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Laboratory Safety 7-12. The most important responsibility of any science educator. “I don’t have to worry about that, I have never had an accident.”. Three things you never want to have to say when it comes to safety. I thought that worked. What do I do now? That never happened before!.
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Laboratory Safety7-12 The most important responsibility of any science educator.
“I don’t have to worry about that, I have never had an accident.”
Three things you never want to have to say when it comes to safety. • I thought that worked. • What do I do now? • That never happened before!
Accident Prevention • Realize that an accident can happen! • Plan for the worst. • Be prepared to respond properly to an emergency. • Training
Types of Negligence • Malfeasance: Doing that which should not have been done, i.e., forcing an employee or student to assume an unnecessary risk. • Misfeasance: Improper performance of a lawful act, i.e., improper first aid or instruction. • Nonfeasance: Failure to perform a required act, i.e., instruction or warning.
Safety Plan • Locate resources • http://www.csss-science.org/safety.shtml • Do a needs assessment of your facilities. • Make prioritized goals for improving your facilities based on needs assessment. • Solicit administrative buy-in. • Develop a written safety plan. • Develop a chemical hygiene plan. • Do annual evaluations of your safety and chemical hygiene plans and facilities.
Eye Safety • Always wear appropriate eye protection. • ANSI Z-87.1-1989R • Splash goggles when working with chemicals. • Face Shields • Used in addition to safety glasses or goggles. • Eyewash fountains. • Temperate water • 0.4 gpm flow • Test weekly (Acanthamoeba) • Inspect monthly • Contact lenses • Portable Shields
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Chemical Labeling • Minimum Label Information • Identity • Hazard warning • Information source • It is illegal to deface or remove chemical labels as long as the container still contains the chemical. • You may add your own • Types of Labels • Manufactures • NFPA (704 diamond *problem: made for firefighters wearing personal protective gear) • Shipping • Waste
Waste • Pouring chemicals down the drain or evaporating in a fume hood is not always a good idea (even when the provider recommends this action). • Always check local regulations and sewage treatment plant for capacity before disposing of anything down the drain. • If your waste water is not treated, DO NOT POUR ANYTHING DOWN THE DRAIN, check with EPA. • Public school laboratories are not licensed to treat waste. • Write neutralization into lab procedure.
Four Simple Questions • What are the hazards? • What are the worst things that can happen? • What do I need to do to be prepared? • What are the prudent practices, protective facilities, and productive equipment needed to minimize risk?
AAA Approach • Awareness • Assessment • Action