How does Barbie’s lab safety playset compare to real laboratory safety rules?
Children often explore their interests during playtime with toys such as the Barbie Careers Science Lab Playset, which seems like an exciting way to introduce them to the world of science. However, it is important to consider whether this playset reflects real-life laboratory safety procedures.
While Barbie may not be adhering to all the guidelines of lab safety, that doesn’t mean professionals should be doing the same. One must be prepared before setting foot inside a laboratory. Let us contrast certain laboratory standards with those in the Barbie lab playset.
Barbie’s Laboratory Safety Violations
While the Barbie Lab Playset is visually appealing with its pink and teal colors, these shades make it difficult to identify and clean surfaces efficiently. In real laboratories, a neutral color such as black is preferable to easily locate spills, ensure cleanliness, and ensure safety.
To enhance scientific accuracy, the playset’s beakers and containers should have clear markings. Colorful ones like purple and blue may obscure a scientist’s ability to monitor experiments. Furthermore, the playset features a group of chemicals and supplies close together. To prevent accidents, equipment must be organized properly.
The Barbie dolls should be portrayed wearing gloves to further increase safety, especially when handling hazardous chemicals and substances. Additionally, her lab coat should be buttoned up to provide full coverage and protect against accidental splashes.
Moreover, the playset’s portrayal of Barbie wearing a dress raises concerns. In real laboratories, proper lab attire includes pants or full-length clothing, to ensure enough protection from spills and potential hazards.
Although the Barbie dolls have long, flowing hair, it should be tied back and away from her face. Having loose hair can pose a safety risk in laboratories for oneself and those around you. Additionally, all jewelry should be removed because it can interfere with or fall off during practices.
What the Barbie Playset does well
Despite parts of the playset lacking good practice, there are some parts that positively mimic laboratory safety measures. Even if they are not full coverage, the flat closed-toe shoes that the two Barbie dolls wear are an unexpected improvement from the dolls’ standard, iconic footwear and offer some safety.
Another commendable feature is the inclusion of safety goggles for eye protection. Eye injuries are common in lab settings, and wearing goggles is a must to prevent harmful substances or debris from reaching the eyes.
The playset’s inclusion of a sink area is an important start in educating children about laboratory cleanliness. Real laboratory sinks are crucial for handwashing and cleanup.
While the Barbie lab playset offers an interactive way for children to explore scientific concepts, adults can also use this playset as an opportunity to teach about the importance of real-life laboratory safety practices.
The Barbie Science Lab Playset is available online at the Mattel Shop. With more than 10 accessories, a lab bench, and 2 dolls, young scientists can experiment with all kinds of adventures.
Contract Laboratory can help you with all your toys testing, analysis, scientific research and development, inspection, certification, engineering, failure investigation, and product development needs. If you require toy product testing, submit a free test request on our website or call us toll-free at 1-855-377-6821.
How Toys Go Through Laboratory Testing
Toys are a terrific way to brighten children’s lives, but they must first pass safety inspections. Toy testing and compliance and large industries. Most countries have their own guidelines and safety regulations that manufacturers and companies must adhere to ensure their toys and products are compliant with the appropriate standards. Contract Laboratory can help ensure you toy meets all the necessary standards and protocols.
As outlined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website, “All toys intended for use by children 12 years of age and under must be third party tested and be certified in a Children’s Product Certificate as compliant to the federal toy safety standard enacted by Congress, and to other applicable requirements as well.” Toys and children’s products must be tested and evaluated for lead, lead in paint, flammability, small parts, labeling, and more.
With all Barbie lab playsets comes a choking hazard warning stating that the toy is not suitable for children under three years old as it contains one or more of the following items: marbles, small balls, or small parts.
See more toy testing projects and recent laboratory requests, or submit your own laboratory requests at ContractLaboratory.com.
