Health and Safety Principles in K-12 Science Lab Planning and Design

Published

December 2, 2025

COURSE OVERVIEW

Educational science laboratories contain and produce various hazards that present particular planning and design challenges when creating a safe and healthy learning environment. Understanding the nature of the hazards and strategies for minimizing the risk of occupant expose is paramount. This presentation will discuss risk assessment in education laboratory projects and examine design considerations to mitigate those risks and maintain a healthy and safe setting for education. Topics will include laboratory placement, lab support spaces, fume hoods, emergency plumbing fixtures, and emergency gas shut off.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Describe types of laboratory hazards and how to mitigate occupant expose.
Understand the concept of primary and secondary containment and how to apply in education science laboratories.
Identify when fume hoods are needed and how to apply and locate them to protect occupants from exposure to hazardous materials.
Articulate the basic requirements for and application of emergency eyewash/showers