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..

Issues with benches in Science labs

CLEAPSS is becoming increasingly aware of issues with benches in Science labs. The issue is with excessive movement of benches which contain gas pipes.

We are concerned that where benches move a lot, the gas pipes may become damaged which could lead to a gas leak.

An example of such excessive movement can be seen on this video.

CLEAPSS recommends that staff check all benches in their labs, if you do find excessive movement please refer to CLEAPSS Guide GL238 (Point 2) for what to do next.

Student Safety Sheets - 2018 CLP Edition

The 2018 CLP Edition of Student Safety Sheets are now live on our website.

They have been fully reviewed and revised taking into account changes due to CLP and feedback on the use of the sheets in schools.

Find all the sheets here and the teachers guide here.

Hot weather - check your chemicals

As temperatures rise, remember to keep an eye on your chemicals and respond appropriately if you notice any problems. See GL246, GL247 and GL252 for advice on doing this safely.

However, further to our recent Bulletin article, some schools have asked us about bottles of chemicals from different suppliers. Some of these are fine – they may be a different type of plastic which is more durable with whichever chemical they contain. If in doubt, contact your supplier or the CLEAPSS Helpline.

HSE Radioactive Sources Registration

Since 6 February this year, employers who have employees using radioactive sources must notify, register or obtain consent from the HSE before working with the sources.

This includes schools. Some school employers don't realise that the small teaching sources used in school science fall into the registration category. If you are not sure if your employer has registered the use of your sources, it would be sensible to check. Our advice is that the employer should get the registration undertaken promptly, even if late.

The HSE have indicated that they are not minded to take action on late registrations at the moment. We have produced a guide, GL258, which takes you through the registration process.

We advise employers use this guide because some of the registration questions are not straightforward.

CLEAPSS on Tour

CLEAPSS is set to appear at many different and varied conferences this summer, hopefully we will see some of you at these events.

ASE Technicians Conferences

Hatfield - 14th June

London (IOE) - 18th May

York (national conference) - 5th & 6th July

Avon Science Techs Conference - 13th July

Birmingham Techs Conference - 15th June

Clement Danes Conference - 29th June

Leicester Techs Conference - 22nd June

NE/NWSCS Techs Conference Bolton - 23rd May

SLS Lab Show & Conference - 23rd May

Chemistry Resources

Search For:

Showing results 1 to 10 of 220

1 2 3 4 ►

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

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

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

Inserting tubing through a stopper

How to safely insert glass tubing through a rubber stopper

GL110a - Pictograms macros for MS Word

This resource installs macros to automatically insert the new CLP hazard symbols in to Microsoft Word documents and replaces the hazard symbol component of the CLEAPSS font.

Showing results 1 to 10 of 220

1 2 3 4 ►