Australia's Science Forum

Our powdered chemicals have only ever been on shelves. Can't imagine they would need to be on trays. As long as they are catagorised ie separated and as safe as expected. You have done your best.

That is exactly why I give the front office my stocktake, in case the fireys need to know. If you are the coordinator, and wish to get help, I think all you can do is go higher, which would be the principal I imagine. But as long as you do your job, it is unfortunate that others don't do theirs, you...

As far as I know, if you are a NSW Govt school, the CSIS package is still current and sets out how the Dept and employees must comply with the legislation re hazardous substances. One of the requirements (page 16 Volume 1) states clearly that : "Chemical stocktakes must be conducted to provide ...

Gosh with all that going through your system, no self respecting bug would have survived there. You are no doubt well pickled and will survive to eternity.

I use (rightly or wrongly) about 1M hydrochloric acid. Soak for a short time - usually electrodes - then rub if necessary with a scourer and rinse.

Only ever used the distilled water.

Does it remove the chlorides ie can you make up clear silver nitrate?

Sorry, I would have to ask for more info as it doesn't really ring any bells for me. The teacher concerned should know what he/she needs?!

Shaking them down like medical thermometers does not work as you say. It can be the cause of the break in column. To fix them, and I usually wait till I have about 5 or 6, I sort of lie them on the hotplate and turn it on full. I support the tops of them with a towel on top of a box, so the tops are...

Can't imagine why it wouldn't work. Just be a bit smelly - beefy I suppose.

Keep it going 24/7. When mine was installed a long time ago, it was supposed to go from about 8-4 each day. But as Narelle01 said the air hadn't always cleared before I went in, and when we had blackouts I had to go quite a distance to an electrical cupboard and reset the timer. In the end I got sic...

I agree, keep for chemical collection.

I tell the teachers to wrap any broken glass in newspaper which they should have a supply in their classroom. Often though, it gets sent back to me, and I wrap it up.

I have been known to collect dry twigs from the playground for splints. But pop sticks have been used when I have run out of the twigs.

Could you borrow what you don't have from a school nearby? I remember I had to borrow some Thymol Blue when I wanted to make UI. What I was given lasted me ages as you don't need much for each batch.

Why don't you make your Universal indicator. It is awfully cheap and more convenient to make your own. Of course you need the ingredients, but you might have them too.

You don't have to boil the cornflour. Just mix with a little cold water and add boiling water. The boiling water is hot enough to "break" the starch granule.

Half your luck Ocker, I'm considering the same, but can't make the decision. If only I could find my dream home by the sea, I'd be out of here like a shot. Maybe a transfer to Ballina or Newcastle for a while to settle into a new community then retire. Decisions, decisions.

Corn starch is starch. We have always used potato starch here, but that is only because it has always been here and I have never had to replace it in 21 years. If I had to replace it, cornflour it would be, as it is very cheap by comparison. Maybe they sent you custard powder by mistake,

We use 2M Sulfuric as well.