A survey of freshman chemistry laboratory manuals identified 15 questionable laboratory procedures, including the use of potentially hazardous chemicals. Alternatives are suggested for each hazard discussed (such as using a substitute solvent for benzene). (SK)

The National Research Council has published a comprehensive report on procedures for handling hazardous chemicals and on other aspects of laboratory safety. By early 1981, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration intends to present preliminary proposals for safety in chemical research laboratories. (WB)

Describes a university-wide program directed at reducing the improper storage and disposal of toxic chemical wastes from laboratories. Specific information is included on the implementation of a waste pick-up service, safety equipment, materials and methods for packaging, and costs of the program. (CS)

Describes a prelab activity, the chemistry report, that acquaints college students with the nature of the chemical(s) they are using in the laboratory. Methodology, experimental procedures and safety rules are emphasized, with particular emphasis on potential hazards, safety requirements and emergency procedures. (CS)

Presents a checklist developed to help chemistry teachers assess conditions in the storeroom. The checklist format facilitates a systematic assessment of storage conditions and serves as a record of where improvements are needed. Also lists classes of chemicals requiring special storage precautions. (Author/SK)

Discusses problems of handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals in Australian secondary school science laboratories, and suggests ways of reducing the potential hazards which exist. (HM)

Discusses the possible dangers of the educational radioactive sources used in a college physics laboratory. The discussion is intended to increase the awareness of teachers and students. (HM)

Schools should be committed to health and safety standards in vocational programs. The facilities and equipment should provide a safe environment, responsibility for preventing injuries should rest with administrators and instructors, and adequate safety education should be provided to all vocational students. (SK)

Discussed are accidents that occur in the laboratories of highly trained chemists. Four examples are provided to illustrate potential hazards that are often overlooked in chemistry laboratories, molten inorganic salt baths, the reaction of acetone and hydrogen peroxide, halogenated acetylene compounds, and the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and…

Describes an experimental procedure that can be used to determine the potential bacterial contamination of stagnant water in emergency laboratory eyewash bottles. Contains 11 references. (WRM)

Describes a health-and-safety risk-management audit in four Queensland, Australia high schools. One major outcome of this research project is the development of a comprehensive risk-management policy in compliance with the law. Other outcomes include the preparation of a professional-development package in risk-management policy for use as a…

Introduces a chemistry course developed at Northeastern University and discusses the improvements to increase the quality of education offered to graduate students. (Contains 20 references.) (YDS)

One easy way to reduce the number of accidents in the lab is to go "green." Green chemistry, or sustainable chemistry, emerged about a decade ago, but the concept has been practiced for centuries by indigenous people of many continents. The basic principles of green chemistry are that you should use only what you need and recycle what you can.…

Science education is a changing landscape. Changes over the past ten years alone have been both evolutionary and revolutionary--Science Education Standards, new required assessments, science teacher certification issues, science teacher shortages and retirements, molecular approach to Biology, etc. These changes and issues range from…

Elements of the development of a robotics and automation laboratory are discussed. These include the benefits of upgrading current staff, ways to achieve this staff development, formation of a robotics factory automation committee, topics to be taught with a robot, elements of a laboratory, laboratory funding, and design safety. (CT)