Safer Science & STEM Safety Protocols for a Safer School Year

As students and teachers return to classrooms this fall, excitement is high for experiments, projects, and hands-on creativity in science & STEM labs, makerspaces, and art rooms. But before the first Bunsen burner is lit or the first robot is built, there’s one essential step that often gets overlooked: safety.

Safety experts emphasize that a large share of school lab accidents are preventable with basic precautions, particularly start-of-year inspections and routine safety checks. What’s especially concerning is that many of these incidents occur in the first few months of school, a time when classroom routines are still being established and overlooked maintenance issues are most likely to surface.

The good news? By taking a proactive approach, schools can dramatically reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and build student trust—all before the first lesson begins.

Why the Start of the Year Is Critical

Over the summer, classrooms and labs sit idle. Equipment goes unused, chemicals may expire, dust collects, and signage fades into the background. When teachers return in August or September, they’re often more focused on lesson plans than lab checks.

But just a few small oversights, like a blocked exit, an expired fire extinguisher, or a non-functioning eyewash station, can escalate into big problems quickly. For administrators, these oversights can also bring compliance risks tied to OSHA, NFPA, and state-level safety standards.

Four Steps to a Safer School Year

Whether you’re a teacher, lab supervisor, or district leader, the following steps create a strong foundation for safe learning:

1. Prepare Instructional Spaces
Walk each room with fresh eyes. Check ventilation systems, clear clutter, and identify potential hazards before students arrive.

2. Inspect Equipment and PPE
Test eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, fume hoods, and first-aid kits. Make sure goggles, gloves, and other protective gear are in good condition and easy to access.

3. Conduct Hazard and Risk Assessments
Look for expired chemicals, unlabeled containers, outdated signage, and blocked pathways. Document what you find and address it immediately.

4. Schedule Ongoing Maintenance
Safety isn’t a one-time event. Build monthly or quarterly inspections into your calendar and assign responsibility to ensure consistency.

Why This Matters

Safety protocols aren’t just about compliance, they’re about building a culture of care. When students see their teachers modeling safe practices, they gain confidence in the environment and feel more engaged in their learning.

A safe classroom empowers curiosity, discovery, and collaboration. It also protects schools from costly accidents and legal exposure. Most importantly, it ensures that the excitement of Safer STEM education isn’t overshadowed by preventable incidents.

Quick Tips for Teachers

• Start early—don’t wait until the day before students arrive.

• Use a checklist to stay consistent and keep records.

• Assign responsibility so accountability is clear.

• Train the whole team—including substitutes and lab aides.

• Follow up quickly when issues are found.

Listen & Learn More

This article is adapted from the Safer Ed Podcast episode:

“Safer Science & STEM Safety Protocols for a Safer School Year”

In the episode, experts expand on these four steps, discuss common oversights in school labs, and share real-world strategies to build safety into daily practice.

Final Word

As you prepare for a new school year, remember: safety isn’t extra work, it’s part of teaching. By embedding safety routines into your start-of-year practices, you create an environment where students can focus on what matters most: learning without limits.

Because when safety comes first, everything else can follow.

Subscribe to edCircuit to stay up to date on all of our shows, podcasts, news, and thought leadership articles.