When Curiosity Turns Risky: A Wake-Up Call for School Science Lab Safety

Two middle school students were hospitalized last Spring following a science lab incident in South Los Angeles. What we do know is clear: the experiment caused enough concern for LAFD's Hazardous Materials Team to respond, and both students were transported to the hospital.

Thankfully, no life-threatening injuries were reported. However, incidents like this should not be dismissed—they serve as an urgent reminder that school science labs must prioritize safety over spectacle.

At Kevin Doyle Consulting, we work with K–12 schools nationwide to implement science safety protocols that reduce risk and foster a culture of prevention. This event underscores several key takeaways:

• Not all demonstrations are age-appropriate. Middle schoolers must be guided carefully through controlled, risk-assessed activities.

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be current and accessible. First responders rely on this information to make real-time decisions.

• PPE and safety training aren’t optional—they’re foundational.

• Emergency response plans must be practiced, not just written.

This isn’t about stopping hands-on science. It’s about doing it right.

Let this incident serve as a call to action: review your lab procedures, update your training, and refocus your team on proactive safety. Because the most successful lab experiment is the one that ends with everyone going home healthy.

✅ Need Expert Training?

Kevin Doyle Consulting offers safety training for schools, businesses, and organizations. Our programs include:

• 🔋 Li-ion battery safety

• 🚨 Emergency response protocols

• 🛡️ Prevention and best practices for science/STEM environments

📧 Contact us today to schedule a customized training session.