M4: Future Proofing School Safety With 3D Printers and VR Labs
Wed, 6/3: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Education Sessions
Education Sessions
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Room: 393
CM Credit Hours: 1
Description
Classrooms today look very different than they did a decade ago. With the rise of makerspaces, robotics programs, and immersive learning tools like virtual and augmented reality, schools are embracing technology at an unprecedented rate. While these innovations enhance education, they also introduce new hazards that many safety programs-and even seasoned OSH professionals-may overlook.
From ultrafine particle emissions from 3D printers to lithium-ion battery risks in robotics, emerging technologies present complex challenges in K-12 and higher education environments. VR and AR systems, for instance, can create ergonomic strain, motion sickness, and even trip hazards, while robotics labs involve electrical, mechanical, and chemical risks. Compounding the issue, regulatory guidance in the education sector often lags behind technology adoption, leaving gaps in safety management.
This session provides a roadmap for addressing these hidden hazards while supporting schools' innovation goals. Through real-world case studies and actionable frameworks, participants will learn how to conduct risk assessments for new tech, develop appropriate controls, and train staff to create safe, future-ready learning environments.
From ultrafine particle emissions from 3D printers to lithium-ion battery risks in robotics, emerging technologies present complex challenges in K-12 and higher education environments. VR and AR systems, for instance, can create ergonomic strain, motion sickness, and even trip hazards, while robotics labs involve electrical, mechanical, and chemical risks. Compounding the issue, regulatory guidance in the education sector often lags behind technology adoption, leaving gaps in safety management.
This session provides a roadmap for addressing these hidden hazards while supporting schools' innovation goals. Through real-world case studies and actionable frameworks, participants will learn how to conduct risk assessments for new tech, develop appropriate controls, and train staff to create safe, future-ready learning environments.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
• Identify at least three safety hazards associated with emerging classroom technologies, including 3D printers, robotics, and VR systems.
• Evaluate potential health and safety impacts of these technologies using a risk-based assessment approach.
• Outline key elements of an effective safety training plan tailored to staff and students working in tech-integrated educational settings.
• Identify at least three safety hazards associated with emerging classroom technologies, including 3D printers, robotics, and VR systems.
• Evaluate potential health and safety impacts of these technologies using a risk-based assessment approach.
• Outline key elements of an effective safety training plan tailored to staff and students working in tech-integrated educational settings.
Content Level
Intermediate
Core Competencies
Ergonomics
Indoor Air Quality
Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes
Keywords
Consulting
Education and training
Ergonomics
Hazard Communication
Indoor air quality
Session Availability
In-person
OnDemand
Targeted Audience
Practitioner
Transfer of Knowledge
Live Polling