Author Archives: Kenneth Roy

School Facility Safety/Security! (Part 1)

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Kenneth Roy

I. Unsecured School Facilities School buildings can be a potentially dangerous place for teachers and students if safety and security are ignored. For example, science labs have potential biological, chemical and physical hazards which can be present health and safety … Continue reading →

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Chemical Management

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Kenneth Roy

Middle and high school science teachers often have or should have the task of retrofitting their chemical storeroom. Critical issues such as what chemicals are acceptable for use and grade appropriate, how should they be labeled, how should they be … Continue reading →

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Safety Training for Non-Science Instructors

Posted on October 29, 2019 by Kenneth Roy

Unlike science teachers, non-science educators have little to no training in hazard analysis, risk assessment, or safety-related issues. As a result, non-science employees, such as teachers of other subjects or special education and paraprofessionals, need to learn about the duty … Continue reading →

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Safer Storage

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Kenneth Roy

From a safety and environmental regulation standpoint, proper storage is a critical issue. Teachers and their supervisors must secure appropriate storage spaces in science labs, especially during renovations or new construction projects. Continue reading →

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Safer Science Labs

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Kenneth Roy

A Manhattan jury recently awarded nearly $60 million in damages to a former Beacon High School student who was badly burned by a teacher’s botched chemistry experiment more than five years ago. The student suffered third-degree burns over 30% of … Continue reading →

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How Safe Are Biological Stains?

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Kenneth Roy

In middle and high school science labs, biological stains, such as basic fuchsin, crystal violet, and Congo red, are used to enhance properties of microscopic plant and animal cells/tissues. Fortunately, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) note that some of these popular … Continue reading →

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Safety Labels for Hazardous Chemicals

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Kenneth Roy

The OSHA Laboratory Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450 details specific recommendations when labeling and storing hazardous chemicals within school laboratories. First of all, the laboratory standard [(1910.1450(h)(1)(i)] requires that labels on incoming containers not be removed or defaced. Incoming container refers … Continue reading →

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Heat Source Safety

Posted on April 26, 2019 by Kenneth Roy

Many hands-on STEM activities and demonstrations require the use of a heat source. The challenge is to determine the appropriate heat source based on safety while still meeting the needs of the activity. For example, the Bunsen burner is perhaps … Continue reading →

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Addressing Electrical Hazards in the Lab

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Kenneth Roy

Accidents in the lab involving electricity can produce fire, smoke, electrocutions, and explosions. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “electrical equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm … Continue reading →

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Preventing Science Laboratory Fires

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Kenneth Roy

Most science and STEM laboratories contain chemicals and electrical wiring that could cause smoke or fires. For this reason, the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 45 (section 6.3) standard, in accordance with NFPA 10, requires portable fire extinguishers to be … Continue reading →

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