A recent report from 1News should get the attention of every school leader, science supervisor, facilities director, and administrator responsible for laboratory safety. According to the article, emergency and defence personnel responded to several New Zealand schools over two days after discovering potentially volatile or unstable chemicals. In one case, the New Zealand Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team was called to make a substance safe through a controlled ex

Lithium-ion battery safety is often discussed in terms of prevention. Use the right charger. Avoid damaged devices. Do not charge overnight. Keep devices away from exits. Store batteries properly. Follow manufacturer instructions. All of that matters. But prevention is only one part of the safety system. Schools and organizations also need a clear response plan for what happens when a lithium-ion battery begins to fail. The FSRI Lesson: Conditions Can Deteriorate Rapidly Rese

Back-to-school safety inspections are an important part of preparing science laboratories, STEM spaces, CTE classrooms, shops, athletic areas, and other instructional environments for students and staff. But there is one mistake schools should avoid: Do not conduct the inspection solely by looking. Seeing a safety control is not the same as verifying that it works. A gas shutoff may be present. An electrical emergency cutoff may be mounted on the wall. A machine guard may be

When it comes to science education, safety is not just a priority - it’s a necessity. Every experiment, every chemical, and every piece of equipment in a K-12 lab carries potential risks. That’s why having expert guidance is crucial. Hiring a professional to help manage and improve lab safety can transform your school’s science environment. Let me walk you through why bringing in a specialist can make such a difference. Why Lab Safety Matters More Than Ever Science labs are e

A recent incident in which a student was hospitalized after a science project caught fire highlights an important reality for educators: science projects are among the most difficult activities to manage from a safety standpoint. Read the full article here: https://www.wdrb.com/news/student-hospitalized-after-science-project-catches-fire-at-st-matthews-school/article_f74dae10-58fe-420d-a56e-f2d3dfdb1335.html As Ken Roy first noted on X, this situation reinforces the need for

Creating a safe environment in K-12 STEM classrooms is not just a priority - it’s a necessity. When students engage in science, technology, engineering, and math activities, they often work with equipment, chemicals, and tools that require careful handling. As educators and administrators, you have the responsibility to ensure that safety protocols are clear, consistent, and effective. Let’s explore the essentials of school safety management and how you can implement them to

Creating a safe and effective science learning environment is no small task. Every day, educators and administrators face the challenge of balancing hands-on experiments with the need to protect students and staff. That’s where a lab safety consultant services expert steps in. I want to share how these professionals make a difference in K-12 schools, ensuring safety protocols are not just rules on paper but practical, actionable steps everyone can follow. Why Lab Safety Cons

Creating a safe and supportive environment in school science labs is not just a priority - it's a necessity. When students step into a lab, they should feel confident that their safety is protected, allowing them to focus on learning and discovery. But how do you build and maintain such an environment? It starts with effective lab safety programs designed specifically for K-12 settings. Let me walk you through essential strategies that can transform your school's approach to

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. They power our phones, laptops, power tools, electric bikes, and an increasing number of devices used in schools and workplaces. While these batteries have transformed modern technology, they also introduce safety risks when they are damaged, improperly stored, or discarded incorrectly. One of the most overlooked risks is improper disposal . Too often, lithium-ion batteries end up in household trash or recycling bins. When this happens, t

Creating a safe learning environment is not just a priority - it’s a necessity. When it comes to K-12 education, safety programs must be thoughtfully designed and consistently implemented. This is especially true for STEM programs, where hands-on activities and experiments introduce unique risks. I want to share practical insights and actionable steps to help you build effective safety programs that protect students and staff alike. Let’s dive into how you can create a cultur

In late February 2026, a routine call about “suspicious circumstances” in the Altair community in Irvine, California, evolved into a weeks-long hazardous materials investigation involving the FBI. Authorities discovered what appeared to be a homemade science lab inside a residential home — where a juvenile had mixed unknown chemicals . While investigators have stressed there’s no known threat to the public , the incident underscores a critical lesson: without proper chemical

Creating a safe and engaging science lab environment is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. Every day, students explore, experiment, and learn in K-12 labs, and it’s crucial that these spaces are as safe as possible. I’ve spent years working closely with schools to develop practical safety strategies that protect both students and staff. In this post, I’ll share expert guidance to help you build and maintain a culture of safety in your school’s science labs. Why Sc

When it comes to STEM education, safety is not just a priority - it’s a necessity. Every experiment, every project, and every lesson in science, technology, and engineering involves some level of risk. Managing these risks effectively ensures that students can explore, learn, and innovate without harm. I’ve seen firsthand how a well-structured safety plan transforms a STEM classroom into a dynamic, secure learning environment. Let’s dive into how you can manage safety in STEM

Lithium-ion batteries power modern education. They are found in laptops, tablets, robotic equipment, power tools, e-bikes, cell phones, and increasingly, electric school buses. These batteries are efficient, compact, and powerful. However, they also pose a risk of catastrophic failure. At the center of this risk is a phenomenon known as thermal runaway . If you are a superintendent, principal, STEM supervisor, facilities director, or board member, it is essential to understan

Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of modern devices — from smartphones and laptops to e-scooters, bikes, smoke alarms, and even vehicles. While these batteries deliver high energy density and convenience, they also pose significant fire and explosion hazards if damaged or misused. This reality has prompted the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office to issue a public safety advisory warning residents about potential dangers and to offer clear guidance for safer use. �

“Flame colors are best taught through atomic emission concepts — not open-flame demonstrations.” When a 20-Year-Old Accident Still Has Something to Teach Us A recent article revisits a serious school laboratory accident that occurred more than 20 years ago , involving what many educators once considered a routine and engaging chemistry demonstration: the Rainbow (flame test) experiment . The incident itself is not new. The injuries are not hypothetical. And the lesson is not

Modern homes are filled with convenience. Phones, tablets, tools, toys, and appliances keep us connected and productive. But behind that convenience is a growing, often overlooked risk: devices that stay plugged in long after we stop using them . A recent Yahoo Lifestyle article outlines seven household items that should always be unplugged when not in use , noting that many continue drawing power even when switched “off.” Over time, that constant energy flow can contribute

Damage to the warehouse caused by a fire started by Li-ion Batteries ( NBC News) By Kevin Doyle, EdD Kevin Doyle Consulting, LLC A devastating warehouse fire in Tarnowo Podgórne, Poland , believed to have originated from a shipment of electric scooter batteries , is drawing international attention — not only because of the fire's scale, but also because video footage reveals failures in training and preparedness . Surveillance and publicly released footage show a pallet of b

By Kevin Doyle, EdD Kevin Doyle Consulting, LLC A recent article published by Chemical & Engineering News highlights a serious, often overlooked concern in K-12 education: hazardous chemicals are accumulating in school science laboratories due to limited oversight, aging inventories, and inconsistent disposal practices . The issue is not theoretical. It is systemic. According to the report, many schools retain chemicals long after they are instructional-ly necessary, someti

Happy New Year! As schools reopen after extended breaks, it’s easy to focus on lesson plans, calendars, and supplies. One critical safety step, however, is often overlooked: running the water in your science labs . Any plumbing that has gone unused, lab sinks, prep room faucets, emergency eyewash stations, and safety showers, can accumulate bacteria, sediment, and debris, including Legionella bacteria .. When that water is the first thing students or staff encounter, it intr