Survey on Laboratory Accidents and Laboratory Safety

1. Survey on Laboratory Accidentsand Laboratory Safety Sophia CHENG Science Education Section, EMB June 2007

2. 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

4. 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%)

5. Types of accidents (05/06)

6. Types of accidents (05/06)

7. 309 (56%) 134 (24%) 92 (17%) 18 (3%) 1 (~0%) Subjects involved (05/06)

8. 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

9. Most common laboratory accidents • 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

10. 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

11. Laboratory Equipment “Bunsen Burner Screen” Spectacle Cabinet Flexicam

12. Laboratory Equipment • Hand Protector 隔熱護手墊

13. How to reduce glass breakage and cut accidents?

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

15. Laboratory Equipment • Measuring cylinders

16. Laboratory Equipment • Thermometers • Non-mercury filled • Short vs long (150mm / 300mm) • Plastic coated • Reinforced bulb • Digital (-50 - 150oC)

17. Microscale experiment Pins Shampoo solution 0.4 M NaOH http://cd1.emb.hkedcity.net/cd/science/laboratory/safety_corner.htm

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

19. Laboratory Safety and Management (http://emb.gov.hk/cd/sc References & Resources  Laboratory Safety and Management)

21. Handbook on Safety in Science Laboratories http://cd1.emb.hkedcity.net/cd/science/laboratory/safety/SHB_2002e.pdf

22. 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

23. 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

25. Learning and Teaching Resources on Safety in Science Laboratories http://cd1.emb.hkedcity.net/cd/science/laboratory/SAFETY/safety_exemplars_e.pdf

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

27. http://resources.emb.gov.hk/~ses/

28. Manage a Safe Environment forLearning, Teaching and Working Raymond FONGTel: 3698 3436Sophia CHENGTel: 3698 3439science@emb.gov.hk Thank you!