Understanding Potential Lab Activity Hazards and Risks

Science and STEM labs inspire curiosity, creativity, and discovery, but they also come with real risks if hazards aren’t managed.

In this episode of Safer Ed, we explore how teachers can balance the excitement of hands-on learning with the responsibility of keeping students and staff safe. From outdated equipment and dangerous chemicals to biological hazards and risk assessment strategies, this conversation unpacks practical steps every educator can take to create safer classrooms.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why evaluating lab activities before they happen is critical

• Common red-flag materials that no longer belong in schools

• The dangers of unmonitored biological samples and unsafe procedures

• The importance of hazard recognition (e.g., poor labeling, unknown substances, outdated equipment)

• The AAA Method: Hazard Analysis, Risk Assessment, Safety Action

• Safety actions: engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE, substitution, and elimination

• Professional responsibility: when and how to intervene with unsafe practices

• Six intentional practices to prevent accidents:

  1. Review Safety Data Sheets

  2. Inspect all equipment and materials

  3. Review procedures, timing, and waste management

  4. Test unfamiliar experiments beforehand

  5. Substitute safer materials

  6. Weigh educational value against risk

     
     

Why It Matters:
Lab safety isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about building a culture of responsibility and care. When teachers anticipate hazards, assess risks, and take intentional safety actions, students gain the full benefits of hands-on STEM exploration in a safe environment.

Call to Action:
For more resources on creating safer classrooms and lab spaces, visit ScienceSafety.com.

This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by our editorial team before publication.