CLEAPSS Technicians

CLEAPSS Supporting technicians

Technicians play a vital role in supporting the teaching of exciting, effective science safely. CLEAPSS provides guidance on all aspects of being a technician and resources such as stock lists, templates for laboratory checklists, requisition sheets, labels and much more to help technicians in their jobs. CLEAPSS actively works with other organisations to raise the status of technicians in schools.

We also post details of technician networks and job vacancies.

If you need help or advice or would like to share a technician tip please get in touch by email or phone.

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

Technicians Resources

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Handbook - Preface

Provides an overview and full index of all Laboratory Handbook sections.

Bulletin 095 - Spring 1996

This edition includes notes on blood and cheek cell sampling, inappropriate dumping of waste chemicals, and the role and value of the CE mark on equipment.

HC020b - Carbon disulfide

Risk assessment guidance for carbon disulfide.

HC052 - Salicylic acid, aspirin & similar esters

Risk assessment guidance for Salicylic acid, aspirin & similar esters

PP028 - Investigating gas laws 1 - pressure/volume (Boyle's law)

A straightforward investigation using simple equipment which will allow students to confirm Boyle's law.

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

SSS003 - Human body fluids and tissues

Important health and safety information for using a range of human body fluids and tissues in practical work.

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

Student Safety Sheet Index

Complete index for the Student Safety Sheets

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