#1 Science Forum For Lab Technicians

It has taken several years to fine-tune our RA system and train the teachers, but it's an absolute time-saver now. We have up to 12 classes per year group and it's the norm for teachers to order the same prac. Once the RiskAssess has been tested, it gets bested and everyone uses that one (the ...

Great instructions - this will help so much! Thanks bigmack!

I found this old thread, tried some Citric acid (a teaspoon in about 200ml) and could not believe the limewater stains on the glassware disappeared almost within seconds! What a win!

We've just ordered origami dissections - rat, earthworm, frog and fish! A lot less work for us and the Year 7 kids love doing craftwork for a change!

Matt_Coffs wrote: 13 May 2025, 14:54 A few years ago I wired some new alligator clips and added heat shrink tubing over the wire & screw. Not one has come off. Defiantly worth the effort.
IMG_2749 Medium.jpeg

Wow - looks so professional! Great job!

I have never soldered anything and asked our Science/Robotics teacher what he thought. In his opinion, it's fiddly, the solder has to be at a high temperature and you have to work quickly. We have therefore decided that we'll continue screwing the leads into the alligator/banana clips. It also means ...

phillip wrote: 06 May 2025, 08:42 I some iron wire, supplied by H B Selby when they were in North Ryde. 1 oz! Anyone hazard a guess as to how old it is?? Amazing what you find at a University!

Sounds like quite a collectable!
Thanks for all your answers - confirming I don't have to spend a lot of money!

It's time to replace my collection of "iron" nails that have rusted over the years. However, most nails are made of steel mixed with some carbon, apparently. What do you all use as iron samples? Is there something more authentic but just as easy to source?

bigmack - once again you have gone to so much effort to share your knowledge! Thank you, they look fabulous!

Lucky me - all in Science apart from a few hours every couple of months when I'm quieter than normal and able to help with an admin task if asked.

We have switched over to the grey silicone tubing, much easier to handle. I cut it into 2 different lengths, one shortish and one longer, makes it easier for teachers to set up the distillation kits.

Nothing like a Page a Day Diary - a summary of all the pracs (from RiskAssess) in one place, we can scribble room/qty changes, it's easier to see when there are duplicate pracs at the same time, write notes like "take from E5 to B3", etc etc.

It's a bit tedious but we rule lines across each page ...

We go by RiskAssess as well. CSIS hasn't been updated for decades, the Dept must be waiting for a legal case before they start?? It's bound to happen, one day, sadly.

What a fabulous story, Stuart! My Head Teacher was delighted with his set and hasn't even let me take a good look at it! Your website is also amazing, thank you so much for your passion, energy and dedication! I am sure you have made a difference to many future Scientists!

I am really surprised, I could not find anywhere that referred to open bottles, in the old paper version or the new online version. I have taken this from the revised online CSIS, FAQ section. [Last updated: 20-Jun-2021]

9. Chemicals that must be included on the register

All hazardous chemicals ...

Marama T wrote: 14 Mar 2023, 11:47 We're going to get one of the nitrile glove recycling boxes and see how long we can make it last. Yes, they are expensive, but we can't keep chucking stuff into landfill. What price a healthy planet?

Any feedback, Marama T - is it working out? Sounds like a great idea! Hard work, but essential!

Wayne wrote: 07 Aug 2023, 12:34 I've attached what we do. It is a bit more intensive than the zip lock bag method, but it eliminates the use of bags which is good for the environment.

Wayne thanks for sharing, that method looks great! So much background detail as well

Help! I bought some of the expensive, solid IEC banana plugs, PA0208-002 which are 3 way fitting:
Their instructions are:
Screw to wire
Solder to wire
Thru hole & wrap.
However I cannot work out how to fit them to a cable. We have threaded the wire sideways through the hole where the yellow arrow is ...

I have just placed an order with MTA - Item NK10117-10K is for a set of 10 trundle wheels that look very sturdy. I also have 2 metal ones which are a lot stronger, but don't actually record the distance, there is just a click that you have to count. (I can't remember where I bought them.) So I ...

littltesttube wrote: 16 Mar 2023, 09:07 I bought some from Bunnings a few years ago and they are fantastic .
Teachers love them.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright- ... m_p0172470

Wish I had found those when I searched Bunnings for "trundle", they look great!