DepEd issues new guidelines on handling of chemicals

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus has ordered all public high school administrators in the country to strictly follow the new set of guidelines on proper handling of science laboratory equipment and chemicals. The new guidelines were issued following an incident in San Isidro National High School in Makati City wherein a hanging cabinet containing chemicals, in its Science laboratory, fell due to overloading.

Several people, school personnel and residents near the school were hospitalized due to the chemical spill incident.

Lapus issued DepEd Order No. 48 or the Observance of Safety Measures in Science Education that outlines safety manual for science laboratories, observance of safety measures in the conduct of laboratory activities and proper management of hazardous chemicals and equipment, especially in the handling of storage in secondary school laboratories.

The DepEd chief pointed out that teachers and students alike should be properly informed on the hazards of chemicals and equipment to prevent accidents and possible injuries.

"Strict adherence to these guidelines is therefore very important to prevent any untoward incidents," he said.

The order also directs school administrators to assign full-time laboratory custodians to take charge of the monitoring and maintenance of their respective science laboratories.

"School heads are also required to immediately report incidents of laboratory accidents to the proper authorities such as the Environment department, the Science and Technology department and the Health department for proper management of the situation," he said. - Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV