The Status of Safety Measures in Secondary School Laboratories, Thika District

Abstract

The research project reviews the status of safety measures in secondary school laboratories in Thika District. The research involved a sample survey of ten schools. The respondents were the science teachers and the laboratory personnel; a total of ten teachers and ten laboratory assistants formed the survey sample. The respondents were required to respond to questionnaires which were distributed for the purpose of the project. The questionnaires were constructed by the researcher. In addition the researcher constructed an observation schedule which was used to collect some of the data. The data collected was organized and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results of the research indicates that there were some areas pertinent to laboratory safety which were neglected and requires attention. In particular it was found that laboratory classes were congested, safety awareness amongst pupils was low and there was a general inadequacy with respect to safety equipment. It was also found that laboratory personnel and science teachers were not adequately trained in basic fire fighting teclmiques and administration of first aid.