Safety in Schools
Lessons in safety and health concerns are as important as any other lesson taught in school. The teachers should not only focus on the textbooks and lessons but also stress on training on safety procedures. If done this early, working according to the safety guidelines becomes a second nature for the students while growing up. Any school which has laboratory work in its curriculum must adhere to the following practices in order to ensure the safety of the students:
Proper Maintenance:
Regular inspections must be made in the laboratory. Safety equipment and first-aid kits must be checked and restocked. Replace the old equipment if they have crossed their expiration date. One thing to remember is to never compromise on the quality of the safety equipment to reduce the cost.
Emergency Safety Procedures:
It is important to provide proper training to the students and the staff on the location and procedure of use of all emergency safety equipment prior to letting them use the laboratory. Verbal and visual safety instructions should be made available to the students and the staff.
Knowing the location of the safety equipment can be very helpful since it helps in reducing the response time in case of an emergency. Emergency contact numbers should be displayed at a convenient place. Regular disaster drills can help create awareness amongst the students and the teachers.
Safeguarding Chemicals:
A precise inventory of the chemicals must be maintained. All chemicals should be correctly labelled. Chemicals which are not in use should always be locked up. The storage, correct temperature, treatment and disposal information be carefully read and implemented.
Safety while preparing for activities:
Always consider the risk factor before planning for a laboratory activity with kids. All the lab and safety equipment should be inspected for defects before starting any activity. Clear and complete instructions should be given to the students before beginning the activity.