Pre-service teachers who conduct experiments are faced with various risks in terms of physical, health and environment due to the chemicals they are exposed to in the laboratory classes. Working in a laboratory without knowing these risks causes accidents such as chemical spills, explosions and fires, and even individual injuries. For this reason,…

Discussed are facts about tort liability in science education and strategies that can be used to avoid liability. Variables such as maturity, size, age, mental capacity of students, and the nature of the activities are addressed. Included are four cases in which teachers were held liable for accidents. (KR)

This paper presents a viewpoint on educator responsibilities toward helping youth develop the skills necessary to cope with life as well as consideration on how to present science in a safe environment. Discussions include safety in the learning environment, litigation, effective teaching, effective schools, the goals of science, and the mandate…

Describes the development of a 29-point questionnaire regarding safety in the science laboratory. Includes a copy of the questionnaire along with specific recommendations for action to take relating to each item on the questionnaire. (TW)

Presents rationale and guidelines for development of Safety Standard Operating Procedures (Safety SOP) specific for local conditions. Includes an outline of a Safety SOP developed for a department primarily focused on undergraduate education with a wide variety of expertise from common laborer to PhD with 20 years experience. (Author/JN)

Discusses means of disseminating information about hazardous laboratory materials and situations; includes student-student contact, student-teacher contact, textbooks, research papers, and government services. (MLH)

An accident prevention/safety check list for chemistry laboratories is printed. Included are checks of equipment, facilities, storage and handling of chemicals, laboratory procedures, instruction procedures, and items to be excluded from chemical laboratories. (SL)

This bulletin includes general directions for assistant principals, science teachers, laboratory specialists, and pupils pertaining to science laboratory safety. A list of hazards and precautions is presented. Also included is a list of chemicals considered dangerous by the New York Fire Department. (DJH)

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)

Science safety is no accident. It requires the knowledge of potential hazards, attention to detail, and constant supervision. It is important that teachers understand the potential dangers of even the simplest of science activities. This manual is intended to assist elementary teachers in doing experiments and activities more confidently by making…

Suggests laboratory instructors preserve the necessary evidence after an incident in classroom. Included is a checklist for gathering evidence that trial lawyers will need to present defense adequately. (CC)

Summarizes results of a three-item questionnaire returned by 43 Michigan institutions expressing views on wearing contact lenses in chemical laboratories. Questions focused on eye protection, type of protection, and use of contact lenses. (SK)

Various safety precautions for the science teaching laboratory are discussed, including rules for pupils, hazards of some reagents, and electrical safety. (SA)

During the winter months especially, many people do not protect themselves against the cold weather. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and first aid treatment of hypothermia and frostbite. Methods for rescuing someone who has fallen through the ice on a lake are also mentioned. (MA)