Survey on Laboratory Accidents and Laboratory Safety Sophia CHENG Science Education Section, EMB June 2007

Survey on laboratory accidents in secondary schools Background  since 1995/1996 school year  from 2002/2003 onwards, survey is conducted on a triennial basis Objectives  to monitor standard of safety in school science laboratories  to take active measures to minimize the occurrence of laboratory accidents

Accident Statistics (05/06) 464 schools responded (response rate : 93.4% ) Statistics  296 schools without accident (64%)  554 cases in 168 schools (36%)  1.19 cases per school  1.57 cases per 1,000 students studying science courses  4.15 cases per 10,000 practical periods 500 students and 8 staffs injured; most injuries were minor cuts or scalds Cause of accidents: Carelessness (students: 91.7%;teachers: 0.5%; LTs: 1.8%)

Types of accidents (05/06)

PhyChem Bio/ H Bio IS ES/ S&T Chemical on skin Eye accidents Chemical spillage Heat burns or scalds Inhalation of gas03030 Cuts Substances catching fire07151 Bites by animals00000 Others Types of accidents (05/06)

18 (3%) 134 (24%) 92 (17%) 309 (56%) 1 (~0%) Subjects involved (05/06)

Most common laboratory accidents Cuts:  caused by broken glass apparatus (e.g. test tubes or glass tubing), tools (e.g. dissection instruments or cutters) or sharp edges  about 50% of cases occurred in junior science lessons  injuries mostly on fingers and palms

Heat burns or scalds:  caused by carelessness in handling hot objects (e.g. tripods, Bunsen burners, metal rods, glassware or combustion spoons), hot liquids, Bunsen flame or lighted matches  about 69% of cases occurred in junior science lessons Most common laboratory accidents

Evaluating Lab Accidents Find out how the accident happened Identify the causes Was the accident handled properly? Learn from events and take steps to prevent recurrences Keep proper records Review in Subject Panel & SCLS meetings Identify underlying failures in the safety management system

Laboratory Equipment “ Bunsen Burner Screen ” Spectacle CabinetFlexicam

Laboratory Equipment Hand Protector 隔熱護手墊

How to reduce glass breakage and cut accidents?

Laboratory Equipment Reduce breakage of glassware  Plasticware (e.g. dropper, beaker, funnel)  polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP, TPX))

Laboratory Equipment - Measuring cylinders

Laboratory Equipment  Thermometers Non-mercury filled Short vs long (150mm / 300mm) Plastic coated Reinforced bulb Digital ( o C)

Microscale experiment 0.4 M NaOH Pins Shampoo solution

2007 CE-CHEM Paper 1, Q.3 Microscale experiment

Laboratory Safety and Management (  References & Resources  Laboratory Safety and Management)

Handbook on Safety in Science Laboratories

Include crucial guidance and information:  Safety management  Hazardous chemicals and their storage  Disposal of chemical wastes  Handling of glassware, plants, microorganisms, animals, radioactive substances, etc.  First aid in the laboratory  Laboratory accidents and insurance

Additional resources or information in appendices:  Risk assessment form  Some plants known to contain irritants  Report form on laboratory accident  Chemistry experiments requiring particular care

Learning and Teaching Resources on Safety in Science Laboratories

Suggested teaching strategies for lessons on laboratory safety Exemplars of learning activities 1. Laboratory safety rules 2. Eye protection 3. Safety information on chemicals 4. Risk assessment 5. What if a laboratory accident happens?

Raymond FONG Tel: Sophia CHENG Tel: Thank you! Manage a Safe Environment for Learning, Teaching and Working