Sector
Education and Academic Research
Educational and academic research institution applicability.
Documents
- 20252 Oct
Grounding and subsequent loss of the dive support vessel Jean Elaine
Investigation of Jean Elaine’s grounding and subsequent loss in Saint Peter’s Pool, Orkney, during scientific diving support. It examines inadequate passage planning, reliance on an unapproved tablet navigation application, ineffective coordination and unchecked certification. Poor hull condition likely contributed to failure after grounding; university and project procedures were subsequently revised.
- 2025May
Risk from height adjustable display screen stands in schools and other education settings
This HSE safety notice addresses impact and crushing risks from motorised height-adjustable display mounts in education settings, including incidents injuring young children. It explains instability, unsuitable fixings and obstructed movement, and sets out responsibilities for users, installers, purchasers and suppliers, emphasising risk assessment, anti-collision protection and restricted access to controls.
- 2014
Safe Science: Promoting a Culture of Safety in Academic Chemical Research
This research report examines safety culture in academic chemistry laboratories through incident cases, organisational analysis and experience from other sectors. It addresses leadership, power differences, researcher participation and practical training, recommending integrated hazard analysis, non-punitive reporting and leading indicators rather than reliance on regulatory compliance alone.
- 201119 Oct
Texas Tech University Chemistry Lab Explosion
This case study examines an energetic-material laboratory explosion at Texas Tech University. It analyses synthesis scale-up, mortar-and-pestle handling, eye protection, research-specific training and supervisory oversight. Findings address physical-hazard assessment, written protocols, organisational accountability and missed opportunities to learn from earlier incidents, with recommendations for universities and research funders.
- 2009Oct
Laptop computer charging trolleys
This safety alert addresses electric shock risks from stored charge on laptop charging trolley plug pins and damage to trailing cables. It explains conformity requirements and representative product testing, with conditional precautions for adult-only use or possible pupil access, including switched sockets, alternative connectors, cable storage and visual checks.
- 2009Aug
Never underestimate the hazard! — Process Safety Beacon, August 2009
A bulletin describes a fatal laboratory fire during transfer of approximately 2 oz. (60 ml) of t-Butyl Lithium, highlighting hazards from small chemical quantities. It stresses training for sampling, appropriate protective clothing and equipment, emergency equipment familiarity, suitable sample containers and carriers, and safe handover to qualified laboratory personnel.
- 2001
MAIB Safety Digest 3/2001
A multi-case marine safety digest examines merchant, fishing and leisure craft accidents, emphasising human factors and practical incident learning. Cases address grounding, machinery failures, cargo securing, hazardous atmospheres, fires, flooding and people overboard. Lessons discuss navigation checks, maintenance handovers, hot-work authorisation, watertight subdivision, bilge alarms and lifejackets.
- Undated
Capsize of open dory with the loss of 1 life
Investigation into a school dory capsize on Fountain Lake, Portsmouth, in which one pupil drowned. It examines underfloor flooding, free-surface effects, outboard failures and rescue accountability, using loading tests and flooding experiments. Recommendations address staff competence, craft surveys and risk assessment; an appended bulletin discusses other dory accidents.
- Undated
Capsize of rigid inflatable boat during unauthorised riding activity with 1 person injured
A school powerboat outing departed from its authorised plan for thrill riding outside the Menai Strait. An assistant instructor lost control in rough water, capsizing a rigid-hulled inflatable boat and putting eight people into the water. The investigation identifies shortcomings in planning, leadership and communications; one passenger required hospital evacuation.
- Undated
Key Lessons for Preventing Incidents from Flammable Chemicals in Educational Demonstrations
This back-to-school alert presents lessons from three educational demonstration incidents involving methanol in 2014. It urges educators to avoid bulk flammable-chemical containers where small quantities suffice, review hazards before demonstrations, implement written procedures and effective training, require appropriate protective equipment, and separate audiences from demonstrations with a safety barrier.
- Undated
Safe Science: Guide for Laboratory Researchers
This pamphlet outlines researchers’ role in strengthening safety culture in academic laboratories. It recommends experimental hazard analysis recorded in lab notebooks, open safety discussions, participatory inspections and non-punitive reporting of near misses and injuries. It also addresses productivity pressures, lone working, inadequate sleep and seeking support when stress compromises safe work.
- Undated
Safe Science: Guide for University Senior Leaders
This pamphlet outlines how senior university leaders can strengthen laboratory safety culture through visible commitment, adequate resources and institutional policies. It recommends aligning research ambitions with safety capacity, recognising safety in faculty advancement, clarifying responsibilities and prioritising safe laboratory design. It also addresses hazardous chemicals beyond chemistry departments and comprehensive risk management.