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It's been a week since the first message on Occupancy Load/Class Size. The
responses have been interesting. I wanted to share some of what we've learn
ed.
First A Reminder ...
The research shows that as the number of students in a science laboratory
increases, the frequency and severity of accidents increase. "LSI is gearin
g up
to do something constructive about this issue.=A0 What suggestions do you ha
ve
for a best course of action?"
How would you like to help?
What Did We Learn So Far ...
1. Many share the Laboratory Safety Institute's (LSI) concern about this
issue. This includes LSI's Board of Director which met and discussed approa
ches
on Friday.
2. We received several constructive suggestions and they will be pursued
further. Some felt having the directory of regulations and contact would be
helpful. Some volunteered to be the point of contact in their state to gath
er more
information. Would you like to help with your state?
3. According to the NFPA Life Safety Code Handbook (2003), it was not NFPA's
intention that it's occupancy load numbers be used to limit the number of
students in classes. We'll be having direct conversation with NFPA and othe
r
agencies to discuss this and other applications of their numbers.
4. Different State, local, and private agencies use and interpret occupancy
load/class size numbers differently. We need to continue identifying agenci
es,
positions, policies, and having discussions.
5. Several felt that it was important to teach the teacher how to conduct
safer labs. LSI agrees and offers more than 50 one-day, two-day, and 24-hou
r
lab safety training programs each year. Visit the training page of our webs
ite
for the dates, locations, cost, and program outlines. ... www.labsafety.org
LSI also provides on-site inservice programs for school and post-secondary
science departments.
The Next Steps ...
To paraphrase one national figure: The problem is not going to go away and
LSI is not going to go away. We have begun revising our publication, "There
's
No Safety In Numbers: Class Size and Lab Accidents." We want to update the
state regulations, contact information, association standards, and good idea
s.
What successes have you had in reducing the occupancy load/class size
(student to teacher ratio)? We would like to include "What Works" in the ne
xt
edition of the report and here in our updates on the discussion lists.
We continue to welcome your suggestions. ... Jim
************************************
James A. Kaufman, Ph.D.
President/CEO
The Laboratory Safety Institute
Safety in Science and Science Education
192 Worcester Road, Natick, MA 01760
508-647-1900 Fax: 508-647-0062 Cell: 508-574-6264
Email: jimkaufman**At_Symbol_Here**labsafety.org
Web Site: http://www.labsafety.org
*************************************
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