SCVTHS Students Inspect the Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Laboratory Safety Demonstration

Saanvi, Shreya, and Kushi began the Machine and Equipment Safety project by visiting and inspecting the Academy for Health and Medical Sciences’ laboratory at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High Schools. The team observed a laboratory safety demonstration, which focused on the appropriate safety procedures to be followed when working with biological specimens and laboratory equipment, presented by Mrs. Patil. The presentation included the sheep brain dissection experiment, which enables students to observe how the laboratory safety guidelines are followed during the performance of scientific experiments. Laboratory work requires specific equipment, biological specimens, and procedures, which prompted the team to assess the safety procedures in their educational laboratory environment.

Interest in the project grew from discussions of chapters on the significance of work safety in health, medical, and science-related jobs. Students were interested in pursuing health-related or science-related jobs and needed to be aware of the safety procedures implemented in a laboratory setting. The project was chosen to enable its members to gain a better understanding of how safety procedures were implemented during laboratory demonstrations and to identify whether health and safety guidelines were being implemented properly in a laboratory setting at the school.

In preparing to undertake the project, the Health and Safety Committee researched laboratory safety regulations implemented by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and laboratory safety regulations implemented at the school. After reviewing regulations from OSHA and laboratory regulations at the school, an inspection checklist was developed to focus on essential elements of safety, including proper use of protective equipment, handling of biological materials, use of dissecting tools, cleanliness of work stations, and disposal of biological waste.

The committee then worked with Mrs. Patil to observe the demonstration and safety procedures used during the activity. This involved effective communication with the instructor to get permission and schedule the observation. The committee observed safety procedures during the demonstration, documented their findings, and asked questions regarding proper laboratory procedure and safety expectations during the dissection.

After observing the demonstration, the committee met to discuss their findings and determine whether the safety procedures used during the demonstration correlated with safety guidelines. The committee determined that there are strengths in the safety procedures used at the laboratory and compared these safety procedures to those recommended for the workplace. A report was made based on the results of the demonstration. In conclusion, the project has been effective in increasing chapter awareness regarding safety procedures used in the laboratory and has provided valuable insight into the importance of using proper health and safety procedures during hands-on science activities.