Journal of Education and Educational Research

ISSN: 2957-9465 | Vol. 11, No. 2, 2024

Civil Engineering Laboratory Safety Management in

Select Public Universities
Xing Wei
Graduate School, Adamson University, Manila, 1000 Philippines

Abstract: This study takes civil engineering laboratories of public universities in Jiangxi Province as the research object to
analyze the current state of safety management in laboratories. This will provide a reliable management system reference for
laboratory safety in public universities in Jiangxi Province from a new perspective. This study employed the qualitative method
which involves emerging questions and procedures, and the data collected in the participant’s setting. The following conclusions
were obtained: the problems of safety management in civil engineering laboratories, the causes of the problems and their
solutions.
Keywords: Laboratory Safety; Qualitative Analysis.

engineering laboratories, including engineering measurement

1. Introduction laboratory, civil engineering mechanics laboratory, civil
Campus safety has always been the focus of public safety engineering materials laboratory, building engineering
management in China, and laboratory safety, as an important structure laboratory, engineering mechanics laboratory, civil
component of campus safety, has gradually become a hot engineering testing laboratory, civil engineering modeling
topic of social security. University laboratories are important laboratory, civil engineering simulation laboratory and so on.
places for universities to carry out experimental teaching, There are the following common instruments in civil
vocational skill training and appraisal, vocational skill engineering laboratories: fast freeze-thaw testing machine for
competitions, professional research projects, productive concrete, universal material testing machine, self-balancing
activities, and the integration of industry and education. They structural vertical loading reaction force system, steel truss
are also important locations for deepening industry education static loading system structural loading test system, for on-
integration, school-enterprise cooperation, and achieving the site structural static and dynamic testing of the rebar locator,
development of university education [1]. With China's digital rebound meter, drilling and core taking machine, laser
priority development of education and support for sweeping instrument, engineering simulation software,
technological innovation, the number of university intelligent building materials, such as radioactivity detector,
laboratories is increasing year by year. The scope of etc. To summarize, there are many instruments in civil
professional disciplines covered by university laboratories is engineering laboratories, it will involve plumbing safety,
wide, with a large number of teachers and students mechanical and electrical safety, chemical safety, and fire
participating in experiments, practical training, scientific safety, which require the strengthen of the safety management
research, and productive activities. There is a large turnover [3].
of experimental personnel, a large number of experimental
and practical teaching tasks, a sharp increase in experimental 2. Statement of the Problem
and practical training duration, and a variety of instruments, This study aims to improve safety management in civil
equipment, and materials in the laboratory. Potential safety engineering laboratories in public universities. Specifically, it
hazards and risks are complex. The laboratory serves as a examines these issues.
place for the concentration of human and financial resources (1) Problems of safety management in civil engineering
in universities, as well as a "powder keg" for various laboratories in public universities.
hazardous chemicals and safety hazards. In the past decade, (2) Causes of safety management problems in civil
laboratory safety accidents have been frequent. engineering laboratories in public universities.
Instruments and equipment may also generate light, (3) Methods of solving safety management problems in
electricity, heat, radiation, and other hazards during operation civil engineering laboratories in public universities.
[2]. The issue of laboratory safety management is very serious,
and the frequent occurrence of accidents has seriously 3. Data Gathering Procedure
constrained the healthy development of universities.
Therefore, how to prevent and control the occurrence of In this study, a total of 30 informants from 3 public
laboratory safety accidents is one of the key issues that universities in Jiangxi Province, China. 10 teachers were
universities must pay attention to solve. This study focuses on selected from each university to participate.
safety management in civil engineering laboratories. The researcher set for an appointment to have a separate
Civil Engineering is a highly practical major, and the initial meeting with the informants to target the following
theoretical knowledge has to be combined with the practical tasks: establishing rapport, explaining the purpose of the
in order to produce excellent graduates. Therefore, students study and signing of the informed consent. The informed
have to carry out experiments, practical training and scientific consent form consists of the following parts: brief
research in laboratories. There are many types of civil introduction to the study, explanation of the significance of

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the study, potential contribution of the informants, an Table 1. Respondents' Descriptions About Electrical Hazards
assurance that anonymity and confidentiality would be Respondent
Respondents' descriptions
maintained, and that the r informants’ participation in the No.
study is voluntary hence they could withdraw from the study The biggest safety hazards are electrical safety,
any time without penalty or loss of benefits. The primary 2 such as leaky outlets, electrocution from
goals of any informed consent document according to Eyler instruments, drying ovens, and so on.
and Jeste [4] is to ensure and preserve the autonomy of Electrical safety, fire, and lab equipment risks.
Broken glassware also injures people, and some
research informants through the full provision of information 3 laboratory instruments such as bamboo and wood
regarding the research process, the voluntary nature of the are easily combustible.
consent, and the assurance that the informants has the ability Electricity safety, rotating equipment such as
to make the decision. The interviews were conducted in 4 mixers may hurt people.
Jiangxi Province, China. Each teacher was interviewed for Electricity safety, forgetting to turn off the
about half an hour. 15 electricity when leaving may cause a fire.
The informed consent was discussed by the researcher and Electrical wiring in laboratories poses safety
signed by the informants a day before the interview. During hazards such as electrocution, short circuits,
19 electrical fires, etc. Electrical accidents are more
the interview, the researcher asked the permission from the
participants for the use of audio tape recorder to properly likely to occur, especially in humid.
document all the information shared by them. Leaking of electricity in the server room, high-
29 power electrical equipment is prone to fire, and
fires can occur due to poor contact with switches.
4. Data Analysis
In formulating and producing the results, thematic analysis This particular result is consistent with the study of
was used. Braun and Clarke defined thematic analysis as a Olewski [5] where it was revealed that risks in academic
method for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns research labs are often underestimated due to lower hazardous
within data. It minimally organizes and describes detailed material inventories and fewer reported accidents globally.
data. This research study undertook the following procedures: The distinction between hazard (potential harm) and risk
(1) Familiarizing with the data (likelihood and severity of harm) is crucial for effective risk
The interview proceedings were transcribed in verbatim by management. Applying process safety management
the researcher focusing on writing the descriptions and merely principles to university labs is essential due to significant
translating the thoughts of the informants. The researcher risks associated with experiments and a persistent
became familiar and understood the respective responses of misperception of labs being 'low risk'.
the informants through multiple readings. 5.1.2. Mechanical Hazards
(2) Generating Initial Codes Moreover, some informants mentioned that specific risks
The researcher opted to do manual coding and analyzed, may also include injuries from mechanical hazards that are
identified and coded the statements from the transcripts and associated with rotating machinery and high-power
all approved significant statements were considered to be the equipment, lifting and plumbing issues.
unit of analysis.
(3) Searching for themes Table 2. Respondents' Descriptions About Mechanical Hazards
In identifying the initial themes, the researcher categorized
Respondent
and grouped the codes using a matrix to identify the common Respondents' descriptions
No.
themes which will form the essential structure and framework Mechanical injuries (e.g., mixers, presses, etc.),
of the entire data for the statement of the problems. 6 lacking of safety education, and unfamiliar with
(4) Reviewing themes laboratory procedures.
After carefully examining the common themes, the Mixers and presses can cause mechanical injuries
researcher started to improve them into more significant 11 to students.
themes and ensured that the identified themes are related to
the entire data. 12
Mechanical injuries, plumbing safety, and lab
(5) Defining and naming themes supplies can also lead to safety issues.
The emerging themes were given descriptions and the Mechanics experiments utilize large-scale
researcher identified relevant quotes related to the emerging 22 equipment operation in the safety risk is
relatively large.
themes.
Civil engineering laboratories perform pressure
tests on construction materials and use large
5. Results 24 instruments. This can lead to problems such as
mechanical injuries and electrocution.
5.1. Problems of safety management in civil
engineering laboratories in public This is reiterated in the study of Wahab et al [6] where it is
universities. stated that the importance of effectively managing risks to
5.1.1. Electrical Hazards ensure the well-being of individuals working in academic
Based on the results, it can be gleaned from the significant laboratories. Mechanical hazards are a significant concern in
statements of the informants that electrical hazards are one of laboratory safety management. These hazards can arise from
the major concerns in laboratories. With the exposure to equipment malfunctions, improper use of machinery, or
electrical energy, it may lead to various hazards like burn, inadequate maintenance. Proper training, regular equipment
electrocution or electric fires. inspections, and implementing safety protocols are essential
to mitigate mechanical hazards in laboratory settings.

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Likewise, chemical and fire hazards are also mentioned. in maintenance and improper handling of equipment are
5.1.3. Inadequate Safety Training common issues.
This includes insufficient training on proper procedures This result is similar to the findings of Burke et al [8] who
and emergency response. It can be reflected from the stressed that improper operation and poor maintenance
testimonies of the informants that lack of safety education practices are major contributors to workplace accidents and
training, unfamiliarity with the equipment and problems with injuries. Likewise, it was also highlighted in his study the
procedural operations are significant concerns. necessity of effective training programs that educate workers
on proper equipment use and maintenance procedures. By
Table 3. Respondents' Descriptions About Inadequate Safety
ensuring that employees are well-trained and understand the
Training importance of regular equipment maintenance, organizations
can prevent accidents, improve operational efficiency, and
Respondent
No.
Respondents' descriptions maintain a safer work environment.
Some laboratory members may be less aware of 5.2. Causes of safety management problems in
safety issues and neglect safety regulations and
7 operating procedures, which may easily lead to civil engineering laboratories in public
safety accidents. universities.
In addition, many teachers and students lack
5.2.1. Low Level of Safety Awareness
8 safety awareness and perform experiments
without following the procedures. Looking further on the results, a theme emerged which is
Teachers and students lack safety training, do not the low level of safety awareness among students and faculty.
9 understand the safety operation procedures, and This is often due to inadequate training and a lack of
are prone to operational errors. understanding on safety protocols.
Safety accidents can be triggered by such things
16 as operator misconduct, carelessness, and lack of Table 5. Respondents' Descriptions About Low Level of Safety
safety awareness. Awareness
Improper handling of equipment can lead to Respondent
22 safety incidents. Respondents' descriptions
No.
Large instrument and equipment operation rooms Doing experiments is inherently somewhat
25 where operators may have accidents if they do 4 dangerous, but there is a lack of safety awareness
not have adequate safety training. among students and faculty.
Faculty and students have a low level of safety
This finding is affirmed by the result of the study of awareness and rely on experience to operate
6 instruments rather than based on proper
Drysdale [7] wherein he gave emphasis on the importance of
procedures.
understanding fire dynamics for the development of effective
Sometimes students' lack of safety awareness can
fire prevention and suppression strategies. His study 9 lead to safety accidents. Teachers do not transmit
highlighted the need for comprehensive fire safety measures, safety awareness to students.
including regular fire drills, proper storage of flammable Carelessness of operators, faulty electrical
materials, and the use of appropriate fire suppression systems wiring, inadequate maintenance of equipment,
to mitigate fire hazards in various settings. improper storage of chemicals, and other
14 conditions may lead to fire risks. Aging
5.1.4. Improper Operation and Equipment Care
laboratory equipment and lack of safety
Table 4. Respondents' Descriptions About Improper Operation awareness.”
and Equipment Care
Experimenters do not follow the procedure and do
Respondent not make adequate preparation for the
Respondents' descriptions 24
No. experiment. Aging circuits and other causes can
Maintenance of laboratory equipment may not be cause fires.
7 timely enough, resulting in unstable operation or Operators are not safety conscious and have
safety hazards. 26 inadequate knowledge of chemical hazards
Improper operation may lead to equipment Experiment teachers do not have safety
10 failure and accidental injuries. 30 awareness.
Injuries caused by irregular operation in the
15 experiment. In the study of Mullen [9], he examined factors influencing
Tools and equipment in the laboratory require
individual safety behavior at work, focusing on the impact of
21 regular maintenance, and poor maintenance may
lead to equipment failure and unstable operation.
a low level of safety awareness. It suggests that enhancing
Improper handling of equipment can lead to safety awareness through effective communication and
22 safety incidents. education is critical for promoting safe behaviors. The study
Untimely maintenance of experimental highlights the need for organizations to foster a strong safety
instruments, such as the loss of a screw on the culture where safety awareness is prioritized and employees
27 instrument can cause damage to the instrument, are encouraged to actively participate in safety initiatives.
which in turn can lead to safety accidents. 5.2.2. Facilities and Systems Inadequacy
The informants noted that imperfect safety systems and
Based on the responses of the informants it was revealed insufficient safety facilities contribute to safety issues. This
that improper operation and inadequate maintenance of includes lack of basic facilities like ventilation, emergency
laboratory equipment poses significant safety risks. Without showers, and proper storage. Some of them shared statements
recognizing its importance this can lead to equipment failure, along this theme.
safety hazards, and decreased operational efficiency. Delays

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 Similar to the answers of the informants, the study of In laboratory safety management, economic and technical
Zwetsloot [10] highlighted the risks associated with support are the basis for ensuring safety. Economic support
inadequate systems and facilities. It argues that investing in ensures that laboratories are able to purchase and maintain the
robust health and safety management systems can lead to necessary safety equipment, conduct safety training, and
improved organizational performance and reduced accident prepare for emergencies, while technical support provides
rates. The study emphasizes the importance of adequate technical safeguards for the maintenance of equipment, the
systems and facilities in maintaining a safe work environment management of monitoring systems, and the prevention of
and protecting employees' health and well-being. accidents. Both are interdependent and mutually reinforcing,
working together to improve laboratory safety, reduce
Table 6. Respondents' Descriptions About Facilities and accidents, and protect researchers and laboratory assets.
Systems inadequacy 5.3.2. Training Programs for Laboratory Managers
Respondent
Respondents' descriptions
Laboratories have hazardous materials and equipment.
No. Training ensures that laboratory managers are knowledgeable
There is no specific laboratory operation in safety protocols.
3 procedure guidance.
The equipment cannot be maintained in a timely
7 manner because of limited laboratory funds.
Table 8. Respondents' Descriptions About Training Programs
for Laboratory Managers
Inadequate laboratory safety facilities, such as
8 emergency showers and ventilation equipment, Respondent
Respondents' descriptions
which affect the ability to deal with emergencies. No.
With more and more equipment being purchased, Send more teachers out to learn advanced
12 8 laboratory management experience.
the lab can't fit so much equipment.
Including irrational design of the test structure,
irrational use of materials or poor quality of The University should conduct regular fire
15 11 training for students and faculty.
materials, operational errors in the test process and
other factors. The University should conduct regular training
Instruments are broken and not detected, and the 14 for laboratory administrators, preferably at a
16 management system is not perfect. specialized institution.
Lacking of funds to carry out equipment
maintenance and insufficient attention to safety 24 Increase training on laboratory safety.
hazards. Laboratory management is not
21 standardized, without a standard safety Along the same vein, the study of Zhang [11] highlighted
management system. The skills and safety
the increasing importance of laboratory safety due to the
awareness of the personnel are not in place.
Inadequate maintenance of electrical equipment,
growing experimental tasks and personnel in university labs.
aging wiring, and irregular wiring may lead to It analyzes the current challenges in laboratory safety
25 safety hazards such as electrocution, short circuits, management in colleges and universities, such as inadequate
and fire. layout and weak safety awareness, and proposes preventive
measures to address these issues. It emphasizes the
5.3. Methods of solving safety management significance of safety awareness and education, which aligns
problems in civil engineering laboratories with the need for comprehensive training programs for
in public universities. laboratory managers to ensure a safe working environment. It
underscores the importance of implementing access systems
5.3.1. Financial and Technical Support
and inspection protocols, which are essential components of
It can be noted from the findings that some of the
training programs to equip laboratory managers with the
informants mentioned that adequate funding to cover safety
necessary skills to enforce safety measures effectively.
equipment, training, and maintenance is significant.
Furthermore, technical support should also be given priority 5.3.3. Laboratory Safety Education Programs
to ensure technical capabilities of the laboratory. Table 9. Respondents' Descriptions About Laboratory Safety
Education Programs
Table 7. Respondents' Descriptions About Financial and Respondent
Respondents' descriptions
Technical Support No.
The school should conduct regular inspections of
Respondent
Respondents' descriptions the safety management of the training room,
No. 10 focusing on fire safety. And give advice and
The university has to give adequate funding to
recommendations.
civil engineering laboratories to ensure safety
Develop a system of safety inspections. Regular
1 management. It is also important to give some 12 inspections of laboratory safety management.
incentives to the teachers who write the laboratory
safety manuals. Establishment of specialized waste disposal
13 stations.
2 Invest more money to ensure laboratory safety. Conduct a variety of laboratory safety education
15 programs to increase student safety awareness.
Ensure funding and training for laboratory
14 managers. Universities need to emphasize safety
23 management in laboratories.
Universities should provide a variety of secure
24 technical support The university should have a general document on
26 laboratory safety management.
Maintenance and upkeep of equipment is to be
27 funded by the University.
Most of the informants highlighted the significance of

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