Much as this week Education Times runs with a follow up on safety in schools especially in the science laboratories the issue of safety cannot be limited to the labs. Yes we have chemicals that could be dangerous in these labs but death and accidents must be minimised even outside the labs. For the labs there are different precautions that can be undertaken as highlighted in the main story. However some basic steps will be mentioned here as well. One may talk about ensuring that there are fire extinguishers and first aid kit, but it is much more important for the lab to have clear labels on all the chemicals and doors indicating what should not be touched or put in the mouth.Apart from the labels how about students doing emergency drills once in a while. Yes we can teach them how to switch on the Bunsen burner but do they know what to do in case there is a fire? Do they know how to put it out, escape from the room in time and be able to offer first aid to anyone injured? Any responsible school administrator ought to have answers to all the above questions. Remember that it is better to be safe than sorry. With the final examinations for the candidate classes now underway, let me take this opportunity on behalf of Education Times and The New Times Publications to wish all the candidates the very best of success in their exams. Allan Brian Ssenyonga Editor
