A well-maintained lab is a safer lab: strategies for involving students in laboratory maintenance

摘要

Proper laboratory maintenance, while often overlooked, can be the difference between a safer learning environment and a student injury. Routine and preventative maintenance can extend the life of equipment, detect problems before they arise, and mitigate incidents that can result from defective equipment or an unkempt lab. ETE teachers are responsible for implementing plans for equipment and general lab maintenance (Love & Roy, 2017). If done correctly, students can assist teachers in maintaining an effective lab (instructors/administrators/supervisors still maintain ultimate responsibility), thereby learning good practices in organization, maintenance, and safety. While we cannot eliminate all risk, every precaution possible should be taken to assure safer working conditions in the lab (Meeks, 1976). Finally, it is important to remember that tools are not 100% safe, and there will always be hazards and resulting risks, but through routine and preventative maintenance plans, instructors and supervisors can help reduce those risks.