Survey on Laboratory Accidentsand Laboratory Safety

Sophia CHENG

Science Education Section, EMB

June 2007

Survey on laboratory accidents in secondary schools Background

since 1995/1996 school yearfrom 2002/2003 onwards, survey is

conducted on a triennial basisObjectives

to monitor standard of safety in school science laboratories

to take active measures to minimize the occurrence of laboratory accidents

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 cou

rses 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%)

Types of accidents (05/06)

Phy Chem Bio/H Bio IS ES/

S&T

Chemical on skin 0 25 1 19 0

Eye accidents 2 15 1 22 0

Chemical spillage 1 10 2 8 0

Heat burns or scalds 6 42 7 123 0

Inhalation of gas 0 3 0 3 0

Cuts 7 28 75 108 0

Substances catching fire 0 7 1 5 1

Bites by animals 0 0 0 0 0

Others 2 4 5 21 0

18 134 92 309 1

Types of accidents (05/06)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Phy Chem Bio/H Bio IS ES/S&T

Others

Bites by animals

Substances catching fire

Cuts

Discomfort arising frominhalation of gases

Heat burns or scalds

Chemicals spillage

Eye accidents

Chemicals on skin

18 (3%)

134 (24%)

92 (17%)

309 (56%)

1 (~0%)

Subjects involved (05/06)

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

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

Most common laboratory accidents

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

Laboratory Equipment

“Bunsen Burner Screen”

Spectacle Cabinet Flexicam

Laboratory Equipment

Hand Protector 隔熱護手墊

How to reduce glass breakage and cut accidents?

Laboratory Equipment

Reduce breakage of glasswarePlasticware (e.g. dr

opper, beaker, funnel)

polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP, TPX))

Laboratory Equipment

- Measuring cylinders

Laboratory EquipmentThermometers

Non-mercury filled Short vs long (150mm / 300mm) Plastic coated Reinforced bulb Digital (-50 - 150oC)

Microscale experiment

0.4 M NaOH

Pins

Shampoo solution

http://cd1.emb.hkedcity.net/cd/science/laboratory/safety_corner.htm

2007 CE-CHEM Paper 1, Q.3

Microscale experiment

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

Handbook on Safety in Science Laboratories

http://cd1.emb.hkedcity.net/cd/science/laboratory/safety/SHB_2002e.pdf

Include crucial guidance and information:Safety managementHazardous chemicals and their storageDisposal of chemical wastesHandling of glassware, plants,

microorganisms, animals, radioactive substances, etc.

First aid in the laboratoryLaboratory accidents and insurance

Additional resources or information in appendices:Risk assessment formSome plants known to contain irritantsReport form on laboratory accidentChemistry experiments requiring

particular care

Learning and Teaching Resources on Safety in Science Laboratories

http://cd1.emb.hkedcity.net/cd/science/laboratory/SAFETY/safety_exemplars_e.pdf

Suggested teaching strategies for lessons on laboratory safety

Exemplars of learning activities1. Laboratory safety rules

2. Eye protection

3. Safety information on chemicals

4. Risk assessment

5. What if a laboratory accident happens?

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

Raymond FONGTel: 3698 3436

Sophia CHENGTel: 3698 3439

science@emb.gov.hk

Thank you!

Manage a Safe Environment forLearning, Teaching and Working