As k-12 curriculum is on a big leap on this age, I would like to commend our government for having been implementing this big project for us to be more competent internationally. Youths can now be at their best confidence in facing the world stage when it comes to education and skills background. We will have a very promising future.

In-line with this emerging new curriculum, when it comes to science  education, more often than not, we are letting our students do a hands-on activity in which it involves doing an experiment on a laboratory so that they could have a better grasp on the lessons that they are studying. Though we all know that here in the Philippine setting, we seldom wear clean gloves, face masks, laboratory gowns and etc because we lack resources. But, it is not an excuse! We should always find a way on how we could shield ourselves in the danger that it may bring us. The fundamentals of lab safety are simple, and it involves teaching and performing science safely, watching out for yourself and everyone else in the lab, anticipating problems and preventing them, and being careful and aware of your surroundings

The bottom line is that it’s vital to remember safety as a state of mind, and it is about understanding risk, eliminating or minimizing hazards as much as possible, and being aware of the hazards that cannot be eliminated.

Below are some lists of general safety guidelines:

1. Never eat, drink, or smoke while working in the laboratory.
2. Read labels carefully.
3. Do not use any equipment unless you are trained and approved as a user by your supervisor.
4. Wear safety glasses or face shields when working with hazardous materials and/or equipment.
5. Wear gloves when using any hazardous or toxic agent.
6. Clothing: When handling dangerous substances, wear gloves, laboratory coats, and safety shield or glasses. Shorts and sandals should not be worn in the lab at any time. Shoes are required when working in the machine shops.
7. Keep your hair neatly on the back. For the girls who have long hair, tie it and wear a hairnet.
8. Keep the work area clear of all materials except those needed for your work. All your belongings should be placed on one area or on the locker.
9. Proper Disposal of wastes materials. Before leaving the laboratory. Make sure to dispose off properly all the unnecessary materials especially those hazardous and sharp objects that may harm the next batch of students who will use the laboratory room.
10. Equipment Failure – If a piece of equipment fails while being used, report it immediately to your teacher. Never try to fix the problem yourself because you could harm yourself and others.
11. If leaving a lab unattended, turn off all electrical sources and lock the doors.
12. Never take anything by mouth.
13. Clean up your work area before leaving.
14. Wash hands before leaving the lab and before eating.

By: Jeddah P. Valencia | St. Catherine of Siena Academy