China orders safety overhaul at university labs

BEIJING - China's Ministry of Education has ordered a nationwide safety overhaul at higher education institutions' laboratories to ensure the safety of both faculty and students.

The ministry demanded a check of the supervision and management system of laboratory hazards and risks at universities across the country.

Universities were asked to have around-the-clock and all-around control over laboratory hazards and risks during procurement, transportation, storage and use of dangerous goods and hazardous substances and waste disposal, according to a notice issued by the ministry.

Laboratory safety facilities and related guarantee systems should be overhauled to ensure that essential safety facilities and equipment function effectively and sufficient funds are invested in safety, it said.

The ministry also requires universities to carry out lab safety education regarding relevant laws, regulations and rules for teachers and students.