When I started my master's degree work in chemistry at (then) North Texas State University in the mid 1980's, we had to complete a safety training class complete with quiz before we could start work in the laboratories. I had been a little remiss in completing mine when a post-doctoral student from China started a sodium metal fire and decided the best course of action would be to throw everything into the sink.
With water in it.
Naturally, fire alarms went off and the building was evacuated. My professor then ordered me to complete the training. Shortly after that incident, another Chinese national started another sodium fire and tried to put it with his hands. Strangely enough, he still has all his fingers.
These are lessons American students have learned since high school. Why didn't the Chinese know this after completing their PhDs?
The article in Chemistry World cites accidents that have happened recently. What has happened between 1986 and 2016?
Absolutely nothing.
The article states that Chinese professors often cannot purchase safety equipment and researchers are reluctant to wear gloves or eye protection in the laboratory. All the safety equipment in the world won't help you if you don't use it. Here, the emphasis on safety training would go a long way to protect Chinese students.
And make the rules stick.
As in many labs in the U.S., you don't wear your eye protection, you don't work. Period.
Deadly accident sounds alarm for safety in Chinese labs | Chemistry World
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