The purpose of this study was to identify: (1) the types of accidents and the areas in which they occur in the high school biology, chemistry, and physics laboratory; (2) the contributing factors that cause accidents; and (3) the preventive measures practiced, and the success of the preventive measures. Four hundred and thirty science teachers…

This newsletter is composed of brief notes in the various areas of science. Biology Notes include hazards of tasting Phenylthiocarbamide in laboratory experiments, the use of Albustic and Clinistix test papers for protein and glucose determinations, the measurement of the respiratory quotient, and the construction of a simple respirometer. Physics…

After a short historical background, sources of information on reactive chemical hazards are discussed, along with reasons why these sources are not being tapped, particularly in academic laboratories, and some underlying principles. (BB)

Unsafe academic chemistry departments are a result of a lack of incentive, ignorance of the hazards, historical perspective, and a lack of funds. A program implemented at Wright State University to overcome these obstacles is described. (BB)

This is part two of a series. It covers industrial vapor explosions and gives case histories of water-molten metal explosions. (BB)

Principles, methods, and materials for a laboratory experiment in the generation of methane gas as an alternative energy source are described and illustrated by an industrial arts professor and student for students in power and energy. (MF)

Reviews eleven categories for controlling hazards in laboratories. (SL)

Addresses the concern and need for teaching safety and safety practices to students. (SL)

Discusses the relative instability of organic oxidants, citing early attempts at overcoming the solubility limitations in organic reaction systems. Describes the more recent introduction of new types of organic oxidant salts that have demonstrated more promising levels of stability, though unexpected explosions have still occurred. (TW)

Discusses institutional biosafety committees (IBC) which provide quasi-independent reviews of recombinant DNA work done at an institution. Considers the nature of IBC operation, the National Institutes of Health "Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research," the composition of IBCs, the intellectual content of IBC deliberations, and issues…

Presents a sample contract for disposing of hazardous wastes in an environmentally sound, timely manner in accordance with all federal, state, and local requirements. Addresses situations where hazardous waste must be disposed of outside the laboratory and where alternate disposal methods are not feasible. (JN)

Presents a scenario related to the disposal of potentially dangerous ether. Several suggestions for dealing with peroxide-forming compounds are included. (JN)

Proposes use of two experiments to sample and analyze contaminents in the laboratory. Experiments focus on estimating hydrogen sulfide levels in the general chemistry laboratory during qualitative analysis and determining the concentration of organic vapors associated with organic chemistry laboratories. (JN)

An accident prevention/safety check list for chemistry laboratories is printed. Included are checks of equipment, facilities, storage and handling of chemicals, laboratory procedures, instruction procedures, and items to be excluded from chemical laboratories. (SL)

Provides a listing of all state guidelines and regulations pertaining to use of hypodermic syringes, eye safety, and animal care in biology and general science laboratories. (SL)