Science Safety

Science education is an activity-based process that provides an exciting method of teaching and learning. However, experiments and demonstrations may involve inherent risks for both the teacher and the student.

Teachers of science today have the double challenge of providing a safe learning environment while ensuring that students perform important science activities. Schools should strive to create a positive environment in every science course in which risk can be evaluated and reduced to an acceptable, safe level.

All human activity involves some risk, but studying science has unique ones. Teachers and students handle potentially hazardous equipment and chemicals, so safety guidelines must be discussed with students. These safety guidelines must support and encourage the investigative approach generally and laboratory instruction specifically, while at the same time promoting safety in the classroom and laboratory.

Field work and field trips require special vigilance with respect to traffic and road safety, safe practices in study areas and when obtaining samples, and an awareness of changes in weather. Teachers are also reminded of the potential risks associated with activities that involve extraction and analysis of human fluids or tissue.

Another important aspect of in-school safety is the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Through labelling, material safety data sheets, and education and training, WHMIS is designed to ensure that those using hazardous materials have sufficient information to handle them safely. Each school district should have an individual trained in WHMIS who can work with teachers to establish safe, well-ventilated classroom and laboratory working conditions.

Encouraging a positive safety attitude is a shared responsibility among the board, school administrators, teachers, and students in every school district. The co-operation of all these groups helps develop a strong safety consciousness both inside and outside our schools.

To assist teachers in providing a safe science-learning environment, the Ministry of Education publishes the Science Safety Resource Manual, which is available in every school. Copies can be ordered from the Learning Resources Catalogue.

Last Modified: April 1, 1998.
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