Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 17:42:39 EST
Reply-To: Labsafe**At_Symbol_Here**AOL.COM
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From: Jim Kaufman <Labsafe**At_Symbol_Here**AOL.COM>
Subject: Occupancy Load/Class Size Update #1
Comments: To: labsafety-l**At_Symbol_Here**siu.edu, SAFETY**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu,
naosmm**At_Symbol_Here**mailman.rice.edu, chemed-l**At_Symbol_Here**mailer.uwf.edu,
CHEMCOM**At_Symbol_Here**listserv.BUFFALO.EDU, CSHEMA-L**At_Symbol_Here**LISTS.UMN.EDU

It's been a week since the first message on Occupancy Load/Class Size.  The 
responses have been interesting.  I wanted to share some of what we've learn
ed.

First A Reminder ... 

The research shows that as the number of students in a science laboratory 
increases, the frequency and severity of accidents increase.  "LSI is gearin
g up 
to do something constructive about this issue.=A0 What suggestions do you ha
ve 
for a best course of action?"

How would you like to help?

What Did We Learn So Far ...

1. Many share the Laboratory Safety Institute's (LSI) concern about this 
issue.  This includes LSI's Board of Director which met and discussed approa
ches 
on Friday.

2. We received several constructive suggestions and they will be pursued 
further.  Some felt having the directory of regulations and contact would be
 
helpful.  Some volunteered to be the point of contact in their state to gath
er more 
information.  Would you like to help with your state?

3. According to the NFPA Life Safety Code Handbook (2003), it was not NFPA's
 
intention that it's occupancy load numbers be used to limit the number of 
students in classes.  We'll be having direct conversation with NFPA and othe
r 
agencies to discuss this and other applications of their numbers.

4. Different State, local, and private agencies use and interpret occupancy 
load/class size numbers differently.  We need to continue identifying agenci
es, 
positions, policies, and having discussions.

5.  Several felt that it was important to teach the teacher how to conduct 
safer labs.  LSI agrees and offers more than 50 one-day, two-day, and 24-hou
r 
lab safety training programs each year.  Visit the training page of our webs
ite 
for the dates, locations, cost, and program outlines. ... www.labsafety.org 
  
LSI also provides on-site inservice programs for school and post-secondary 
science departments.

The Next Steps ...

To paraphrase one national figure: The problem is not going to go away and 
LSI is not going to go away.  We have begun revising our publication, "There
's 
No Safety In Numbers: Class Size and Lab Accidents."  We want to update the 
state regulations, contact information, association standards, and good idea
s.

What successes have you had in reducing the occupancy load/class size 
(student to teacher ratio)?  We would like to include "What Works" in the ne
xt 
edition of the report and here in our updates on the discussion lists.

We continue to welcome your suggestions.   ... Jim

                 ************************************
                               James A. Kaufman, Ph.D.
                                      President/CEO
                        The Laboratory Safety Institute
                   Safety in Science and Science Education      
                    192 Worcester Road, Natick, MA 01760
        508-647-1900  Fax: 508-647-0062  Cell: 508-574-6264
                        Email: jimkaufman**At_Symbol_Here**labsafety.org 
                      Web Site: http://www.labsafety.org        
                               
                    *************************************

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