Sensitivity to the sounds and noises affecting the operation of industrial arts and vocational education programs is imperative for the professional educator. All teachers need to develop the capacity to "tune-in" on noises or sounds which signify prompt reaction to a hazardous condition or an unsafe act. (CT)

The author outlines options available to protect students' and teachers' hearing in noisy vocational education laboratories. (CH)

Discusses the legal requirements for laboratories that create hazardous wastes. Alternatives for waste disposal, including using a licensed disposal company or recycling, are proposed. (CH)

The author discusses Environmental Protection Agency regulations concerning ventilation of industrial plants and school industrial laboratories. Various alternatives are presented. (CH)

The author introduces a simple three-step formula for teaching safety awareness in technology education classes and in industry. The steps are (1) understand the hazard, (2) recognize the defense, and (3) act in time. (CH)

Discusses a National Research Council report which summarizes what laboratories need to know about Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation regulations that apply to laboratory waste. The report provides guidelines for establishing and operating waste management systems for laboratories and gives specific advice on waste…

Offers suggestions and outlines ten easy steps for assuring a safer science classroom environment. Includes such recommendations as: scheduling a safety inspection; displaying safety posters; enforcing a laboratory dress code; establishing a safety reference library; and updating safety report forms and procedures. (ML)

Discusses danger of explosions with molten salts baths, commonly used as heat-transfer media. One such explosion involved use of a bath containing 3-lb sodium nitrite and 1-lb potassium thiocyanate. Although most commercially available mixtures for heat transfer contain oxidizers, a reducer (thiocyanate) was included which possibly triggered the…

Describes a press conference that was used as a "teachable moment" when owl pellets being used for instructional purposes were found to be contaminated with Salmonella. The incident highlighted the need for safe handling of owl pellets, having a crisis management plan, and the importance of conveying accurate information to concerned parents.…