Work Safety in Chemical Laboratory

<p>Ensuring safety in chemical laboratories is paramount, especially for students who may lack experience in handling hazardous substances. Studies have highlighted that university laboratories often present higher risks of accidents compared to industrial settings, primarily due to students’ limited familiarity with safety protocols and equipment. Common issues include misunderstanding hazard symbols, improper waste disposal, and inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). To address these challenges, we developed an augmented reality mobile application to help students learn safe practices in chemical laboratories (WorkSafetyAR). The application uses a scripted interface that allows students to scan work safety textual materials and laboratory items, providing instant access to laboratory safety guidelines, proper PPE usage, and important information from Safety Data Sheets (SDS). By integrating this technology, we aim to support students’ understanding of chemical hazards, offering a potential pathway to increase safety and efficiency in chemical laboratories. This study outlines the development and implementation of the application, evaluates user experience among students, and discusses its potential as a tool for integrating technology into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine) education.</p>