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

Leaving a Li-ion battery charging unattended can lead to a failure Holiday breaks are a time to rest, recharge, and step away from our buildings. Unfortunately, preventable fires do  occur , often in empty schools, offices, and other facilities. One of the most common and overlooked risks is lithium-ion battery chargers left plugged in  during extended closures. Why This Matters Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere: laptops, tablets, radios, power tools, e-bikes, scooters, dr

Published: December 2025, By : Kevin Doyle, Kevin Doyle Consulting An electric school bus operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)  caught fire on a Los Angeles street Wednesday morning, raising important questions about emerging vehicle technologies and school safety protocols. According to authorities, the bus — powered by lithium-ion batteries — erupted in flames just after 9:20 a.m. under the 210 Freeway overpass near Foothill Boulevard in Sunland . Tha

Vape Batteries are a danger when disposed of improperly. Fire officials in West Sussex recently battled a blaze that investigators believe was caused by a vaping device left charging in a bedroom. This incident is far from isolated. According to the nonprofit Material Focus, the U.K. experienced over 1,200 fires in 2023  in trash bins, garbage trucks, and waste facilities — all tied to improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries . Many of those batteries came from vapes. The

Most people understand that lithium-ion batteries shouldn’t be exposed to high heat. But very few realize that cold temperatures can be just as damaging — and even more deceptive. As we head into winter, this is a critical safety message for schools, districts, families, and workplaces that use battery-powered devices, tools, and equipment. The Hidden Winter Hazard: Separator Damage Inside every lithium-ion battery is a thin, porous separator —a film that keeps the positive