Science/Tech Ed/Engineering and STEM instructional space teachers never know if their budget allotment will match their needs for instructional laboratory materials and equipment each year. School districts are notorious for shortchanging staff on budget needs. So when occasionally there is a bonus allotment in the budget for supplies, teachers buy several years’ worth of chemicals, equipment, supplies, and other required items. Unfortunately, teachers then become hoarders!

Instructional spaces (classrooms and labs) along with associated spaces (preparation rooms and storerooms) are used to store the additional materials and equipment. This is understandable, given the unreliability of budget cycles and approvals. In addition, school laboratory/classroom instructional spaces and associated spaces usually are designed without input from appropriate staff members assigned to those instructional spaces. This results in the construction of facilities that are anemic when it comes to appropriate storage areas. Unfortunately, these scenarios lead to poor housekeeping, with potential safety hazards and resulting health and safety risks like trip and slip fall hazards, poor security, old hazardous chemicals, and more. Housekeeping is critical for safer teaching and learning instructional and associated spaces.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific housekeeping standards that school districts are required to follow as legal safety standards and/or better professional safety practices. OSHA references housekeeping in 29 CFR 1910.22 (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.22) and in several other OSHA standards (e.g., flammable liquids, sanitation, lead, material handling, silica, chromium VI).  

The following housekeeping checklist specifically for school science/Tech Ed/Engineering/STEM laboratory/classroom instructional spaces is critical for maintaining a safer teaching/learning environment.

1.    General Housekeeping

•    Work areas, aisles, and exits are kept clear of obstructions, spills, and clutter.
•    Floors are clean, dry, and free of trip/fall hazards such as loose electrical power cords or equipment.
•    Clean and decontaminate working surfaces after contact with blood or other potentially infectious material.
•    Laboratory equipment, materials, and supplies are stored in designated areas and properly organized.
•    Storage cabinets and shelves are secure/anchored to walls and not overloaded to prevent tipping hazards.
•    Put tools and equipment away in a secure location after use
•    Appropriate waste bins are provided and emptied regularly, with lids securely closed to prevent odors and pest infestation.
•    Maintain clear access to emergency equipment (e.g., eyewash stations, showers, first aid kits), fire safety equipment, electrical systems and panels, live parts, and emergency shutoff controls.
•    Have qualified person(s) repair walking-working surfaces, as needed.
•    Identify trends and organizational needs (e.g., more shelving, additional electrical outlets, placement and use of waste bins) by analyzing housekeeping-related findings. 
•    Ensure that sufficient ventilation is in place to (1) provide appropriate air exchange, (2) provide good operator visibility, (3) prevent particulates (e.g., wood and metal dust, etc.), and vapors (e.g., chemicals, etc.) from settling and accumulating in the instructional spaces, and (4) prevent the escape of contaminants into adjacent work areas or the environment.

2.    Hazardous Chemical Storage and Use
•    Chemicals are stored in properly labeled containers meeting the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, with tight-fitting lids to prevent spills and contamination.
•    Flammable and combustible chemicals are stored and secured in approved flammable materials cabinets, away from ignition sources.
•    Corrosive and reactive chemicals are stored and secured separately and according to compatibility to prevent hazardous reactions.
•    Chemical storage areas are well-ventilated and equipped with appropriate safety signage and emergency equipment.

3.    Emergency Equipment and Procedures
•    Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers are easily accessible within 10-second access and free of obstructions.
•    Fire extinguishers are present, properly maintained, and located in designated areas with clear signage.
•    First aid kits are readily available and stocked with necessary supplies, and staff are trained in first aid procedures.
•    Emergency contact information and procedures are posted prominently for quick reference.
•    Maintain an 18-inch clearance under and around sprinkler heads.

4.    Equipment Maintenance and Inspection
•    Instructional space equipment is inspected periodically for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.
•    Electrical cords and outlets are in good condition, with no exposed wires or fraying.
•    Fume hoods, spray booths, ventilation systems, and safety equipment (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment, such as goggles and gloves) are inspected and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations.
•    Equipment manuals and safety instructions are accessible to staff and students.

5.    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
•    Sanitized indirectly vented chemical splash safety goggles or glasses with side shields are provided and worn by students and staff when conducting experiments.
•    Lab coats or aprons are available and worn to protect clothing from spills and splashes.
•    Non-latex gloves are provided and worn when handling biological, chemical, and/or physical hazards. Closed-toe shoes are required to protect feet from spills, broken glass, or falling objects.

6.    Machinery
•    Read Manuals. Before using any machine, read the operation manual and understand all safety features and operating procedures.
•    Check Machine Settings. Ensure that machines are set up correctly and that all adjustments are made according to the manufacturer's specifications.
•    Keep Guards in Place. Ensure that all machine guards and safety devices are in place and functional before operating the machine.
•    Turn Off When Not in Use. Turn off machines and disconnect power 
sources when not in use or when making adjustments.
•    Lockout/Tagout Procedures. Implement lockout/tagout procedures when performing maintenance or repairs on machines to ensure they cannot be accidentally started.

7.    Documentation and Training
•    Records are maintained that document housekeeping inspections, equipment maintenance, and staff training.
•    Staff and students receive training on laboratory/classroom instructional sites’ housekeeping practices, including proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals and materials.
•    Regular safety meetings and refresher training sessions are conducted to reinforce safer work practices and OSHA regulations.

By designing, adopting, implementing, and adhering to these recommended housekeeping checklist items, those working in school science/tech ed/engineering instructional spaces (laboratories and classrooms) and related spaces (preparation rooms, storerooms, etc.) will help create a safer and healthier teaching/learning environment for students, teachers, and staff.   Periodic inspections and regularly scheduled safety training are critical for meeting legal safety standards and better professional safety practices related to housekeeping. Safety needs and must be considered as Job1.

Follow Ken Roy on X: @drroysafersci.