Safety in School Science Laboratories

Science laboratories are essential and critical component in Science education. All students study science as a compulsory subject upto grade X and a significant percentage of them continue studying Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Bio-Technologr. Home Science etc. at Senior Secondary level. This requires conduct of regular practical work and use of variety of equipment, instruments, gadgets, materials, chemicals, glassware etc. It is of utmost importance that in order to ensure safety of students working in Science laboratories, every essential precaution is taken well in advance.

It is not uncommon to observe that in many cases, the essential safety measures are either not given much attention or are ignored altogether. Gas fittings in Chemistry laboratory often do not fulfil the mandatory standards and requirements. Chemicals are, in many cases, not stored in safe manner and kept under safe custody. It is also observed that exhaust fans are sometimes not provided in Chemistry laboratory. Mandatory items such as laboratory coats, goggles and gloves are not used while doing experimental work. Electrical fittings are at times done with substandard materials and components. Laboratories are not located with easy and open exits. Fire extinguishers are not installed at desired locations. First aid facilities are inadequate or missing. Medical facilities are also found granting on many occasions. All such negligent actions may result in dangerous and unfortunate incidents and need to be attended to urgently.

In order to ensure safety of students in Science laboratories, there is an urgent need to look into its different respects and make the following provisions:

Designing of all science laboratories according to necessary norms and standards.

Two wide doors for unobstructed exits from the laboratory.

Adequate number of fire extinguishers near science laboratories.

Periodical checking of vulnerable points in the laboratories in relation to possibility of any mishappening.

Ensuring gas fittings in Chemistry laboratory fulfilling desired norms and standards.

Periodical checking of electrical fittings insulations for replacement and repairs.

Timely and repeated instructions to students for careful handling of chemicals and equipments in the laboratory.

Display of dos and dont’s in the laboratory at prominent places.

Safe and secure storage of all chemicals.

Proper labelling and upkeep of chemicals.

Proper safety and protection provisions such as fume hood, goggles and gloves while doing practical work.

Careful supervision of students while doing practical work.

Advance precautionary arrangements to meet any emergency situations.

Conduct of any additional experimental work only under supervision and with due advance permission.

Availability of First Aid and basic medical facilities in the school.

Proper location of the laboratories.

The tragic fire incident in a school at Kumbakonam in 2004 is still afresh in which nearly 100 children lost their precious lives. The CBSE Board had issued a detailed Circular no. 28/2004 dated 26th July, 2004 asking schools to take all safety measures for meeting adverse situations and ensuring safe custody of children in the school. It is reiterated that all necessary safety measures may be taken and the above guidelines may be discussed in detail with the teachers as well as students for greater awareness and sensitization on safety matters.

The CBSE Board may depute an expert team to visit your school to find out whether all safety provisions in Science laboratories have been made.