning for academic and national laboratory environments working with inexperienced student researchers. At the…

In building projects or renovations, architects and administrators tend to label the science instructional space as a "science classroom," as opposed to a "science laboratory." What exactly is a science classroom, and what is a science laboratory? According to OSHA's Laboratory Standard (OSHA #29 CFR part 1910.1450), "laboratory" means a facility…

Examines use of fire extinguishers related to the four classes of fires (designated A, B, C, and D). Suggests that when computers or other valuable electronic equipment are in an area (including laboratories), the ABC-rated Halon 1211 should be used since it produces a very effective, noncorrosive, nonconducting mist with no residue. (JN)

Reports methods for identifying carcinogens and suspected carcinogens in the undergraduate laboratory and makes recommendations for their elimination or control. (CS)

Describes and assesses the health and safety implications of school practical work involving the use of DNA. Includes a table of hazards, risks, and preventive or protective measures to limit risks in some educational activities using DNA. (MKR)

Points out the need to educate undergraduate chemical engineering students on chemical process safety and introduces the content of a chemical process safety course offered at the University of Iowa. Presents laboratory experiments demonstrating flammability limits, flash points, electrostatic, runaway reactions, explosions, and relief design.…

Describes safety hazards encountered when placing squash balls into liquid nitrogen. Suggests using racquet balls, balloons, or economical Ping-Pong balls. (MVL)

Describes how teachers and students can conduct a schoolwide hazardous waste survey. The activity is an introduction to hazardous waste management and is useful in general physical science, chemistry, and environmental science classes. Two activity worksheets are provided. Explains how schools can clean up hazardous waste problems. (PR)

The undergraduate chemistry club of the Southwest Minnesota State University offers assistance in lead-testing through the anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) technique to elementary and secondary schools. Emphasis is given to this community service activity, which has increased club membership, and promoted discussion of water quality problems in…

Described is a procedure by which the performance of chemical hoods can be tested. This procedure uses a mixture of dry ice and water to create a "smoke" for use in the test. Implications for sash design, performance evaluations and testing under standard and nonstandard conditions are discussed. (CW)

Discusses the relative danger from toxicity of some typical chemicals. Notes that some materials in solutions have low toxicity, but in dust form have high toxicity. Suggests that more chemical compounds should be treated as the dangerous compounds they are. Lists common compounds found in the lab. (MVL)

Results of on-site inspections of 11 New York colleges, laboratories and storage facilities are summarized according to: (1) chemical storage and disposal; (2) safety equipment; (3) ventilation; (4) general housekeeping; and (5) safety education. (Author/SK)

Findings from a survey of 20 liberal arts colleges which did not have graduate programs in chemistry are presented. Discussed are regulations, actions taken and costs of academic laboratories regarding the disposal of hazardous waste. (CW)

Describes a science presentation which promotes various ways to improve laboratory safety. Recommendations for storing chemicals include: minimize the type and amount of stocked materials, purchase certain chemicals in small quantities, and use plastic embedments. Cites several books for reference. (RT)

Describes the use of practice weighings and handling of fluorescent compounds to assist in teaching students safe-handling techniques. (PR)