Dear Dr. Murphy:

I’m ACS staff and directed the production of the RAMP video series at

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLG7h7fPoH8IZ6i2rfDK0zVoompXayRL_

 

For context:

• The high school series was filmed in the small ACS studio because we couldn’t secure a high school lab. The host introduced safety concepts while seated at a desk. I recall that many high school labs have stools around benches, so some students may work while seated. Hopefully, that assumption wasn’t too far off, but indeed it might have been better if we had asked the host to stand while simulating chemistry experiments.
• The college series was filmed in the general chemistry lab at Wittenberg College, where the host and student models performed activities while standing.

 

As always, despite multiple reviews, we noticed a few safety issues after publishing the videos. 😊 These videos were released quite some time ago, and a few concerns have since been brought to our attention. I appreciate your comment—we have not heard it before, and it prompted me to dig deeper into the topic, especially since none of us SMEs considered the differences between seated and standing lab benches during filming.

Based on my research, here’s a summary of my conclusions regarding seated versus standing benches and their impact on spill risk in teaching laboratories. I’ll be following this discussion closely to learn from others.

 

 

Chemical Safety and Spill Risk

Lower benches for seated work can increase the likelihood of chemical contact if spills occur, because the torso and lap are closer to the work surface. This is a valid concern, so it is crucial to review this risk with the students and make sure they understand how to minimize exposure to spills. These best practices include:

• Position chemicals away from bench edges and high-traffic areas.
• Use spill trays and secondary containment for containers.
• Keep the workspace organized to prevent accidental tipping.

Regardless of bench height, proper PPE (lab coat, gloves, goggles) and engineering controls (fume hoods, splash shields) remain essential.

 

OSHA and ACS Guidance:

• OSHA emphasizes ergonomic adjustments (chair height, posture, footrests) and alternating between sitting and standing to reduce musculoskeletal strain.
• ACS RAMP principles (Recognize hazards, Assess risks, Minimize risks, Prepare for emergencies) may  apply here: seated benches aren’t inherently unsafe, but risk assessment should consider spill scenarios and proximity to chemicals and emphasize controls.

 

Summary

• Seated benches aren’t less safe by design, but they require extra attention to spill prevention and ergonomic setup.
• Standing benches may reduce spill contact risk but can increase fatigue and ergonomic strain during long tasks. ( think about the students with special needs)
• The safest approach is task-based bench design: precision work at seated benches with containment measures, and general or heavy work at standing benches. 

 

I am curious what others think.

 

Marta Gmurczyk

ACS Senior Portfolio Manager, Safety Programs

 

 

[Actual Sender is owner-dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**princeton.edu]

Good Afternoon, All,

 

Are seated work benches in chemistry labs considered as safe as those where the students stand?  On the one hand, the ACS RAMP videos show the lower work table; however this arrangement seems more likely to lead to chemical contact from spills.

 

Thank you!

 

Best Regards,

Ruth Ann

 

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