Report: Dangerous lab fires show lack of training
Science teachers need more safety training before running dazzling chemical experiments that can result in dangerous flash fires.
That's the recommendation Thursday from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, which reviewed three fires stemming from science demonstrations during the last two months.
The incidents in Nevada, Colorado and Illinois inflicted burns on students and adults when methanol caught fire while educators attempted demonstrations.
Federal investigators say the demonstrators lacked proper safety training and used flammable chemicals in greater quantities than necessary.
The fires happened at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno; Denver's Science, Math and Arts Academy; and at a Cub Scout event in Raymond, Illinois.
All caused injuries but no deaths.
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