Using RAMP to Incorporate Risk-Based Safety Competencies into the Development of Undergraduate Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Courses

Abstract In forensic chemistry and toxicology laboratories, handling biohazardous specimens and controlled substances is routine and comes with added regulatory and safety restrictions. Therefore, working in these laboratories requires that undergraduate students develop additional safety competencies (SC) and knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) above those of general chemistry and specific to forensic science. In this context, course developers and educators need to design courses that include student learning outcomes in safety. The hazards encountered in typical forensic experiments are presented with corresponding strategies to minimize their risks. To meet the general and discipline-specific safety considerations in a forensic teaching laboratory, this paper proposes a set of recommendations based on the RAMP risk management framework (recognize hazards, assess risk, minimize risk, and prepare for emergencies). The importance of incorporating regulatory and safety issues and risk assessment into lectures and laboratory procedures is proposed.