#1 Science Forum For Lab Technicians

We also use those ones above. Our batteries stay in them as we seem to be whipping them out every 2 months.

Has anyone tried to grow seeds in agar to show both roots and shoots? What do I need to know? The site linked above is blocked and as it's from 16 years ago, it may no longer be there (or be current) anyway!


We currently have students doing a project on tissue culture in Agar...not seeds but ...

Exclusive RA use here for booking, 1 week for old pracs, 2 weeks notice for new pracs. Works beautifully, we always are saying please update in RA, reschedule or that's a great idea...please book it in. We work in the four week mode and seems to flow well.

We do have issues with new teachers who ...

Yep, Science Supply. We also put caps on ours when not in use and then swap to the droppers.

Marama T wrote: 22 Jun 2026, 07:34

Anna Z wrote: 19 Jun 2026, 13:44 No cobalt onsite here....... remove it where possible. We have even gotten rid of the blue indicating crystals as they are cobalt based, swapped to orange instead.

Why is that?

Carcinogenicity 1A or 1B.... so no for us.

Hello beautiful people!

Sorry for the radio silence!!! You're right, we should celebrate this big milestone.

Use the promo code CHEMTALK for $20 off your next order.

*make sure you're logged in and that your card is at least $100 (excl. GST)

Enjoy :)


yay...put an order in last week ...

No cobalt onsite here....... remove it where possible. We have even gotten rid of the blue indicating crystals as they are cobalt based, swapped to orange instead.

The gold standard is the Safety Guide for Use of Radiation in Schools from Arpansa

Our last safety audit also mentioned storage of sources should be at least 3m away from commonly used spaces (e.g. classrooms, desks, workstations etc.)

We keep ours in a locked cash box that's in a larger lead ...

GOOD GRIEF! WTF????? At a school? I'm flabbergasted.


I know right :redcard:
Did some more digging . Sounds like we were gifted a Nuclear Spectrometer or something similar by a retired boffen , and it is suspected that this came as part of the kit .The spectrometer was apparently disposed of ...

MrCooper wrote: 15 May 2026, 11:23 You can find downloadable .3mf design files in my library here:
https://www.makeitjack.com/freebiedbt

I've got two versions for different sized bottles/jars, 38mm and 41mm.

Screenshot 2026-05-15 112159.png

I hope that's helpful!

Jack Cooper-White

Awesome, thanks

If you do a quick google search there are heaps in NSW...however some may charge an arm and a leg, I'd contact you lab supplier that you use all the time and ask for recommendations.

I use Silltex down here in Vic as our units are from them and on a service plan.

me personally...our autoclave gets tested every 12 months without fail.... basically it's a bomb in the lab. I don't want to expose my team to that if the safety valve decides not to work one year and it over pressurises.

If you don't get them checked at least do some research and know how to do a ...

An autoclave is a pressure vessel, you must have it checked and tested each 12 months.

yay

We use a Pasco one...does the job works okay but yep expensive.

yep, we have cleaners and canteens chemicals on our register..... I update and I stocktake and make sure the SDS are in date. I only do this as then I know IT"D DONE PROPERLY.

As for not realistic to have paper copies of SDS's on site.... by law we have to in VIC. I have a super easy system ...

Very common...I have a few chemicals like that too. Painfull

.

You're too kind doing it for everyone else too. It feels like it's the reality of the situation but I find a lot of schools don't give the cleaners/gardeners etc. the training and resources they need to do the chemical management side of their job properly. I think the only time ours even have ...

The link bit is the best !!!!! we use it all the time, also helps for new teachers knowing how they are supposed to be running things. We have our HOS onboard and she says 'needs to have link to a prac/student notes/reference...ect, for you to get your stuff." love love

We love RA as a scheduling tool...and yes we do go "is it in RA? No? Then no you're not getting it."

They will only do it a couple of times.