Enhancing Security and Chemicals Management in University Science Laboratories: Creating a Secure Environment for Students and Researchers in Morocco

Here, we report on the work undertaken by educators in Morocco to improve security and management of their university science laboratories in order to create a secure environment for students and researchers alike. Indeed, in many laboratory sessions that are associated with science and engineering courses, theft, diversion, or intentional misuse of chemicals can lead to dangerous if not disastrous consequences. These problems were addressed by embarking on a project to enhance the physical and procedural security of chemistry and biotechnology laboratories to reduce any downstream risk. To this end, a thorough process including electronic labeling, proper chemicals management, flow control, surveillance, training of staff, and raising of security awareness was implemented within the university. Following these enhancements, students' perceptions of security in the upgraded science laboratories were measured by means of an online survey questionnaire.