Safety January 17, 2007
Posted by Brian in : STAG, Uncategorized, safety , trackbackAt the last scottish technicians adivisory group meeting it was brought to my attention that CLEAPSS , the advisory service for English local authorities, have recommended that rubber bunsen tubing should be phased out and replaced with neoprene tubing. I also learned that most technical support services recommend the use of goggles in classrooms rather than safety glasses that we currently use in Musselburgh Grammar.
The “red” rubber tubing” in common use these days is pro
ne to leakage around the connection with the bunsen, and in my experience becomes perished through time and also on exposure to certain chemicals. Neoprene tubing is less perishable and not as susceptible to chemical attack.
Although safety glasses provide the necessary protection needed within a science classroom there have been incidences throughout the country where injury would have been avoided if the pupil had been wearing goggles instead of safety glasses.
The glasses may be more comfortable to wear but they often do not afford 100% protection due to the differing sizes and shapes of pupils faces.
I mentioned these points to the head of chemistry and the head of science when asked if I had any ideas how extra money could be used in the science department. After further consultation with the senior technician and the depute head teacher it looks as though there may be money available to equip the thirteen labs with goggles for the pupils and neoprene tubing for the bunsens.
Although there was little danger of an accident to staff or pupils it makes sense to reduce the risk even more by taking these sensible measures if funds are available.
I would be interested to hear what science departments do in other schools and local authorities. If you want to comment just click on the comments button below or you can email me by clicking on the button on the top right hand side of the blog.
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Another safety issue must surely be to workload we are being asked to get though in working day. These days technicians are being asked to do so much more than ever before. We are forced to spread ourselves ever thinner to get though the ever increasing workload. I am increasingly finding that my standards have had to drop just to get it all done.
I whole heartly embrace all the changes and initiatives that are coming forward and very much enjoy getting involved and setting up new experiments and courses. But feel that the impact on science technicians is very much ignored or underestimated at all levels. Teachers had Mc Crone what about us?
I am fortunate in that the management of my school are trying to support me the best they can, but budget implications restrict what support can be offered. They have not seen me as workshy moaner which I was very concerned about when I was forced to raise the issue. With two completely new standard grade courses and two intermediate 1 courses starting this year and being the solo technician something had to be done. All that workload into one technician just didn’t go. I also have had to withdraw from all the science club activities and eco schools activities to focus on the core cirriculum workload for the next year or two.