Each month, columns on safety in the science lab are featured in NSTA’s Science Scope (Scope on Safety) and The Science Teacher (Safer Science). These columns are written by Ken Roy, Director of Environmental Health and Safety for Glastonbury Public Schools in Glastonbury, CT, and NSTA’s Science Safety Compliance Consultant.
These are must-reads for science teachers and school administrators, regardless of what grade level or science course you teach. And NSTA members have access to them, regardless of which print journal you receive.
Here is a list of topics that have appeared so far this year:

• Eating in the Lab: A Recipe for Disaster – To summarize–Don’t.
• Pregnant and Safe in the Lab – Suggestions for teachers and students
• Anger Management – What to do with unacceptable student behavior in the lab.
• Safety in Videos – What to do with a video clip in which participants are usually potentially dangerous practices (such as not wearing appropriate eyewear)?
• Acknowledging Safety in Physics — Safety acknowledgment forms alert students and their parents or guardians that the lab is a dangerous place in which they must follow safety protocols (and not just physics!)
• Safety to the Wind – Are your science labs properly ventilated?
• Choosing Biological Stains Carefully – Some traditional stains should be reevaluated for safety and health issues.
• Shining a Light on Laser Safety – Check your local and state regulations, too.
• Earth Science Safety: It’s All in Your Form – Safety issues apply to all classes.
• Wave Warnings – Suggestions for classes studying light, sound, and wave energy.

If you’re looking for a science department discussion topic, take your pick! For more on safety topics, go to NSTA’s SciLinks and use “safety” as the keyword.
Graphic: http://www.flickr.com/photos/epicfireworks/3646350410