Sparklers

[KassH]

Hi All,

Has anyone recently made sparklers? Wanting to know if we are allowed and a good recipe if we are??

[Pen]

Hello lab tech gurus,
Just a quick question, if I may, a teacher (WA school) wants to use sparklers in a Y8 prac exploring different kinds of energy. Are there any rules or regulations/restrictions for that?
Thank you in advance!

[Pm706Narrogin]

Hi Pen,

I've checked our public school policies and at least in the public system (I know you're an Independent school) sparklers are Class 1.4 Explosive dangerous goods but are permitted to be used in schools.

I would be ensuring I had a risk assessment that took into account their students' abilities and the situation. Is it in a lab with other chemicals - how are you going to ensure they don't interact? If you take it outside how do you ensure others won't be impacted or that it won't get on the grass?

[Pen]

Thank you, Pm706Narrogin,
Yes, you're right, I'll have to make sure that the teacher is aware and completes a risk assessment before the prac. Best to do a demo, I think, in the breakout area (semi-outdoors, concrete floor).

For storing the rest of the sparklers in the pack, does it necessarily have to be kept in a designated chemical storage area where we store our acids, bases, and salts? Is it safer to store them in a cool, dry place with other materials, such as glassware and plasticware?

[Pm706Narrogin]

I know it's recommended for us to avoid storing things designated as explosive DGs (e.g. rocket engines). If possible, buy the bare minimum you can and try to use them up.

But if you did have to store them, I would store them in a cool, dry place away from ignition sources as per the storage instructions on the packet.

[Pen]

Thank you very much!
I always need to remember that certain things (like sparklers) we keep at home should be handled with more care in the school lab under WHS.