Lab safety

The Importance of Lab Safety Rules: A Guide for Students

As a university teacher, I always emphasize the importance of safety in the classroom and laboratory. Whether you are conducting experiments in a science lab, working with electronic equipment, or using specialized software, following safety protocols ensures a secure learning environment for everyone. Recently, I was asked to sign a document in Chinese regarding laboratory safety. Although I do not speak Chinese, I recognize that these guidelines are essential for protecting students, staff, and equipment. In this post, I will highlight key points from the document and explain why they matter.

Why Lab Safety Matters

Laboratories contain valuable equipment and materials that must be handled with care. Safety protocols help prevent accidents, protect individuals, and ensure that learning can continue without disruption. Ignoring these rules can lead to injuries, equipment damage, or even major disruptions to academic activities.

Key Safety Rules from the Document

The document I was asked to sign outlines various safety responsibilities for students and teachers. Here are some key points:

Safety Responsibility System

The laboratory follows a structured safety management system where supervisors, lab managers, and instructors all play a role in ensuring safety.

Strict Adherence to Lab Regulations

Every person entering the lab must follow all rules and regulations. The lab is managed by specific personnel responsible for its maintenance and security.

Safety Education Before Experiments

Before conducting any lab work, both teachers and students must undergo safety training to prevent accidents. - in our case we just use the computer to watch and listen material, so not much training is required here

Teachers’ Responsibility for Student Safety

Instructors must educate students on safety protocols and ensure they follow proper procedures during experiments. One protocol we will start using from now on is no food or drink in the computer lab, can you imagine what will happen if you spill drink on the computer ??

Proper Use of Equipment

Before starting an experiment, instructors must check and verify all equipment. Any issues must be recorded and reported. - If you choose a computer that is working and by the end of the class it had stop working - please report that.

Electrical Safety

Teachers are responsible for turning on and off equipment before and after class. Students must not unplug or tamper with electrical components.

Fire Safety and Emergency Equipment

It is strictly forbidden to move or damage fire extinguishers and other safety equipment. Lab managers have the right to deny access to anyone who does not follow safety procedures.

Proper Use of Personal Computers and Network Equipment

Students are not allowed to use personal laptops or unauthorized network connections in the lab. If this rule is violated and results in damage, the instructor will be held accountable. - in our case , please don't try plug any personal device to school device. KEEP THEM SEPARATED.

Waste Disposal Management

Used materials should not be disposed of carelessly. They must be sorted and disposed of properly to maintain cleanliness and safety.

Emergency Response

In case of an emergency, lab administrators and teachers must work together to implement the emergency response plan and minimize damage or injury.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and following lab safety rules is crucial for a productive and accident-free learning environment. As students, you have a responsibility to respect these guidelines and take safety seriously. If you have any questions about lab procedures, always ask your instructor or lab supervisor. Let’s work together to create a safe and efficient educational space!

Those pictures above are good example of such rules to be followed in laboratory - thank you for your cooperation.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 12 Mar 2025

 

The Effort You Put in Determines the English You Get Out

 

Video activity

The Effort You Put in Determines the English You Get Out

Some students think, "This class is too easy. I don’t even need to do the homework or assignments to pass." And at first glance, they might be right. My grading system rewards effort—you get points for simply attempting the homework, even if your answers aren’t perfect. I do this because I want to encourage participation and practice, the two most important aspects of learning a language.

But here’s the problem: Some students take this as a free pass to do nothing. They assume that since the exams aren’t extremely difficult, they’ll pass without putting in real effort. And while that might be true technically, it completely misses the point.

Why Some Students Fail (and Others Succeed)

Last semester, I noticed something interesting. Some students who weren’t strong in English decided to skip assignments, assuming they could still pass. Others, however, took advantage of every opportunity to improve. One key example? The individual assignment. It wasn’t worth many points, so a lot of students just ignored it, thinking they didn’t need it.

The result? Some students failed by just one point. Those who had done the individual assignment received the extra point they needed to pass. But those who skipped it? I let their final grade stand as it was.

Did I enjoy failing them? Of course not. But I had to draw a line. If I let students believe they can do nothing and still pass, I would lose their respect, and the value of my class would mean nothing. More importantly, they would lose the opportunity to actually improve their English.

The Real Test: Your Future

Here’s the truth: The students who put in the effort now will be the ones who see results later. English isn’t just another school subject—it’s a key that unlocks opportunities. Imagine missing out on a great job just because you didn’t take your English studies seriously when you had the chance.

And that brings me to something else I noticed in class. I once played a video for discussion, asking students to watch and answer questions. When I looked around the room, most students were staring at their phones. Only two were actually watching the video.

No wonder only a few students succeed. Is it a lack of ability? No. It’s a lack of motivation.

That’s why I tell stories about success. Because success doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who are willing to pay the price.

So ask yourself: Are you putting in the effort to succeed? Or are you just hoping to scrape by?

The choice is yours. But remember—your future will reflect the effort you put in today.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 03 Mar 2025