The HSIE and history faculties at my school are combining and are looking for extra space to store their textbooks etc. Because the Chem Store is near their staffroom/tearoom/storeroom (three large rooms) they have proposed that I throw out half of the chemicals and glassware stored in there to allow them the space they so desperately need.
I objected on the grounds of OHS and that a Chem store is not the appropriate environment for books and stationery. Am I in the right? Do I have a legal leg to stand on?
My HT and the rest of the science staff are equally outraged, but I was wondering if there is some legal line we can take?
Carol
I'm equally outraged!! I don't know the leagallities of it but if your chem store is anything like mine their would be know way that anyone in ther right mind would want to store books and stationary in it. Mine is a really moist environment so books would go mouldy, Plus it has that lovely hint of butyric acid perfuming the air. Maybe you should suggest storing some of the science equipment with some other sort of specialised equipment say the sports gear, or the costumes and drama props because its equally as STUPID as their idea.
Good Luck!!
You could go to your OHS Committee. Or phone Dr Pam Veivers at PSA (if you are a member) But I feel sure they will help you any way. On 02 9290 1555. Pam will know what the legal bits are.
Do hope this helps
Regards Labbie
Lab Manager/Lab Tech, mind reading etc etc
Now retired
Whspa wrote:The HSIE and history faculties at my school are combining and are looking for extra space to store their textbooks etc. Because the Chem Store is near their staffroom/tearoom/storeroom (three large rooms) they have proposed that I throw out half of the chemicals and glassware stored in there to allow them the space they so desperately need.
I objected on the grounds of OHS and that a Chem store is not the appropriate environment for books and stationery. Am I in the right? Do I have a legal leg to stand on?
My HT and the rest of the science staff are equally outraged, but I was wondering if there is some legal line we can take?
Carol
Hi Carol
They must be kidding!
Have they been into the chem store?
Surely they can't have support in this matter. In our school they'd be laughed out of town!
I'm stunned at the suggestion, as, I suspect, most sensible people would be.
The OH&S issues involved I would think would be insurmountable for them and piled high in your favour. I doubt that you have anything more to worry about than having to work with some really stupid people.
You must seek help from your OHS rep, your head of science and the Principal. These staff have no idea what they are doing. Under OHS you would not be able to guarantee the safety of these people whilst in the chem storeroom. Would they know what to do if they accidentally knocked over a bottle of acid? The chem store is just what it says it is! A storeroom for chemicals. People from other departments are not trained to handle chemicals and therefore, are a huge liability to the Principal, if something goes wrong. You could mentioned the insurance aspect. Would staff from other departments be covered by insurance if they have an accident in the chemical store? Under OHS, it is your responsibility to put in writing to the Principal, the obvious safety problems involved. I doubt that it would go much further, especially when you ask the Principal for a new chemical storeroom!!!$$$$$$$$$ plus extra people to help you move the chemicals and equipment. This kind of this makes me so cross. Be strong.
Hi Carol,
If all else fails contact Workcover NSW for advice and perhaps check with your local fire department. Some years ago I had to remove a filing cabinet, which held teacher reference materials, as it was considered a fire hazard because of its close proximity to a chemical storage cabinet in one of my prep rooms. I think textbooks constitute something of a fire hazard. Also I assume that your chemical store needs to be securely locked at all times. Having unauthorised staff accessing your chemical store at any time compromises the security of the area.
Lyn
I wonder what would happen if you told them to throw out the books instead?
A few years ago I threw out a whole load of old science books as they were taking up space in the classrooms/prep room, kept 1 copy of each and then found some more recently stored in a cupboard under a fume cupboard.
Guess that they assume throwing out chemicals is an easy process!
Would you be able to let us know what does happen. Would be most interested to hear. Although I realise it will be some time before you know the answer.
Regards Labbie
Lab Manager/Lab Tech, mind reading etc etc
Now retired
I'll certainly let you know the outcome when it's decided.
My HT is on the rampage with fire in her belly over this issue - I can't imagine her giving an inch. She has downloaded the guidelines from the Dept website and has issued it as a memo to the whole school so that everyone is aware of what is going on - and so that no-one else gets similar ideas about annexing bits and pieces of the science faculty.
She is also irate that I was approached about this rather than her, and has emphasised this on the memo - that the responsibility for rooming rests with the Science HT, NOT the SASS staff.
I am quite confident that this battle will be won.
