Safety What are the responsibilities of science teachers regarding safety issues ?

Safety Just to put it in perspective……. “…..the number of laboratory accidents [is] vanishingly small when compared to accidents arising from trips, slips and falls…….” [Health & Safety Commission Representative 2006 since 2008 Health & Safety Executive]

Safety Learning outcomes : To know the meanings and implications of…. 1. HASAWA 2. COSHH 3. A Risk Assessment 4.CLEAPSS - Handbook & Hazcards 5. Safe Laboratory Practice

Safety HASAWA The Health And Safety At Work Act [1974] A major intention…….. is to protect employees (ie. in science departments - teachers & technicians). The health and safety of the public at large, including pupils and students, must also be ensured, as far as is reasonably practicable. The main duties of the Act are placed on employers

Safety HASAWA HASAWA makes neglect of safety precautions a criminal offence. However……… …………….only two science teachers have ever been prosecuted since 1975. [Safeguards in the School Laboratory - ASE 2006]

Safety COSHH The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations [1988] The hazardous substances covered by these regulations include : Toxic/ Very toxic Harmful/ irritant Harmful microorganism Corrosive

Safety COSHH+ And also since 1999……. Ionising radiation High voltage Flammable Oxidising Explosive

Safety new GHS/CLP labels Hazardous to the aquatic environment Health hazard including carcinogens Gas under pressure New European system from Dec 2010 t0 2015 Manufacturers starting but not in schools yet. GHS = Global harmonised system CLP = Classification, Labelling & Packaging of Substances & Mixtures

Safety COSHH+ [The Management of Health & Safety at Work In fact, anything with a warning symbol ! Now, all hazards whether they be chemicals, equipment or procedures need to be covered by a Risk Assessment [The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations - 1999]

Safety Risk Assessment So what is a Risk Assessement and when do I need to do one? If it involves any of the above or if in doubt….. Yes you do. Need to consider : 1. What is the operation ? 2. Who is doing it ? 3. What precautions must I take ?

Safety Help ! [Consortium of Local Education Authorities So how do I find out what I need to know ? • CLEAPSS Hazcards • CLEAPSS Laboratory Handbook [Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services] • Ask !

Safety Risk Assessment But to put it in perspective…… ‘The level of detail in a risk assessment should be proportionate to the risk. Once the risks are assessed and taken into account, insignificant risks can usually be ignored...’ [Management of Health & Safety at Work Approved Code of Practice and Guidance 13 (a).]

Safety Accidents Most common school laboratory accidents (%)… [Safeguards in the School Laboratory - ASE 2006]

Safety Don’t panic! Just to put it in perspective, again……. [HSE statistics 01/02]

Safety Safe Laboratory Practice The careful and consistent implementation of safe laboratory practice requires the following: • Good class control • Effective teacher understanding of risk assessment • Well understood rules & practices of safe working • Basic hygiene • Laboratory tidiness [Safeguards in the School Laboratory - ASE2006]

Safety Summary Learning outcomes : Do I now know the meanings and implications of….? 1. HASAWA 2. COSHH 3. A Risk Assessment 4.CLEAPSS - Handbook & Hazcards 5. Safe Laboratory Practice

Safety References Useful websites: www.cleapss.org.uk/ http://www.ase.org.uk/ http://www.rsc.org/ http://www.hse.gov.uk/services/education/index.htm

Safety References Available from CLEAPSS CD-ROM + see Moodle: Managing Risk Assessment in Science - L196 Health & Safety induction & training for science teachers - G238 Student Safety Guides Surely that’s banned PS21 Health & Safety in the School Laboratory….. PS 22 Health & safety in primary science & technology Student Safety Sheets (updated 2011) SRAs = Supplementary Risk Assessments (eg Screaming Jelly Babies; The woosh bottle demo) E232 Common Safety Signs & Hazards Symbols Guidance leaflets

Safety References Health,safety and risk; Warren, Dorothy RSC 2001 Safeguards in the school laboratory 11thEd; ASE 2006

Safety