REGIONAL TECHNICIANS GROUP
Safety in School Laboratories (updated August 2003)
Biological Safety
B1. Bio-Hazards - Safety Procedures.
Procedures concerning the use of biological materials are outlined in the biology section of the 'Science Laboratory Manual' Revised Edition (© Department of Education Western Australia 2002, ISBN 0 7307 3984 8). A summary of these policies may be viewed here but please refer to the manual for the complete information.
B2. Minimising the risk of infection - HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
The Department of Education Western Australia has published a booklet entitled "Policy, Guidelines and Information on HIV/AIDS" (1997, ISBN 0 7309 8602 0). As well as information on HIV/AIDS, the booklet contains very useful safety information including:
Every school should have a copy of this publication (usually available from the school nurse.)
Pamphlets are available from the Health Department of Western Australia entitled "Hepatitis A - What You Need To Know" and "Hepatitis B - What You Need To Know". These publications should also be available from the school nurse, or first aid centre.
Chemical Safety
C1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
The ATSDR (US Health Department) has a web site with an amazing amount of information concerning the effect on public health of hazardous substances in the environment. The Top 20 Hazardous Substances list is well worth viewing.
C2. Assessment and monitoring of hazardous chemicals.
All schools are required to document usage and monitoring requirements for hazardous substances in the workplace. The WorkSafe Western Australia web site contains ALL of the current Occupational Safety and Health regulations - specific reference : assessment of hazardous substances in the workplace. This task has been undertaken on behalf of all Government Schools and documentation at North Lake S.C. is now available.
C5. Liquid nitrogen - storage.
Liquid nitrogen is becoming more difficult to obtain for those 'special' demo days, due to transport restrictions etc. A commercial dewar flask has been purchased and is available, for loan, through North Lake Senior Campus. The company 'Air Liquide' will deliver liquid nitrogen to a school if the flask is available - there is a minimum charge for the nitrogen plus a charge for delivery (please contact the company direct for current prices.)
C7. Permit to purchase absolute ethanol.
A permit, issued by the Australian Customs Service, is required for schools who wish to purchase more than 5 litres of absolute ethanol per year. Supply West no longer supplies absolute ethanol, making it necessary for those schools with Supply West as listed supplier to register a new supplier with Customs.
C8. Disposal of radioactive waste.
For disposal procedures:
Metropolitan schools contact the State X-Ray Laboratories.
Country schools contact the local area Health Department.
C9. Concentrated acid labelling - safety check.
Please check that all concentrated acids (i.e. undiluted) are labelled with the word CONCENTRATED as well as with the molarity. (Some earlier versions of the label disk did not have this word included.)
C10. Peat Sorb - a new solution for chemical spills.
Some properties of Peat Sorb:
Zorbit Technologies (Australia) Pty. Ltd. is the Australian distributor for Peat Sorb - phone/fax (08) 9324 2996 or email njcross@q-net.net.au
The company is organising the sale of 10 litre containers/bags at a reasonable cost (probably below $30.00) tax-exempt.
In addition, the company has started taking delivery of 'Peat Sorb' pads - these are compressed pads of Peat Sorb which are designed for schools and other similar organisations in mind.
The product has been evaluated by, and has landfill acceptance subject to conditions by the Department of Environmental Protection. While landfill acceptance is possible, it is a simple matter to actually use the 'Peat Sorb' granules to remediate the waste. Nature will do most of the work. This provides a great opportunity for students to gain knowledge in this area.
Perth recently hosted an international conference on soil remediation issues - the emphasis for the future is for bio-remediation. 'Peat Sorb' has been very well received by a number of Government Departments. Fire & Rescue are using it heavily and Main Roads are about to start. The Rivers Commission is interested and so are a number of mining companies.
Zorbit Technologies (Australia) Pty. Ltd are interested in pioneering the teaching of soil bio-remediation using Peat Sorb. It is a very simple process and would make a very good environmental study for schools.
For more information on 'Peat Sorb' visit - http://www.peatsorb.com
Electrical Safety
E1. Repairs to electrical equipment.
After discussions with WorkSafe Australia and the Office of Energy, the Regional Technicians Group makes the following recommendations to High School laboratory staff:
Most areas of schools built since the mid 1970s are fitted with RCD protection and some built earlier have since been fitted. The Education Department has a strategy in place to upgrade all other non-complying switchboards by the end of December 2001. Tenders have been called for the supply of portable RCDs, and schools wishing to purchase them can order directly from the successful tenderer. The annual testing of portable electrical appliances in schools is to be contracted out to private operators.
E2. Portable electrical appliance testing.
A schedule for regular portable appliance testing in schools is being
investigated by the Education Department.
Portable Appliance Testers are now available from Governor Stirling and Balcatta S.H.S. for loan to laboratory staff who hold a current Electrical Workers'
Licence, or arrangements can be made with Bob
Wegman or Sandi Weir to
test individual items of concern.
E3. Electrical safety warning.
It is recommended that the IEC PORTABLE STROBE LIGHT MODEL XD be taken out of service until further notice, as one unit sent in for repair has failed electrical standards tests (as conducted by Western Power.) This is an old model stroboscope which was supplied around 20 years ago.
General Safety
G1. Occupational Safety and Health Regulations.
Click here to link to this section of the WorkSafe website.
G2. SAFETY HAZARD - chlorophyll extraction method.
Refer to the activity in Heinemann Outcomes Science Book 1 page 93 - 'Sunlight & Plants'. When heating flammable liquids, always use a hot plate - a cake tin serves well as a water bath on a hot plate and will accommodate a number of groups' experiments. Do not heat the water bath over a bunsen burner, as alcohol vapour can still be ignited by the open flame (a small fire has already occurred in one school by using a bunsen burner).
Also, as a cheaper alternative, methylated spirits can be substituted for ethanol for chlorophyll extraction..
G5. Eyewash solution - single use, sterile solution.
It is recommended that, to avoid contamination, eyewash bottles are stored empty and only filled when needed. Sterile, single-use eyewash solution is available in sealed plastic containers and is very useful for immediate treatment whilst an eyewash bottle is being filled. Click here for suppliers.
G6. Food Experiments in Laboratories.
There has been some confusion regarding the experiments involving food. These experiments are not banned and may still be carried out. HOWEVER if any of the experiment is to be consumed after the students have carried out their practical, then the whole process must be carried out in the Home Economics department, where it is safe to consume food. This would involve a room swap with the Home Economic department. (please note that no food stuffs from the chemical store can be used. Ingredients must be newly purchased, or used from the stores in Home Economics)
If your Teacher decides to do the practical in the science labs then the resulting products must be thrown away and under no circumstances consumed.
