Compliance on Laboratory Safety Guidelines and Policies in Chemistry

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the Compliance on Laboratory Safety Guidelines and Policies in

Chemistry across the 9 Campuses of Pangasinan State University. This study used the descriptive survey design with descriptive survey questionnaire; twenty four (24) Chemistry laboratory custodians and faculty served as respondents; stratified random technique was used to determine the samples of this study; descriptive statistics like frequency counts and weighted mean, and Chi-square test were used to treat the collected data.

       The study revealed that Chemistry laboratories of the nine (9) campuses of Pangasinan State University are “Compliant” on laboratory safety guidelines and policies with an overall mean of 3.46. The general weighted mean of 4.36 was obtained on the extent of safety and precautionary measures practice of Chemistry laboratory custodians and faculty of the nine (9) campuses of Pangasinan State University in terms of performing laboratory techniques which described as “Very Highly Practiced”. There is a significant relationship between the extent of safety and precautionary measures practice in terms of laboratory techniques, and the extent of compliance on safety guidelines and policies in Chemistry (r=0.983).

       Data revealed that the level of seriousness of the problems encountered by the respondents with regard to compliance on laboratory safety guidelines, and policies in Chemistry described as “Serious” in: “goggles or safety glasses are not worn when dealing with chemicals” (WM of 3.08), “appropriate personal protective equipment is not worn at all times” (WM of 3.0), “unawareness of proper hygiene” and “improper disposal of unused chemicals” (WM of 2.88), and “activities in which toxic gases or vapors used are not carried out in the fume hood” (WM of 2.71). The perceived over- all level of seriousness regarding the problems encountered in terms of compliance on laboratory equipment, safety guidelines and policies in Chemistry is “Moderately Serious” with a weighted mean of 2.44.

       In view of the above-stated findings, a plan of action which can improve the compliance of Chemistry laboratories on equipment, safety guidelines, and policies has been proposed for consideration and adaption of the laboratory custodians and faculty of the nine (9) campuses of Pangasinan State University.