STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING BIOLOGY LABORATORY HAZARDS IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study examined strategies for managing biology laboratory hazards in senior secondary schools in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the common biology laboratory hazards encountered in schools, assessed the level of safety awareness among biology teachers and students, evaluated the availability of laboratory safety equipment and facilities, examined existing laboratory safety management practices, and identified strategies for improving biology laboratory hazard management. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design involving biology teachers, laboratory attendants, and senior secondary school students. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, particularly mean scores. The findings revealed that chemical spills, broken glassware, biological contamination, and fire hazards were the major laboratory hazards encountered in biology laboratories. The study further revealed that the level of safety awareness among teachers and students was moderate, while the availability of laboratory safety equipment and facilities was generally low. Existing laboratory safety management practices were also found to be moderately effective, with teacher supervision recording the highest rating among the management practices. Furthermore, regular safety training, provision of adequate safety equipment, appointment of trained laboratory personnel, strict enforcement of laboratory safety regulations, and increased government funding were identified as effective strategies for improving biology laboratory hazard management. The study concluded that effective management of biology laboratory hazards requires adequate safety facilities, continuous safety training, strict enforcement of laboratory safety regulations, and sustained government support to ensure a safe and conducive environment for biology practical activities in senior secondary schools.