Jurnal SINTA 1
Laboratory Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Compliance among Secondary School Pre-service Science Teachers: A Pilot Study
Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia · Vol. 14 No. 4 (2025)
- ISSN
- 2089-4392, 2339-1286
- Published
- 2025-12-22
- Publisher
- Universitas Negeri Semarang
- Language
- eng
Abstract
Effective laboratory safety is central to quality science education, yet limited evidence exists on Malaysian teachers' preparedness and adherence to safety standards. This pilot study aimed to validate an instrument measuring knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward laboratory safety and to explore preliminary findings among pre-service secondary school science teachers. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with 30 pre-service teachers from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Data was collected using a self-developed KAP questionnaire and a safety facilities checklist, both reviewed by experts for content validity. Item analysis was used for knowledge questions, while internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha for attitude and practice domains. Descriptive statistics summarised KAP levels and the availability and functionality of safety facilities. Knowledge items showed acceptable difficulty (p = 0.50–0.80) and discrimination (D = 0.30–0.80). Reliability was strong, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.901 (attitude) and 0.905 (practice). Most respondents demonstrated high knowledge (70%) and universally positive attitudes (100%), yet practices were less consistent, with 23.3% reporting only moderate adherence. Laboratory facilities were largely available (87.5%), but functionality was low (32.7%), with deficiencies in safety data sheets (36.7%), chemical expiry records (40.0%), and first aid kits (56.7%). This pilot study highlights a disparity between pre-service teachers’ knowledge and their actual laboratory practices, further constrained by poorly maintained safety facilities. The reporting of validity and reliability findings demonstrates that the instrument is robust and suitable for larger-scale investigations. Strengthening laboratory safety in schools requires targeted professional development, systematic facility maintenance, and consistent monitoring mechanisms.
Keywords
Collaboration network of the authors
13 authors · 33 co-authorship links · 14 across different organisations
Hover or tap a name to highlight its co-authors. Double-click to open the author's page.
- State University of Semarang
- Universiti Teknologi MARA
- Hengshui University
- National University of Malaysia
- Affiliation unknown
- Different organisations
- Same organisation
- Affiliation unknown
- Thicker line = more joint articles · bigger circle = more articles
Show as table
| Co-author | Organisation | Joint articles |
|---|---|---|
| Endang Susilaningsih | State University of Semarang | 1 |
| Isnaini Putri Salimnah | State University of Semarang | 1 |
| Sri Nurhayati | State University of Semarang | 1 |
| Harjono | State University of Semarang | 1 |
| Lilia Ellany Mohtar | National University of Malaysia | 1 |
| Sri Susilogati Sumarti | State University of Semarang | 1 |
| R. N. Aini | Affiliation unknown | 1 |
Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.