With effect from May 1997, the safety and health of employees in schools is protected by the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance and its subsidiary Regulation. It is the responsibility of employers to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the safety and health of all employees at work. Employees should, as far as reasonably practicable, cooperate with their employers to comply with the requirements of the law so as to protect the safety and health of themselves and any other persons that may be affected.
To successfully manage safety and health at work, the Labour Department has advised every school to establish an occupational safety and health management system which includes the following elements :
(a) a safety and health policy statement to show the management's commitment;
(b) organisation structure of the management system, with a clear allocation of safety responsibilities;
(c) an assessment of the safety and health risks which should be updated when situations change;
(d) safety and health regulations to be observed in the workplace;
(e) education, instruction and training on occupational safety and health; emergency plans, drills and first aid arrangements,
(f) a regular review of the system to ensure its effectiveness; and
(g) documentation to keep proper record and ensure continuity of activities.
The Education Bureau has advised all secondary schools to set up a standing committee on laboratory safety (SCLS). The SCLS can help promote the standard of laboratory safety through closer coordination and better equip schools to deal with emergency situations.
Though SCLS is rather similar to the above system, schools should actively review their safety management systems to ensure that the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance are also observed to protect the safety and health of their employees at work.
Further information about the subject or assistance can be obtained from the Occupational Safety and Health Branch of the Labour Department (Tel: 2559 2297) or on the Internet web pages of the Labour Department at http://www.info.gov.hk/labour.
(Source: Safety in Science Laboratories, updated web version 2008)
Appendix 5 Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist
This safety checklist is intended for use by laboratory staff in secondary schools. It facilitates the maintenance of the safety standard of secondary school science laboratories. This checklist is by no means exhaustive. Schools may modify the checklist in accordance with the needs and conditions of their school laboratories.
Note: D = daily, W = weekly, M = monthly, T = once a term
Frequency Note
Descriptor
Check Mark
D W M T Yes No
First-aid Equipment
D 1. Is the first-aid box fully equipped and easily accessible?
W 2. Is the eye wash bottle clean and the distilled water replaced?
Fire-fighting Equipment
W 1. Is the CO2/dry powder fire extinguisher serviceable and fully charged for immediate use?
W 2. Is the fire blanket available for immediate use?
W 3. Are the sand buckets dry and free from rubbish?
Personal Protective Equipment
W 1. Are there sufficient safety spectacles/goggles available for immediate use?
W 2. Are the safety spectacles/goggles clean, free from scratches and in good condition?
W 3. Is the safety screen available for immediate use?
W 4. Is the face shield available for immediate use?
M 5. Is the safety goggles for laser protection (if any) available for immediate use?
M 6. Have the safety spectacles/goggles, face shield and safety screen been cleaned with detergent/disinfectant?
W 7. Are laboratory gowns and protective gloves (e.g. disposable plastic gloves, chemical/heat resistant gloves and leather gloves for animal handling) available for immediate use?
W 8. Is the respirator available for immediate use?
Exits/Passages
D 1. Are all exits/passages free from obstructions?
D 2. Are all entrances to the laboratories locked by the end of the school day to avoid unauthorised entry?
Electrical Supply
W 1. Are plugs, sockets and switches securely screwed, without cracks and free from signs of overheating?
W 2. Are electrical fittings free from loose/exposed wires?
T 3. Does the residual current device operate when the test button is pressed?
D 4. Is the main switch switched off by the end of the school day (if applicable)?
Gas Supply
W 1. Are Bunsen burners maintained in good condition (e.g. the barrels are free from obstructions, the collars are not stuck, etc.) and the tubing free from any signs of deterioration?
Frequency Note
Descriptor
Check Mark
D W M T Yes No
D 2. Have all gas taps been closed by the end of the school day?
D 3. Is the main gas supply valve switched off by the end of the school day?
Water Supply/Drainage System M 1. Are the water taps functioning properly?
M 2. Are the catchpot recovery traps/sinks free from leakage?
Fume Cupboard
D 1. Is the fume cupboard functioning properly?
D 2. Is the working area inside the fume cupboard clean and clear for immediate use?
Floor
D 1. Is the floor kept in a safe condition (e.g. no loose floor tiles, no slippery areas, etc.)?
General Storage
D 1. Are all hazardous chemicals kept in a locked store/cupboard?
D 2. Do all hazardous chemicals carry suitable hazard warning labels?
W 3. Have blurred labels on reagent bottles been replaced?
W 4. Are incompatible chemicals (e.g. hydrochloric acid and methanal, strong oxidizing agents and strong reducing agents, etc.) separately stored from each other?
W 5. Are corrosive chemicals stored at a low level and protected from kicking?
M 6. Are reactive chemicals (e.g. phosphorus, alkali metals, etc.) covered with sufficient immersion fluids?
M 7. Are short-life chemicals (e.g. diethyl ether, alkali metals, etc.) free from any signs of deterioration?
M 8. Is the spill control kit for dealing with chemical spills in good condition and readily accessible?
M 9. Are the safety information (e.g. MSDSs) for all the hazardous chemicals stored readily available?
M 10. Are all radioactive substances (if any) stored in a locked metal container?
M 11. Are heavy items stored at a low level?
T 12. Is the quantity of each chemical stored in the laboratory kept to a practical minimum and just sufficient for routine uses?
T 13. Is the laser (if any) kept under lock?
Storage of Chemical Wastes
W 1. Are chemical wastes properly separated and stored?
W 2. Are the storage pails and catcher trays free from signs of leakage?
Others (please specify)
Signature:
Inspecting Personnel: Date: