The school lab plays a vital role in bringing scientific theory to life and inspiring the scientists of the future. But the equipment, materials and processes it contains also pose significant risks to the health and safety of staff and students.

Although school lab safety tends to focus on the supervision of students and the storage of potentially dangerous equipment and materials, attention is increasingly being paid to air quality.  

Why is air quality important?

The accumulation of gases, airborne pollutants and pathogens at toxic or hazardous levels presents a significant health and safety risk. Not only might they be inhaled – causing respiratory problems and impacting students’ ability to learn –  they can also increase the risk of fire or explosion.

How can it be improved?

Ensuring the school lab is effectively ventilated is a positive step, as replacing old, dirty air with fresh clean air prevents the build-up of these potentially dangerous substances.

Variable Airflow Volume (VAV) airflow control systems will also help reduce energy use and costs, and make the learning environment more comfortable by ensuring a consistent temperature.

Is there a best practice to work to?  

Many schools follow the Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services (or ‘CLEAPSS’) guidance which is to operate ‘well-ventilated’ conditions (defined as five air changes per hour).

In addition, CLEAPSS recommends real-time airflow monitoring of air quality and CO2 levels.

Why is real-time monitoring so important?

Real-time monitoring is particularly important given the invisible and/or odourless nature of many hazardous gases or substances. And knowing what’s happening, when it’s happening means staff are made immediately aware of any build-up and can respond quickly, safely and decisively.

By contrast, periodic testing could mean staff and students are exposed for some time before action is taken.

Other benefits include:

• visibility over system performance
• proactive hazard management
• demonstrable regulatory compliance
• peace of mind for education and facilities managers.

For more info on air quality monitoring, take a look at the CLEAPSS GL051 guide

TEL Education Solutions

We combine real-time monitoring with precision airflow control to optimise energy use and reduce costs. Our products and solutions are adaptable, easy to use and can also be retrofitted to legacy equipment.

To learn more, give the team a call on +44 (0) 1457 865 635 or email sales@tel-uk.com.