To: Regional Directors
Schools Division/City Superintendents
Heads, Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools

1. In order to ensure safety in science laboratories, schools are directed to implement strictly the guidelines provided in the Laboratory Manuals (attached herewith) issued by this Department on the management of hazards and observance of safety measures in the performance of laboratory activities and handling of tools and equipment and chemicals.
2. The guidelines, as reiterated in this Order, cover the following:
   1. Science Laboratory Standards
   2. Design of science laboratory
   3. Laboratory management and safety
   4. Laboratory safety rules
   5. List of dangerous chemicals
   6. Handling/hazards of some chemicals
   7. Chemical storage
   8. Disposal of chemicals
   9. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommendations for labeling of chemicals
   10. Using/Cleaning glassware
   11. First Aid Kit
3. Science teachers should ensure that students are informed of the hazards and are trained in the safe handling and use of equipment and chemicals.
4. School heads should implement stringent security and safety measures in the use of science laboratories. A full-time laboratory technician or a science teacher should be assigned to take charge of the science laboratories.
5. School heads should promptly report all accidents whether or not they result in an injury and ensure immediate and proper treatment, if needed. It is also required that the proper authorities such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Health, or the appropriate agency are informed at once for the expert management of the emergency situation.
6. Strict adherence to the guidelines is expected.

Encl.: As stated
Reference: None
Allotment: 1—(D.O. 50-97)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
EQUIPMENT
SAFETY EDUCATION
SCIENCE EDUCATION
RULES & REGULATIONS

DO_s2006_48