Testing the effectiveness of visual aids in chemical safety training

This study investigates the effectiveness of safety-related visual aids to enhance learning. It discusses the incorporation of safety-related visual aids into undergraduate general-chemistry laboratory curriculum. A comparison of post-exam responses shows that students of experimental group (n=89), those who used visual aids during the trial period, achieved better than that of control group (n=83) who do not use visual aids (t=8.52 and p<0.001). Safe work practices in the laboratory were observed and evaluated with a standard checklist. Those students who used visual aids were observed exercising safe work practices more often than those who did not have visual aids incorporated into their curriculum. Overall, students had a positive perception to safety-related visual aids and such experience enhanced their learning and increased their safety awareness. This study adds to the global discussion on the role of the University in the field of safety by preparing students to be aware about safety at workplace.