Australia's Science Forum

Hi All,
has anyone been inspected and can give us tips on what the inspectors look for in prep rooms, labs, etc from the OH&S point of view??
Cheers,
~Robyn

Chem store - lables, MSDS, storage layout, flamables cabinet, radioactive material storage, extinguishers, accessablility, water outlet, ventilation

Prep room - CSIS package in place, floor/desktop condition, ventilation, fume cuboard operation, layout, 1st aid cabinet, mechanical aids (trolleys etc) broken glassware disposal, emergency exits, signage, documentation

labs - floor/desktop condition, ventilation, fume cuboard operation, layout, fire blanket, signage, gas tap condition, emergency exits

you - appropriate footware, PPE - personal protective equipment/hairnets, goggles/masks etc. subject knowledge

Thanks for the tip, we are up for inspection shortly as well.
Looking good!

Last year we had the Board of Studies inspectors come to check the school for our 5 yearly accreditation.

The main things they looked for in Science were the coloured dots and labels on the chemical bottles and the lip on the edge of the shelving in the chem store. They also asked about the school's chemical register.

I had everything shipshape before the inspectors came but they seemed to be most interested in the chem store.

Hope this helps
Judy

They check for trip hazards.
One of my science teachers got noted for a messy desk and surrounding area, Fire Hazard!
They also check to see if you have anything in the emergency shower area, which some teachers seem to think is a good place to store stuff.
In marine we got checked for the safe height for the students to clean and maintain the aquariums, I also changed the glass lids for perspex to minimise the risk of breakage.
Estelle

Hi All,

One importatnt thing to remember - when inspecting the chemstore, check for deterioration of the shelving the chems are on and also check the primary packaging (original containers)for any deterioration also. This will ensure that leaks through lids are identified and that the containers have not degraded.

Cheers,

Robb.....

Thank you all, lots of good tips there. We'll just keep working on it............
Cheers,
~Robyn