CLEAPSS Chemistry

Chemistry – Let's make it happen!

CLEAPSS provides guidance for teachers, technicians, science advisers and H&S officers on all aspects of practical work. We know that chemistry experiments can cause problems and activities may not 'work' as expected, or provide the effective learning opportunity that’s required. Sometimes, health and safety concerns are raised about the chemicals involved.

CLEAPSS works with suppliers and others to ensure that suitable chemicals and equipment are used in schools and we can also suggest ideas and innovative methods that might help you enhance practical chemistry in your school.

So, if you’re stuck, or need a bit of advice, get in touch by e-mail or 'phone and we'll do our best to help!

Latest news from CLEAPSS..

Lab Checks - Have you done yours?

The start of term is an ideal time to do some basic checks in your labs. Aside from the more basic checks like are the sinks clear, and do the taps work. There are more important checks to be made...

All benches / worktops / bollards which have gas taps should not allow any movement (in any direction). CLEAPSS has repeatedly found loose worktops, benches and bollards which can wobble and move considerable amounts. This can damage the supply gas pipe, which in turn could lead to a gas leak.

Watch this video for an example of the issue.

If you do discover any movement, then the gas in that lab should be turned off and the gas should not be used until repairs have been made to stop the movement. After these repairs the gas system should be checked by a Gas Safe engineer. (This is often called a tightness test)

If you do discover a gas leak in a lab then turn off the gas supply within the lab, then follow the school procedure(s) to evacuate the building and call 0800 111 999 (if you have LPG then call the supplier number, FLOGAS 03457 200100 or CALOR GAS 03457 444999).

Remember do not use any flames, or operate any switches on or off, and do not use your mobile phone until you are outside.

New edition of CLEAPSS Guide to Radioactive Sources in Schools L93

We have issued a new edition (November 2019) of L93, 'Managing Ionising Radiations and Radioactive Substances in Schools and Colleges'.

There is an accompanying short note, GL114, that explains the main changes in this new edition, and what schools need to do.

The reason for these changes comes mainly from a revision of our risk assessments, in particular the evidence we have regarding repeated failures of home-made protactinium generators. We have also provided more detail on the annual checking and leak-testing of sealed sources.

Findel Product Recall Notice - B8A42390 Ball and Ring

We have recently been made aware of a quality issue concerning the Findel Ball and Ring set B8A42390.

The quality issue was brought to their attention because of a recent complaint received where the ball was heated as directed and subsequently the ball detached from the handle, therefore potentially posing a risk of damage or injury.

For full details of the recall please read this recall letter.

CLEAPSS membership renewals

This year CLEAPSS is moving to an electronic renewal system for its associate members*.

During the next two weeks we will be sending out e-mails with the title ‘CLEAPSS Renewal’ so keep an eye out for these and follow the instructions carefully.

This should be straight forward, however to allow time for this new process on its first run through we have made sure that your current password will remain valid until the end of November.

If you don’t receive an e-mail there is no need to panic as you are probably not an ‘associate member’.

*Note this will include individual schools and colleges who subscribe directly to us, suppliers, not for profit organisations and individual members. Schools and colleges that get their membership via a Local Authority, a Multi Academy Trust or other brokering organisation will not be affected.

Are you a new technician?

Welcome to the CLEAPSS science website. You can find specific resources by adding a key word to the search box. Chemicals can be searched by formula as well as by name.

Our guide for the induction and training of new technicians can be found here.

You can find our guide for model risk assessments for laboratory technician activities here.

For further advice you can email the Helpline via the tab on the website or if more urgent call on 01895 251496.

Chemistry Resources

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PS063 - Manufacturers and suppliers of electronic balances

This leaflet is intended to give brief details only of the major manufacturers and suppliers of electronic balances suitable for use in science within secondary schools and colleges.

GL100 - School science technician services: a guide for senior managers

Outlines the work that science technicians do, the tasks which they should not, ideally, be given, and provides a pointer to the number of technicians needed in a department and to management issues w.. more

GL110 - CLP pictograms for chemical hazard labelling

This includes all the pictograms required by the Globally Harmonised System for chemical hazard labelling. A selection of large (A4) and small sized pictures for printing and use in schools

G030 - Successful Science Practicals

Straightforward advice on how to make sure your practical lessons work as you intend. Includes planning and preparing the activity, managing students, timing and equipment, and clearing away. Also inc.. more

GL316 - Using a tap funnel to separate immiscible liquids

Straightforward instructions on using a tap funnel, a piece of equipment used in several chemical preparations and investigations.

PX038 - Ethanoic and other monobasic acids, and their salts

Brief risk assessment guidance and experimental notes for a range of practical activities involving monobasic organic acids and their salts (Hazcards 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D).

G9 - Fume Cupboards in Schools

This guide is intended for those using, buying, or designing fume cupboards for schools and colleges. Information is provided on common problems, on choosing and installing appropriate cupboards an.. more

PS010 - The burning peanut investigation and allergy to nuts

This now inclduies some general information on food calorimetry as well as explaining something of nut allergy and a range of control measures which could be used to enable effective, relevant practic.. more

PX098 - Sulfuric(VI) acid, sulfamic acid and sulfate(VI) salts

Brief risk assessment guidance and experimental notes for a range of practical activities involving sulfuric(VI) acid (Hazcard 98A), sulfamic acid and sulfate(VI) salts (Hazcard 98B).

R035 - pH measurement

Contains a wealth of information on the various ways of measuring pH, and the advantage and disadvantage os each. Includes all sorts of background theory which will help the reader make the most appro.. more

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