EVALUATION OF LABORATORY SAFETY MEASURES AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR PREVENTING LABORATORY ACCIDENTS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE SCIENCE EDUCATION STUDENTS

Abstract

Science education relies heavily on laboratory activities to develop 
students' scientific inquiry skills, making laboratory safety a critical component of 
effective teaching and learning in undergraduate science programmes. The study 
investigated safety measures and management practices for preventing laboratory 
accidents among undergraduate science education students. Five research questions 
guided this study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. 
The study population comprises 682 students from the Department of Science 
Education at Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. A sample 
of 357 students was selected using a stratified, simple random sampling technique. 
The instruments used for the study included a researcher-developed, validated 
questionnaire. A reliability index of 0.89 was obtained using Cronbach's alpha. The 
mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the data with respect to the 
research questions. The study revealed that undergraduate science education 
students have high awareness of laboratory safety protocols. The existing laboratory 
safety education programmes include web-based training, videos, and quizzes on 
laboratory safety. The management practices related to laboratory safety include 
prioritising safety as a core value, involving group leaders in safety initiatives, and 
enforcing laboratory safety policies and procedures. The challenges affecting 
effective laboratory safety practices include inadequate training and orientation, 
insufficient resources and funding, inadequate emergency preparedness and 
response, poor communication and teamwork, and inadequate incident reporting 
and investigation. The ways forward to adhering to safety laboratory measures 
include creating a comprehensive safety manual, providing regular training and 
orientation on safety measures and emergency procedures, and conducting regular 
safety inspections to address potential hazards. The study recommends that lecturers 
promote students' awareness of proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous 
materials and safety signs.