Creating a comprehensive safety checklist for a school laboratory instructional space (e.g., Science, Technology Education/Engineering, STEM, STEAM) is critical to ensure the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff. Using safety checklists is a common practice in various fields, including laboratory work, to enhance safety measures and reduce accidents. A safety checklist’s effectiveness depends on factors such as the specific context, the checklist’s thoroughness, and the commitment of individuals to follow safety protocols.

At a minimum, conduct an annual safety inspection to make sure your facilities have proper safety engineering controls and workspaces. The International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) both have excellent inspection checklists for a variety of laboratory instructional spaces. Check out the NIOSH Safety Checklist for Schools (Publication Number 2004-101, 2003) at
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-101/chap3.html#:~:text=The%20Safety%20Checklist%20Program%20has%20three%20major%20features%3A,checklists%20regularly%20in%20career-technical%20classrooms%2C%20shops%2C%20and%20labs.

Additionally, the NSTA Safety Blog post titled The Safety Checklist: Navigating to Safer Waters provides examples of essential components for safety checklists. As that blog post notes, laboratory instruction learning spaces can be inherently unsafe places with potential hazards and resulting risks. This is why the development and use of a safety checklist is very valuable. First, the safety checklist functions as a guide to help teachers and their supervisors identify safety issues and make the appropriate plans to address them. Second, the checklist also serves as a legal documentation illustrating an intent to work in a safer teaching/learning environment. 

The following is a general checklist that teachers and supervisors can use as a starting point for laboratory instructional spaces based on legal safety standards and better professional safety practices. Remember that specific requirements may vary based on local and or state regulations and the type of hands-on activities conducted in the laboratory instructional space. Remember also to consult with your school’s safety officer and/or chemical hygiene officer. Be certain to follow any specific Board of Education policies and administrative procedures/protocols provided by your educational institution.

The following instructional space safety checklist outlines specific components that must be addressed to create a safer laboratory instructional space.
   
1.    Emergency Protocols
•    Emergency exit locations and procedures are clearly posted in writing.
•    Emergency contact numbers are prominently displayed in writing.
•    ABC Fire extinguishers (type D for combustible metals) are present, accessible, and regularly inspected based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements.
•    Students are familiar with evacuation procedures in case of fire or other emergencies.
•    First aid kit is readily accessible and adequately stocked.

2.    Lab Instructional Space Layout
•    Workspaces are organized and uncluttered to prevent tripping hazards.
•    Adequate space is provided for movement between workstations.
•    Chemicals and equipment are properly stored, secured, and labeled.
•    Eyewash stations and safety showers are installed and easily accessible within 10 seconds with an unencumbered and direct path for access.

3.    Experimental Procedures
•    Students are instructed in proper lab techniques before beginning experiments.
•    Experiments involving heat, chemicals, or other hazards are directly supervised by a teacher.
•    Proper ventilation is ensured when conducting experiments with volatile substances.
•    Waste disposal procedures are followed for the safer disposal of chemicals and other materials.

4.    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
•    Students and staff are required to wear appropriate PPE (indirectly vented chemical safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields as appropriate, lab coats, non-latex gloves, etc.).
•    Closed-toe shoes are worn to protect feet from spills or falling objects.
•    PPE is readily available, sanitized, and in good condition.
•    Training on proper PPE use is provided to all individuals in the lab.

5.    Chemical Safety
•    Chemicals are properly labeled with name, concentration, and hazard warnings.
•    Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for all chemicals used in the lab.
•    Chemicals are stored in appropriate containers and cabinets, away from heat or direct sunlight.
•    Flammable liquids are stored in a flammable materials cabinet.
•    Chemical spills are promptly cleaned up following appropriate protocols.
•    Electrical equipment is properly grounded (ground-fault circuit interrupter).
•    Students are trained in the safer and correct use of laboratory equipment.

6.    Biological Safety
•    Proper protocols are in place for handling and disposing of biological materials.
•    Students and staff are aware of and follow hygiene practices.
•    Students wash their hands thoroughly after handling biological specimens.
•    Disinfectants are readily available for cleaning work surfaces.

7.    Physical Safety
•    Always wear sanitized safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields as appropriate to protect your eyes from projectiles and chemicals.
•    Wear appropriate footwear to prevent injuries from dropped objects.
•    Electrical equipment is properly grounded and in good working condition.
•    Maintain a safer distance when launching projectiles or conducting motion experiments.
•    Employ barriers or shields when conducting experiments involving potential projectiles.
•    Use appropriate lifting techniques when handling heavy equipment.
•    Handle items like glassware or scissors carefully, and dispose of broken glass in designated containers.

8.    Equipment Safety
•    Electrical equipment is properly grounded and in good working condition.
•    Equipment manuals and safety instructions are readily available.
•    Students are trained in the proper use of equipment before operating it.
•    Equipment is turned off and unplugged when not in use.

9.    Electrical Safety
•    Electrical outlets and wiring are inspected regularly.
•    Students are educated about electrical safety practices.

10.    Fire Safety
•    Flammable materials are stored away from heat sources.
•    Bunsen burners are used with caution and never left unattended.
•    Fire blankets and extinguishers are easily accessible.
•    Students are aware of the location of emergency showers and eyewash stations.
•    Fire alarms and fire suppression systems are regularly tested.

11.    Waste Disposal
•    Proper waste disposal procedures are established and followed.
•    Waste containers are labeled, and waste is segregated appropriately.

12.    Training and Education
•    Students and staff receive proper training about laboratory safety procedures.
•    Regular safety drills are conducted.

13.    Security
•    Access to the laboratory is restricted to authorized personnel.
•    Security measures are in place to prevent theft or unauthorized access to hazardous materials.

14.    Documentation
•    Safety procedures and guidelines are documented and readily available.
•    Incident reports are filed for any accidents or near-miss incidents.

15.    Hand Tool Usage
•    Instruct students on the safer and proper use of hand tools.
•    Enforce age-appropriate tool use and supervision.

16.    Workspace Organization
•    Maintain clear pathways and workspaces to prevent tripping hazards.
•    Properly store tools and equipment when not in use.

17.    Machine Safety
•    Implement strict safety protocols for using machines.
•    Ensure proper training before allowing students to operate machinery.

18.    Personal Hygiene
•    Emphasize the importance of handwashing after handling materials or equipment.
•    Encourage cleanliness to prevent the spread of germs.

19.    Internet Safety
•    Teach students about responsible online behavior.
•    Implement content filters and monitoring tools to ensure a safer online environment.

20.    Supervision
•    Maintain adequate supervision during all activities.
•    Ensure that a teacher or staff member is present during hands-on projects.

21.    Allergies and Medical Conditions
•    Be aware of students’ allergies and medical conditions.
•    Have an emergency plan in place for students with specific health needs.

22.    Security Measures
•    Implement security measures for technology equipment to prevent theft.
•    Control access to lab instructional spaces and related areas, such as storerooms.

23.    Communication
•    Establish clear communication channels for reporting safety concerns.
•    Regularly communicate safety rules and expectations to students and staff.

24.    Training and Professional Development
•    Provide ongoing safety training for instructors.
•    Stay informed about the latest safety regulations and best practices.

25.    Accessibility
•    Ensure that the learning environment is accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.

26.    General Safety
•    Laboratory is kept clean and organized to prevent tripping hazards.
•    Food and drinks are prohibited in the laboratory area.
•    Students are instructed to report any safety concerns or accidents immediately.

Remember to adapt this checklist to the specific needs and requirements of your school's laboratory instructional spaces. Regular reviews and updates to the checklist are important to address any changes in equipment, procedures, or regulations.

Submit questions regarding health and safety issues in all laboratory instructional spaces to Ken Roy at safersci@gmail.com.

Follow Ken Roy on X: @drroysafersci.