Australia's Science Forum

Hi. Just wondering if anyone knows of any training for science assistants like the old TAFE courses?

Which system are you in? For independent/Catholic schools, you need to look at the Cert III at TAFE - this is the closest thing you will get for school labbies. I found it useful, and although not all was relevant, it was a great opportunity to ask questions about things we didn't cover in the course. For DET schools, there may be some other training available.

We are a government school. The only training I can find on myPL are two Introduction to Science courses. We are a regional school so I don't expect there will be anything locally.

I know I'm late to this conversation but I was also looking for training options. I'm in a regional area and can't travel to the TAFE campuses offering the Cert III. I found these two online courses that I'm currently looking into as a start.
https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/courses/pages ... f5c4aa57ae
https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/courses/pages ... 05383f9a67

No sure if it's any help to you. If anyone else knows of other courses that are available online that would be great.

I'm pretty sure the basic course is based on the CSIS training. I'd only hope that they have updated it. I am not sure what they go into in the advanced course. If you are really new to chemical handling, and your school is prepared to pay for it, I would do them. You will learn something from them. If you have some experience, a lot of this information can be found on Safework NSW's website. And there are always people here who are prepared to give their opinion if you have a problem!
I'll send you a PM as well with my contact details.

Do you have access to RiskAssess regarding chemical disposal? If not, don't put mercury, cobalt, copper, lead, or zinc compounds down the sink. Also keep for specialist disposal chromate/dichromate and fluoride compounds and all halogenated and non-halogenated organic chemicals. Keep them in separate (i.e. don't mix the various wastes) and labelled containers. Forgive me if you already know all this. I'm just very keen on preventing schools from contaminating the sewers. Contact your local council/the EPA/Cleanaway/Veolia regarding waste collection. Good luck!

I agree, but did you know, most schools in NSW have a pit, which holds the waste from Science sinks, do check out your school plans, some times it;s called a Sump/ pit, If you have one, it can saved you thousand in chemical waste pick up.

[I know I'm late to this conversation but I was also looking for training options. I'm in a regional area and can't travel to the TAFE campuses offering the Cert III. I found these two online courses that I'm currently looking into as a start.
https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/courses/pages ... f5c4aa57ae
https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/courses/pages ... 05383f9a67]

@KassH I have done both these AIS courses and found them helpful. The advanced course goes into much more detail. Both are specific to chemicals and chemical safety in the school lab, particularly if you are the designated Chemical Safety Officer for your school. My understanding is that they are based off the CSIS and SafeWork Australia.

Thanks for your replies. I'm only relatively new to the job and chemical disposal is the area I most freak out about. I have signed up to do the courses. School is happy to pay so I'm happy to do.
I am so glad I found this forum it has already been a life saver!!

Science Assist! I'd completely forgotten about it. A great resource and they are desperate to get people signed up for their paid subscription so it can continue. Lots of reliable information and your questions will get answered by their experts.