Considerations for Safe STEM Education MASTMSELA December 7

Considerations for Safe STEM Education MAST/MSELA, December 7, 2019 Jake Foster, Ph. D MAST/MSELA 2019

STEM programming • To enable: • hands-on, minds-on science and engineering • relevant and applied mathematics • effective integration of technology & use of digital tools • Application and transfer to literacy, economic, and global contexts • Development of skills, knowledge, and dispositions MAST/MSELA 2019

MA STEM learning standards & frameworks • Articulate desired learning outcomes for all students • Recommend and encourage best practices for STEM program design and implementation • Occasionally suggest sample experiences, materials, and tools • DO NOT • Require or specify particular materials or equipment • Require or specify particular curriculum, pedagogy, or learning activities • Require or specify particular learning space needs or design MAST/MSELA 2019

OSHA protections for all public employees • Updated law M. G. L. ch 149 sec 6½ • Effective February, 2019 • Makes explicit OSHA protections apply to all public employees • Districts should extend protections to students via policy & practice MAST/MSELA 2019

True or false? • A “laboratory” is a specifically designed room where science experiments and investigations are regularly carried out • If you can buy something in a grocery store, it is ok to use in class MAST/MSELA 2019

Laboratory Standard [OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 1450] A laboratory is any place where: • Multiple chemicals or multiple procedures are used • Lab scale; what an individual will do • Not a production facility • Presence of standard safety equipment Can include CVTE shops, makerspaces, art rooms, others MAST/MSELA 2019

Spectrum of elementary STEM learning spaces Elementary classroom (lower grades) Elementary classroom (upper grades) Generalist teacher Makerspace, Science & tech/eng classroom STEM Lab Specialist teacher MAST/MSELA 2019

Spectrum of secondary STEM learning spaces Science lab Technology/engineering lab Specialized STEM labs (e. g. forensics, biotech) Core academic/ General ed Career prep shop or lab (e. g. woodshop) Electives & specials/ Career preparation MAST/MSELA 2019

Hazardous Chemicals [OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 1200(c)] Hazardous chemical means any chemical which is classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, pyrophoric gas, or hazard not otherwise classified. MAST/MSELA 2019

Globally Harmonized System signal words • Danger • Used for more severe hazards • E. g. , HF, Chlorine, 12 M HCl, Pb(NO 3)2, IK • Warning • Used for less severe hazards • E. g. , 6 M HCl, 0. 1 M HCl, 5% acetic acid (vinegar) • Not classified • E. g. , Na. Cl, KCl solution, chlorine water (though Category 2 acute aquatic toxicity) NOTE: Category 1 chemicals are most dangerous • Opposite of NFPA system MAST/MSELA 2019

Chemical recommendations for schools • K– 5 • Prohibit use of chemicals with signal words Danger and Warning • 6– 12 • Prohibit from having chemicals with signal word Danger • Highly recommend avoiding Category 1 chemicals with signal word Warning • Practice green chemistry and microscale chemistry principles as possible and appropriate • Always aim for safer, healthier, more sustainable choices • Require science safety training for all educators MAST/MSELA 2019

Building implication • Once a school obtains a chemical with signal word Danger or Warning, regulatory & professional practice expectations apply • OSHA, EPA, DEP, ANSI, NFPA, other building codes … • That means having chemical safety systems, best practice procedures, plans and training MAST/MSELA 2019

https: //www. cdc. gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/default. html MAST/MSELA 2019

Planning for safe learning • Goal is to do no harm to students (mission-focused approach) • Assess hazards, actively reduce risks, document planning: • What has been done to reduce risk (hazard & exposure)? • What risks remain and why are they necessary to achieve the learning goal? • What harm could be incurred, and what do we do if something happens? • Consider personal liability for educators • Share responsibility across staff • Educators, Chemical Hygiene/Safety Officer, Nurse, Administrators, Emergency Response Coordinator, Purchasing Office, etc MAST/MSELA 2019

Promote safety • • Establish a culture of safety Actively manage hazards (not just chemical hazards) Maintain plans and protocols Conduct a risk assessment for each instructional activity Conduct worst-case planning and training Regularly inspect, maintain, and update equipment, materials & processes Identify personnel dedicated to the ongoing review of safety and spaces Provide continuing professional development Start where you can! MAST/MSELA 2019

2016 STE Framework, Appendix XI Best Practices for K-12 STEM Learning Spaces, & Supplement (MSBA) www. doe. mass. edu/frameworks/scitech/2016 -04. pdf www. massschoolbuildings. org/programs/science_lab MAST/MSELA 2019

Thank you! Jake Foster, Ph. D. jfoster@stemlearningdesign. com 978 -559 -1373 MAST/MSELA 2019