Safety FAQ
Choosing the Right Safety Goggle – submitted by Dave Gervais
Wearing safety goggles is a requirement for many science activities, especially those involving chemicals. Providing students with clean, comfortable, well-fitting safety goggles that are appropriate for the activity is essential to maintaining student safety. This...
Five-Minute Safety Inspection – submitted by Flinn Scientific Canada
Our “Five-Minute Safety Equipment Inspection” can be used to quickly and easily evaluate the readiness of laboratory safety equipment. According to the OSHA Laboratory Standard, safety equipment should be checked on a regular basis. It is a good policy to document all...
Use of PTC Paper – submitted by Dave Gervais, Chair STAO Safety Committee
Introduction: Since its discovery in 1932, PTC paper has been a popular activity for students studying genetics. It is used to determine the genotypes of individuals, and is bitter tasting. It has been tied to the evolutionary advantage allowing some primates to...
Battery fires: The potential danger hiding in your kitchen junk drawer at Christmas and year-round
Health Canada says it received more than 100 consumer reports over the last year involving batteries — everything from overheating to starting fires. Source: Battery fires: The potential danger hiding in your kitchen junk drawer at Christmas and year-round
Live Animals in the Classroom Safety Notes – submitted by Flinn Scientific Canada
Studying living organisms in biology and life science is a “natural” way to engage students and nurture their interest in biology. Keeping live animals requires thoughtful consideration of learning goals, school policies, and potential dangers. Click here to go to the...
STAO Safety Mindedness Teacher Training Resource -Updated with Closed Captioning!!!
Closed Captioning Update The STAO Safety Mindedness (SSM) program is an interactive online training program to train teachers on common safety-related issues in a typical Science (Grades 9–12) and Science and Technology (Grades K–8) programs. SSM is an easy to use,...
Safety Notes: Safety First is No Accident – Flinn Scientific Canada
'Safety First' describes the vision and goals that all science teachers share for school science labs. We all say that safety always comes first! But what does this mean in practice? Click here to go to the source of 'Safety First'.
Sample Science Safety Contract from Flinn
Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities that require the use of hazardous chemicals. Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority for students, teachers and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules...
Learning by Accident: Spotty Evidence!
Curriculum Connection: High-school Biology I was preparing Sudan IV for a nutrient lab for grade 11 SBI3C biology. In order to use the chemical as an indicator for fats and oils, I needed to mix the Sudan IV powder with ethanol. I followed proper safety precautions...
Hazards of Flammable Liquids – Flinn Scientific Canada
Prevent Tragic Accidents with Flammable Liquids Girl in Flames Runs from School Lab Explosion! Lab Accident Sends Teacher and Students to Hospital! Teacher Charged After Experiment Goes Awry! These real news headlines have appeared as a result of accidents...
Safety Guidelines for Science Demonstrations – Flinn Scientific Canada
Demonstrations are an effective teaching tool. Even though students may not be handling chemicals or using equipment during a demonstration, it is vitally important that instructors follow rigorous safety rules. Flinn Scientific Canada has developed a list of 20...
A Safer Alternative to the Rainbow Demonstration
While serious accidents causing catastrophic injury in high school science activities are rare, when they occur their human toll can be devastating. This post examines one potentially dangerous demo, its hazards and suggestions for safer alternatives. The Rainbow...