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..

Asbestos found in ceramic gauzes

CLEAPSS has been working with the DfE and HSE around the supply of gauzes which contain Asbestos.

The HSE released this press release about the issue.

The Dept. of Education have released a letter to Headteachers in schools and Principals in FE Colleges. CLEAPSS recommends sharing the appropriate letter with your HoD and Headteacher / Principal.

Customers of each company involved will receive communications from them the issue. We are not in a position to name these

Please do NOT call us about this issue unless you have read the latest version of all three of the below documents. (GL286, Full HSE Press release and the HSE Guidance document).

If after reading all three of these documents, and you have discussed the issue with your HoD & Headteacher you still have questions, then of course feel free to call the Helpline.

We have created a FAQs guide (GL286) to assist schools with this issue. This guide is designed to be read in conjunction with guidance from the HSE and the full HSE press release.

We have also produced a gauzes buying guide GL285.

Worried you don't have any gauzes you can use, but want to do the classic 'heating water' practical with your Yr 7's? Then use our new guide PP0055 heating water, which is totally gauze free!!!

New Edition of CLEAPSS Guide L093 - Radioactives in Schools

We have issued a new edition of L093. See Guide GL114 for a list of the changes and what you need to do.

The main reason for the new edition was the change in the Ionising Radiations Regulations which we explained in our termly bulletins and web site earlier this year.

If your school holds the typical radioactive sources for teaching, your employer must register the work with the Health and Safety Executive. (See guide GL258.)

However, we have also been reviewing ageing sources that schools have acquired in the past. There is convincing evidence that using Becquerel plates and radium-painted timepieces of this age can no longer be justified.

The condition has degraded to such an extent that they can no longer be regarded as safe to use. These need to be disposed of L93 gives details of disposal.

What does good technical support look like in a science department?

How can technicians transform a school’s science department?

Watch this Gatsby Foundation film to understand the vital role technicians play in their school and the delivery of good practical science.

CLEAPSS 12 day Technician Training Programme 2018-19

Dates for the 2019 Technician Training Programme which is being run at Leigh College, Wigan, have now been confirmed.

Please click here for dates and more details. To book a place please contact science@cleapss.org.uk

CLEAPSS Technician Job Service

CLEAPSS is pleased to announce that the Technician Job Service is now back and much improved. Click here to advertise a vacancy in your school.

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

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

PP049 - Paper chromatography; the separation of pH indicators

It is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the composition of food dyes in an unknown mixture, because formulations have been altered over time, and, as a consequence, the results never match .. more

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