Mereway Middle School

Health and Safety

MAKING THINGS

• Keep fingers behind cutting edges
• Give warnings - eg. falling weights
• Avoid using nylon monofilament fishing line

GLASSWARE

• Heating - Pyrex OK. Other glass not - changes in temperature may lead to glass shattering
• Tell children how to deal with broken glass by wrapping in newspaper etc.
• Cuts should be reported to Lynne

HEATING AND BURNING

• There should always be close adult supervision
• Know where fire fighting equipment is and how to use it
• Sources - candles/nightlights - in sand trays
• Use hot water from taps or kettle if possible
• Safety Code - warn of burning/scalding, especially steam. Run under cold water for at least 10 minutes
• Should not be seated - allows for speed of movement away from an accident
• Disposal of matches - dip in cold water before putting in bin

Note that burning materials may give off fumes - plastics, modern fibres and fabrics - use fume cupboard

• Don't heat glass objects not made for the purpose
• Only carry hot water in kettles
• Turn handles on saucepans away - avoids accidental spillage
• Temperature - spirit filled thermometers or liquid crystal strips
• Goggles
• Techniques for working over open flames
• Can use metal lids, spoons etc.
• Wooden pegs for boiling tubes - uncorked, 1/5 full, and always shake gently. Remove if vibrates. Point tube away from everyone
• Small samples only should be used
• Ventilation should be good
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

ELECTRICITY

• Show correct use when children need to use mains electricity
• Suitable sources - dry battery (but do not attempt to recharge)
• Rechargeables - supervise recharging
• Low voltage power supplies
• Safety Code - plugs and lead check
• Always switch off at mains before unplugging equipment
• Discard old batteries - do not let children cut them open as they contain corrosive and poisonous substances

CHEMICALS

• See reference for list of suitable chemicals
• Safety Code - prevent contact with eyes
• Wear protective gloves when it is known that the person has sensitive skin
• Always wash hands afterwards
• No tasting unless 100% sure of no contamination
• Wipe up at once
• Small quantities - no need to return excess to container
• Spoons not fingers for transferring
• Teach hazard warning symbols (see attached sheet)

PLANTS

• The particular vulnerability of children with asthma and allergies should be borne in mind
• Avoid touching eyes when handling plants
• Never taste any part of a plant
• Wash hands
• Warn about attractive looking fruit and seeds

MICRO ORGANISMS

• Safety Code - grow on natural substances eg. mould garden on bread
• Wipe with disinfectant solutions
• Wash hands with soap
• Cover containers securely - do not leave uncovered at all
• Fermentation in open containers - pressure builds up. A plug of cotton will do and will prevent spores escaping
• Date cultures
• Dispose of, especially when begin to smell
• Be careful with cuts - take care not to contaminate
• Keep away from mouths
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

ANIMALS

• Wash hands before and after touching
• Small mammals
• No dead mammals or parts of dead mammals
• When studying eyes, kidneys etc. dispose of material by incineration or in sealed bags
• Animals not to wander freely
• Handling animals safely
• Feed correctly
• Clean cages regularly

OURSELVES

• Tasting - clean surfaces, utensils etc.
• Avoid physical emotional stress - check the activity is suitable for the child

OUTDOORS

• Check tetanus injection is up to date
• Wash hands
• Do not allow unrestricted access to pond or areas which could lead to injury eg. brambles, poisonous plants etc.
• Microscopes without light - don't point mirror to sun
• Don't look directly at sun
• Don't let children focus suns rays through a lens or magnifier
• Older children should be taught to work unaccompanied

OTHERS

• Tie hair back
• Indoor shoes
• No food or drink in lab
• In our lab the gas taps are switched off at the wall unless you switch them on
• Children should not play with the gas taps at all