Teacher’s corner: Laboratory safety in schools and academia under investigation
Oliver Grundmann sent us a very interesting article based on a recent laboratory accident (see below). Thanks Oliver!
In a recent incident at an Onteora High school, a teacher and seven students were injured and had to be taken to hospitals for treatment of burns and removal of glass particles. The teacher was demonstrating the reactivity of the strong oxidizing agent potassium chlorate. The sudden reaction which involved a food item of undetermined nature, led to an explosion which blasted the windows of the classroom. This and other examples in high school and academic laboratories are sad reminders of the importance of safety in an environment where personnel and students are exposed to higher risks.
Although safety training is often considered mandatory before a new student or laboratory worker can enter the work place, it appears that often the prevention of significant accidents is more a result of chance than good preparation. Several examples that are even regulated as part of a well implemented laboratory quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) program are often overlooked. Whether it be the storage of acids and bases together or with flammable substances, reactive or volatile chemicals in not well ventilated safety cabinets, or waste disposal and storage – there are a number of risks that can be avoided or significantly reduced if the right procedures are being followed.
Some of the more recent laboratory accidents in academia will now be under increased scrutiny through investigation by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB). For more information, see a recent article in the Chemical & Engineering News: http://www.cendigital.org/cendigital/20100201?sub_id=4eVDgLgGcFIf&folio=25#pg27.
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