Chemical Hygiene and Safety Badge for an Upper-Level Laboratory Course

Abstract

Developing a broadly based positive culture of safety in undergraduate instructional laboratory settings remains a significant challenge for chemical educators. An enhanced safety component has been developed for an upper-level laboratory course based on earning a Chemical Hygiene and Safety badge. The badge requires student engagement in interpreting the standard forms of hazard documentation, performing safety inspections of laboratory spaces, and understanding the principles of hazardous waste disposal. Several associated curricular activities are also described. The impact of the improvements to the safety curriculum was assessed by surveying students who had just completed the course and retrospective evaluations from alumni who took the course. Students who completed the badge reported a greater competence with and confidence in laboratory safety principles.

Evaluating and Promoting Chemical Safety Awareness in the Chemical Sciences

“…These hazards resulting from the properties of the chemicals are often designated by different symbols for chemical safety on chemical bottles. 21,22 Therefore, it is important for every student performing experiments in a chemical laboratory to be aware of these designations and be able to identify them. Recent efforts to improve chemical safety awareness among students and staff has involved a simple, collaborative, and transferable tool recognized by the safety community known as RAMP (recognize hazards, assess risk, minimize risk, and prepare for emergencies).…”

“…Working in the chemical laboratory involves the use of hazardous chemicals and due to their corrosive, explosive, oxidizing, flammable, irritating, radioactive or toxic nature, can pose harm to people and pollute the environment. , Exposure to such chemicals can lead to chemical burns, skin and eye irritations, headaches, organ disorders, cancer, and even death. These hazards resulting from the properties of the chemicals are often designated by different symbols for chemical safety on chemical bottles. , Therefore, it is important for every student performing experiments in a chemical laboratory to be aware of these designations and be able to identify them. Recent efforts to improve chemical safety awareness among students and staff has involved a simple, collaborative, and transferable tool recognized by the safety community known as RAMP ( recognize hazards, assess risk, minimize risk, and prepare for emergencies ). , Other researchers have developed Reactive Hazards Evaluation Analysis and Compilation Tool (RHEACT), an online platform which provides information on the chemicals involved in chemical reactions, including the safety data sheets (SDS) .…”

An Investigation on the Application of a Competency Assessment System in a Blended Learning Course “Organic Chemistry Laboratory”

“…Furthermore, as a basic requirement for a chemistry major student, the consciousness of experimental safety and hygiene is evaluated. 17 The rating standards for experimental operation and results are shown in Table S2.…”

Proof of Concept for a Thin-Layer Chromatography Digital Badge Assignment Within a Laboratory Practical Exam for a Nonchemistry Majors’ Organic Chemistry Lab

“…21 At the post-secondary level, digital badges have been developed for pipetting, 5 buret, 6 volumetric flask, 6 calibration, 19 titration, 22 distillation, 22 standard solution, 22 and chemical hygiene and safety. 23 A set of 11 transferable skills badgessuch as thinking and problem solving; use of tools, technology, and software; and oral communicationhave been developed for post-secondary chemistry and other science courses. 24 Although not described as a digital badge, a video assignment to demonstrate and describe the use of a Mohr pipet or an analytical balance has been reported.…”

“…At the high school level, digital badges have been developed for standard solution, volumetric pipetting, and titration . At the post-secondary level, digital badges have been developed for pipetting, buret, volumetric flask, calibration, titration, distillation, standard solution, and chemical hygiene and safety . A set of 11 transferable skills badgessuch as thinking and problem solving; use of tools, technology, and software; and oral communicationhave been developed for post-secondary chemistry and other science courses .…”