Developing a Culture of Laboratory Safety in Undergraduate Chemistry Programs: A Case-Based Educational Intervention in Emerging Departments

Promoting laboratory safety awareness is a key educational objective in undergraduate chemistry programs, particularly within newly established departments where safety cultures are still emerging. This study presents a structured, educationally driven assessment of laboratory safety knowledge and behavior among students in the Department of Chemistry at Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. The methodology involved the design and administration of a standardized questionnaire incorporating demographic variables, Likert-scale assessments of safety attitudes, and knowledge-based questions aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to evaluate the impact of gender, academic year, and lifestyle factors on safety awareness. The findings revealed critical gaps in hazard symbol recognition─especially regarding fire-related risks─and highlighted the influence of student demographics on preparedness and adherence to personal protective measures. These outcomes underscore the educational importance of early, structured safety training integrated into the chemistry curriculum. The study advocates for institutional investment in ongoing safety education, modern infrastructure, and the establishment of dedicated safety oversight structures in academic environments.