A CASE OF THE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT IN PHYSICS LABORATORY IN SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOL (EDUCATION PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)
ABSTRACT
The research work is on the study of causes of accident in the physics laboratory in Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo state. The causes of accident in the physics laboratory are numerous and they should therefore be prevented from happening. The occurrence of accident in the physics laboratory may result to effect such as deformity in the body and even death.
For the purpose of this study, five institutions were randomly selected, 50 questionnaires were sent out to this institution of learning, but 48 questionnaires were recovered. The decision of the finds is in relation to the questions posed through the hypothesis the findings shows that people are aware of the cause of accident in the physics laboratory. The people are also aware that anybody can be a victim of the accident, if he does not prevent these occurrences, by proper arrangement of equipment, providing safety value for the available gas cylinder having proper knowledge of the general safety rules etc.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
There have been so many causes and effect of accidents, which occur in the science (Physic in particular) laboratory. Such as there are two sides of every coin, some of these causes could result to effect such as minor accident, while other could result to serious injury, which may lead to death. Both staff and students are exposed to dangers, which may arise from thermal, and chemical burns caused by candles or alcohol burners, high voltage appliances can cause electric shocks. Injury occurs as a result of improper techniques of handling scalpers, forceps, scissors, needles, razor blade etc. Accident also occurs due to improper instruction and lack of general safety rules.
The physics laboratory as a part of the school is a place of many possible dangers.
It is a workshop was many experiments are carried out for observation, proof and conformation. These experiments involve, the use of different types of equipment/apparatus, which the students may handle carelessly. There by resulting to accidents, out dated and condemned apparatus can also lead to accidents.
In this study therefore, an attempt is made to highlight the cause of accidents in the Physics laboratory along the following lines;
1. Unsafe laboratory environment due to inadequate size, poor arrangement of apparatus, water or grease spilled on the laboratory floor.
2. Misuse of apparatus due to ignorance or carelessness
3. Lack of appropriate apparatus/outdated apparatus in Physics laboratory
In this study also, some of the safety measure for preventing these accidents and minimizing their occurrence will also be highlighted sine accident cannot be completely avoided no matter how careful, it is of importance to know what to do to prevent the severity of the damages caused by accidents to the body as a physicist by being informed on how to administer first aid.
