Teaching health and safety
through science
ASE Health and Safety Group
The Association for Science Education publication Topics in Safety (3rd edition, 2001) is being
revised over time by the ASE Health and Safety Group (formerly the Safeguards in Science
Committee). As they are revised, each individual topic will be published on the ASE website for free
download by members. There are currently no plans to republish the entire book, but it is likely that
School Science Review as well as being
available on the website.
Introduction
an integral element in the teaching of science in
developing practical approaches to science in
which is more than learning how to follow a set of
The general requirement for students to
Hazards and risks
A hazard
potential to cause harm. A risk
in general.
Some more advanced and vocational science
courses require quite detailed teaching of health
the case that the assessment of the health and
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ASE Health and Safety Group
Teaching health and safety through science
school or outside.
How to go about teaching health and
safety
chemical reactions and the chemicals that are
hazards.
appropriate and effective teaching opportunities for
the age and experience of the students. Although
protect her or him from encounters with hazards.
The teaching and learning of these principles
entailed. This will involve effective questioning
Putting it into practice
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into the curriculum.
Opportunities in science teaching
techniques the students are going to perform
more traditional demonstrations such as
thermite reaction or extinguishing a chip-
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ASE Health and Safety Group
Teaching health and safety through science
protection if appropriate.
2
that protect individual students and those around
Student
Safety Sheets
students on
Safeguards in the School Laboratory
. Also
World of Science
Preparing
COSHH Risk Assessments for Project
Work in Schools
developing a set of rules through
students a sense of ownership.
7
3
8
4
5
shown how to
6
students planning their own individual
for practical activities.
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ASE Health and Safety Group
Teaching health and safety through science
Table 1 Controlling risks in some basic laboratory work carried out by year 7 (age 11–12) students
Activity
Hazard(s)
Risk of harm
Control measure(s)
Finding boiling point
of water/investigating
changes of state
Beaker of boiling
water on tripod and
gauze
Scalding if beaker
topples
Ensure gauze is flat; before
beaker is heated, carefully clamp
in position partially immersed
thermometer; wear eye protection;
ensure students stand to carry out
experiment
Measuring friction
between load and
lubricated surfaces
Oil, small polystyrene Slipping on floor after
beads
spills of oil or beads
Work over a tray or similar container
Measuring breaking
Falling masses
strength of plastic bags
Injury from falling
Ensure that drop height of masses
masses when breaking is minimal or allow masses to fall
load is used
into a suitable container
Comparing the energy
values of fuels
Flammable liquid
(methylated spirits)
Burns from an
uncontrolled
combustion
Appropriate volume of fuel to be
dispensed by teacher or technician
away from flames; wear eye
protection
Testing a leaf for starch
Flammable liquid
(ethanol)
Burns from an
uncontrolled
combustion
Use electric kettle or extinguish
Bunsen burners before ethanol is
distributed by teacher or technician;
wear eye protection
Solubility of copper
sulfate
Copper sulfate
(harmful)
Skin irritation from
contact with crystals;
splashing solution into
eyes
Avoid skin contact and wear eye
protection; use stoppered tube
when shaking up solution
Simple apparatus for
distillation of ink
Heated apparatus
containing liquid
(water-based ink) at
boiling point
Scalding if distillation
vessel falls; cuts from
broken glass
Clamp vessel being heated; wear
eye protection
Chemical changes
Reaction mixture
Chemical burns from
containing dilute acid an acid spray
and carbonate
Use eye protection; ensure that
quantity of carbonate added does
not cause excessive frothing
A planned programme to develop over time
curriculum.
situations students will encounter in other
aspects of their lives.
The following examples illustrate what this might
Providing students with opportunities to
Providing opportunities for students to plan
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programme should provide the students with the
ASE Health and Safety Group
Teaching health and safety through science
Two examples
allowed to attach and light their own Bunsen
Using a Bunsen burner
something simple.
dilemma. The students cannot wait to light their
safe practice.
The Sun, including ultraviolet and infrared
radiation
Children are taught that all life depends on the
human health if exposure is prolonged or intense.
Teaching points include the following.
hand without experiencing discomfort.
Demonstrate that a wooden splint laid across
precautions. The infrared component of
to show how the luminous flame leaves a
this damage is repaired and initiates the
there are rules and procedures for its use.
students revisiting and demonstrating the main
reactive molecules such as free radicals and
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Teaching health and safety through science
ASE Health and Safety Group
exposed to sunlight. The consequence of such
out from sunlight in passing through the
clothing when outdoors in the sunlight. The
the thermal action of infrared radiation that
have occurred while watching a solar eclipse
designed for this single purpose.
The ASE Health and Safety Group is a working committee of the Association for Science Education,
College Lane, Hatfield, Herts AL10 9AA. Website: www.ase.org.uk
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