Health & Safety Policy
The Chemistry Department works in conjunction with the school's health and safety policy as determined by external legislation and the school's health and safety committee. The Chemistry Department's health and safety policy supports that of the whole school in fulfilling its obligations according to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974.
Laboratory work is central to the teaching and learning of Chemistry. The development of practical skills is an important part of the study of our subject at all levels. Inevitably there are risks attached to the use of hazardous chemical substances and apparatus in laboratory use. The key to safe practical work is anticipating potential hazards and using our experience to prevent accidents through selected strategies to ensure safe practice. In conducting a risk assessment staff are expected to refer to the procedures laid down by the CLEAPSS handbook.
As a starting point we do not assume anything about the practical awareness of our students or their ability to use apparatus safely. With this in mind we commence GCSE Chemistry in year 9 with some work on safety. This is designed to raise awareness of the potential hazards in a laboratory. This safety work complements the work done in the Combined Science course in year 7. In all other years the laboratory rules governing safety are continually reiterated to students.
During all practical work we emphasise potential dangers and what is good and safe practice when performing certain procedures. This is done via verbal and written instructions at all levels. In sixth form work we encourage students to undertake risk assessments and this includes the use of Hazcards to identify specific procedures for handling and disposal of reagents.
In general, good laboratory practice includes several important key features. Students are instructed to wear eye protection during practical work. This protects students from hazards caused by their own work and other students. At the end of practical work students are required to wash their hands thoroughly so as to prevent toxic or corrosive reagents being ingested or coming into contact with eyes. This also prevents against prolonged contact with the skin. The consumption of food or drink in a laboratory is forbidden so as to prevent ingestion of harmful reagents. In addition to this students are encouraged to walk in a laboratory at a reduced pace paying particular attention to all around them. At Sixth Form level it is mandatory for students to wear a laboratory coat when performing practical work.
