Interactive Lab Safety

Lab safety training is very important and should be taught properly. Traditionally taught in lecture or video format by the instructor, lab safety is now often taught via online interactive lab safety programs. There are many free interactive lab safety programs available, which can be easily found by performing an internet search.

• Interactive lab safety utilizes technology with a hands-on approach. This type of instruction can be very general, or customized for different lab types. A virtual classroom is presented to the student on the computer, and they participate in identifying hazards in the laboratory. Different problems and accidents will arise in the virtual lab, and students must figure out what to do in reaction to these problems.

• Some instructors use interactive lab safety training to accompany lab tutorials, or to serve as a refresher. It is a very convenient tool in the event of a student absence, as they can easily access the interactive lab from their home computer with internet access.

• The instructor must be aware of each student's understanding of the interactive lab safety training program. Lab safety can mean the difference between life and death, so it is very important to ensure that the students have actually completed the training course.

• One thing interactive lab safety programs don't touch on, is the location of items in each particular lab, as this obviously varies from lab to lab. It is recommended that the instructor give a tour after the interactive training is complete, and allow students to physically handle safety materials. This will make them aware of their location and help become comfortable with using them.