Introduction
The college science laboratory environment is exposed to risks and accidents of different types due to the sensitivity of the experiments and equipment in use. Specifically, the science laboratories are equipped with different sharp, flammable, and fragile tools that might cause an injury to a lab user. This paper examines the types of potential accidents in science laboratories and how to avoid them.
Types of Accidents and Risks
Fire
The Bunsen burner is instrumental equipment in most experiments that involve heating in science laboratories. When the Bunsen burner is left unattended, it might burn the entire laboratory, especially when the flames came in contact with other flammable surfaces or chemicals. The result might be the distraction of property or even injury, in case the event occurs in the course of an experiment. To minimize potential fire risk in the laboratory, the users need to review and practice the procedures for avoiding fire (Ntsefong 56). This can be achieved through switching off the gas supply when the Bunsen burner is not in use. Moreover, it would be prudent to properly store flammable materials (Pal 45). Moreover, college science students should be trained on how to properly install and inspect the burner to avoid possible leaks that might result in sudden fires.
Heat Burns
Some experiments in the science laboratories involve handling hot objects when transferring them from one surface to another. When these items are moved hastily without proper precaution or use of the standard tools, it might result in serious burns to the person experimenting (Murov 34). For instance, when transferring a heated beaker, it would be prudent to use the lifting tongs to avoid direct bodily contact with the hot surface. To avoid heat burn, students should be taught how to use water baths and tongs effectively by stressing on the importance of avoiding direct contact with hot surfaces.
Chemical Burns
Most science laboratory experiments involve using more than a single chemical. Most of these chemicals are corrosive and highly flammable. When they are handled carelessly, the chemicals might spill on the skin or hand of the user (Pal 22). The chemical burns might cause a fatal injury. As a precautionary measure against an injury from a spilled chemical, it is important to train lab users on how to use protective gloves when handling any substance in the laboratory. Moreover, it would be prudent to integrate the culture of precaution in handling chemicals. For instance, a science laboratory user manual might be created to advise students on how to accurately measure chemicals and carefully transfer them to approved containers.
Scrapes and Cuts
Some experiments in a typical science laboratory involve the use of sharp equipment for incision, dissection, or separating samples. These sharp objects are harmful and might cause minor to serious bodily injury when handled carelessly (Kuespert 54). For instance, a scalpel is an important cutting tool that might cause direct injury to a finger when held without precaution. To avoid the scrape or cut risks, laboratory users should be equipped with user manuals with instructions on how to safely use and handle sharp blades. Moreover, the users should be trained on how to carefully wrap sharps items such as used needle, broken glass, and blades during the process of disposal to avoid injury.
Contamination
Although the ‘wash your hands’ phrase is basic advice in any laboratory environment, some students do not follow the set guidelines and procedures for careful hand washing. Failure to follow these regulations has resulted in students acquiring diseases from contaminations on their hands. The lab users are exposed to the risk of leaving the science laboratory with tissues, bacteria, and other harmful substances stuck on their palm (Dux 35). The contamination could spread very fast to other places such as the classroom and home. To avoid, this risk, it is prudent for students to adhere to the set regulations on cleaning hands before and after experiments. A lab user should also protect his or her skin and clothing with appropriate lab attire such as ad glasses, gloves, and aprons on a need basis.
Inhalation
When the protective gas masks are not properly worn, students are exposed to the risk of accidentally inhaling poisonous gases, especially when the laboratory is poorly ventilated (Zabetakis 13). This might cause fainting, nausea, and even headaches. This risk can be avoided by teaching students to properly follow the experimental procedures by wearing the recommended gas masks in addition to the use of ventilation fans, opening windows, and a gas chamber (Pal 33). The laboratories should install equipment for measuring the level of gas emission within the room to boost safety.
Conclusion
Science laboratories are prone to accidents when the experimental instructions are not adhered to. Among the notable accidents and risks is the inhalation of poisonous gases, chemical burns, contamination, and heat burns. These risks may be avoided through comprehensive training on conduct, protection, and precaution in the laboratory.
Works Cited
Dux, John. Handbook of Quality Assurance for the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. 2nd ed., Springer Science & Business Media, 2013.
Kuespert, Daniel. Research Laboratory Safety. Walter De Gruyter Inc, 2016.
Murov, Steven. Experiments in General Chemistry. 6th ed., Cengage Learning, 2014.
Ntsefong, Godswill. Innovative and Efficient Laboratory Management. Xlibris US, 2015.
Pal, Samuel. Handbook of Laboratory Health and Safety Measures. 2nd ed., Springer Science & Business Media, 2013.
Zabetakis, Michael. Safety with Cryogenic Fluids. Springer, 2014.