Lab Safety Has No Boundaries: Lessons from Georgia Tech

On September 19, 2025, a lab explosion at Georgia Tech resulted in minor student injuries. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, emergency responders confirmed the incident stemmed from a laboratory experiment, and while the students are expected to recover, the event is another reminder that laboratory safety must remain a priority at every level of education and research.

This accident highlights an essential truth: safety occurs at all levels. Whether in a middle school science classroom, a high school STEM lab, or a top-tier research institution, hazards are present. Even experienced students and researchers are not immune to the consequences of overlooking proper protocols or failing to anticipate risks.

What can we take away?

• Safety is not confined to rules on paper; it is a culture built by preparation, vigilance, and training.

• We must pay attention to potential hazards, no matter how routine or “minor” an activity seems.

• Institutions need to ensure that all staff, students, and faculty know what to do in the event of an accident—and how to prevent one in the first place.

At Kevin Doyle Consulting, we believe safety is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can foster environments where exploration and innovation thrive—but never at the expense of safety.

Stay vigilant. Stay prepared. Stay safe.