Academic instructional spaces found in Art; Technology Education/Agricultural Science/Family and Consumer Sciences; and Science/STEM/STEAM departments characteristically have potential health and safety hazards in these categories: biological (e.g., bacteria, viruses, mold, etc.), chemical (e.g., corrosives, flammables, toxins, etc.) and physical (e.g., sharps, springs, projectiles, etc.). To address these potential hazards and reduce or eliminate resulting associated risks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency, and other regulatory agencies provide legal safety standards. In addition, NSTA, the American Chemical Society, the National Science Education Leadership Association, and other associations provide better professional safety practices.   

Why must instructional spaces like laboratories, shops, and studios in these departments have initial cleaning protocols in place when the school year begins? Over the summer, dust, mold, chemical vapors, or pest activity may accumulate. Unattended chemicals can degrade, become unstable, or develop leaks during the summer months. Also, safety equipment like eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and ventilation systems may malfunction if not tested and cleaned.  Cleaning also identifies expired, mislabeled, or incompatible chemicals, reducing the risk of spills, reactions, or toxic exposures. Appropriate organization helps avoid dangerous storage conditions and improves emergency response readiness.

Early safety checks ensure that lab equipment, fume hoods, and utilities (gas, water, electricity) are in working order before instruction begins. This prevents delays in curriculum delivery due to last-minute repairs or outages. Start-of-year safety cleaning protocols also help fulfill annual inspection, hazard communication, and chemical hygiene requirements.

The following lists are a summary of student/employee health and safety start-of-year cleaning protocols that need to be followed for a safer teaching/learning instructional experience in the coming academic year.    

1.    General Laboratory Readiness

•    Inspect floors, walls, ceilings, and counters for cleanliness, water damage, mold, or physical damage.
•    Ensure HVAC systems and fume hoods are operational and filters (if applicable) are clean to address airborne potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards—e.g.,   
wood/metal/Aluminum dust collection systems; spray booth for technology education/STEM/STEAM labs; fume hoods for science labs; and particulate ventilation units for art ceramic studios. 

For example, when working with clay, always keep it moist. Dry clay may expose students and staff to silica, a potentially hazardous material.

•    Confirm eyewash stations and safety showers are tested and within compliance (e.g., ANSI/ISEA Z358.1: https://www.gesafety.com/downloads/ANSIGuide.pdf).
•    Check first aid kits, spill kits, and fire extinguishers for full stock and expiration dates.
•    Ensure Safety Data Sheets books or digital access are up to date and easily accessible.
•    Make sure lab signage (personal protective equipment [PPE] required, no food/drink, chemical hazard signs, emergency contacts) is visible and current.
•    Test electrical outlets, gas jets, and vacuum systems for functionality.
•    Ensure balances, microscopes, spectrometers, hot plates, and other tools are clean and operational.
•    Check battery-operated tools (e.g., multimeters) for corrosion or battery leakage.
•    Calibrate or verify calibration of scientific measuring equipment as needed.

2. Chemical Inventory and Storage

•    Perform a chemical inventory check and reconcile with the chemical hygiene plan.
•    Check for the following:
o    Leaking, broken, or improperly labeled containers
o    Chemicals that are expired or degraded (especially peroxides, ethers, or unstable reactives)
•    Organize chemicals by compatibility, not alphabetically. Use flammable cabinets, acid cabinets, etc., properly.
•    Dispose of outdated or unneeded chemicals per district policy or hazardous waste regulations.

3. Cleaning Delicate Surfaces or Electronics

•    Make sure to power off all devices. Unplug all external cables, cords, devices, and power sources.
•    Always wear the recommended PPE.
•    Avoid spraying soap and water or disinfectants directly onto surfaces and potentially getting liquid into equipment openings.
•    Instruct students to use only cleaning agents as provided by their teacher.
•    For cleaning delicate surfaces, such as computers, electronics, instruments, keyboards, microscopes, equipment, screens, and tablets, use a paper towel or a cloth with soap and water.
•    Gently wipe the surface until it is visibly wet. Allow it to evaporate.
•    Computers, tablets, and keyboards that are shared should be cleaned with soap and water or sanitizer under the same conditions as noted earlier (in the fifth bulleted item).
•    Wash hands and forearms thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water after removing PPE.

4. Cleaning PPE Is a Two-Step Protocol

•    Wash safety indirectly vented chemical splash goggles and/or safety glasses with side shields using antibacterial soap and warm water. After washing and drying them, place them in the goggle sanitizer with UV-C bulbs. Teachers will run the sanitizer for the amount of time recommended by the goggle sanitizer manufacturer.
•    Carefully remove disposable gloves and place them in the appropriate general refuse container. Reusable gloves should be cleaned with soap and water, then sanitized or disinfected.
•    Aprons must be wiped down with cleaners or sanitizer, hung, and dried.

5. Emergency Preparedness
•    Verify that emergency evacuation maps are posted and accurate.
•    Ensure chemical spill control materials are stocked and instructions are visible.
•    Test and log fire alarm pull stations and emergency shutoff buttons (if applicable).

6. Cleaning Laboratory Protocol Training Prior to Starting Hands-On Activities

•    Attempt to remove any potential safety hazard in a safer way using appropriate PPE: eye protection, gloves, aprons, etc. 
•    Minimize sharing of equipment, materials, etc. Always wash your hands before and after use. 
•    Students need to clean common work surfaces as directed by their teacher. The current science research has shown that people can be at risk from these noted hazards, but OSHA and CDC note that regular cleaning of these surfaces with soap or detergent reduces or eliminates the hazards. Disinfection in most cases is not necessary. 
•    Disposable paper towels or other wipes may be placed into the regular trash container. 
•    Equipment and laboratory stations shared by multiple people or lab groups should be cleaned after each use, as per usual lab safety protocols, using soap and water. 
•    After removing hand PPE, wash hands and forearms thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
•    No required formal social distancing practices are in place at this time. However, should someone exhibit symptoms (e.g., cold, flu, etc.) like coughing or sneezing, a minimum of three feet of social distancing is suggested. Individuals returning to school after contracting COVID, flu, or other potentially contagious medical issues are encouraged to consider wearing appropriate masks for several days.
•    Students need to follow their teacher’s instructions on how to use the cleaners, sanitizers/disinfectants provided, if they are required to use them.

Teachers and lab paraprofessionals need time to prepare safer hands-on activities for the new school year. Verifying supply levels and cleanliness ensures that instructional spaces like laboratories and classrooms are ready for immediate use, and teachers don’t have to play catch-up weeks into the semester. Clean, orderly labs also promote a culture of responsibility and professionalism. They reduce distractions and health risks for both students and employees with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities. Being proactive by enlisting these noted instructional space health and safety cleaning protocols helps to establish a safer and healthier teaching/learning environment and experience for both teachers and their students from the very beginning of the new school year. 

Submit questions regarding health and safety issues in science/STEM instructional spaces to Ken Roy at safersci@gmail.com.

Follow Ken Roy on X: @drroysafersci.