Health and safety practices and procedures during laboratory sessions in Malta college secondary schools

Abstract

This study explores the health and safety practices and procedures during laboratory sessions in Malta college secondary schools. The main focus of this study was on three subject areas namely Design and Technology, Chemistry, and Home Economics. These subjects were analysed at three boys’ and three girls’ secondary schools that form part of the three largest colleges in Malta. Questionnaires were distributed to a sample of teachers teaching the subjects that the study focused on, to collect data. Following this, observations were then carried out in laboratories and interviews were conducted with the subjects’ Education Officers and a Head of Department. Findings showed that most of the practices and procedures that are followed during laboratory sessions do ensure safety, however other health and safety aspects are still lacking. Only a small percentage of teachers felt they had sufficient knowledge about possible hazards to health and safety during laboratory sessions. This is because more than half of the teachers who participated in this study have not had any health and safety training since being appointed teachers. In fact, due to the lack of knowledge, it was found that some teachers did not wear the safety gear during laboratory sessions and did not visually inspect the fire extinguishers monthly. Additionally, more than half of the teachers did not have a valid first aid certificate and meetings to discuss health and safety issues were not held at all. By means of this study, the priorities given to health and safety in school laboratories in Malta were evaluated.