Lab Safety Institute, UC team up for summit

Fox19's Morning Xtra talked to a University of Cincinnati dean about free lab safety training UC is providing to K-12 teachers this summer.

UC's College of Arts and Sciences is hosting the Safer Science Summit for teachers and school administrators from July 22-26 in partnership with the Laboratory Safety Institute. The summit will touch on lab safety, chemical management, regulations and other topics designed to keep students and teachers safe in the lab.

Dean James Mack told Fox19 that the summit will draw K-12 teachers from across the region with sections tailored to all grades.

Mack, a chemistry professor, said the summit will address ways to create safe demonstrations, building a lab safety culture and planning for emergencies.

“Safety is always first,” Mack said. “We want to make sure our K-12 teachers have the equipment they need to be safe.”

Mack said it begins with making sure the classroom has eye protection and other basic equipment and that it is in safe condition.

“People can get cut or lose their sight and spills can happen,” he said. "Especially when you're dealing with chemicals.”

Watch the Fox19 segment.

Featured image at top: UC graduate student Melissa Kelley works in a biology lab. UC this summer is hosting training sessions for teachers on lab safety. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative + Brand