Australia's Science Forum

The SLAMN Committee are very excited about the program for the annual conference.
We met yesterday afternoon and there was so much energy around the table, as we planned, shared ideas and laughed (yes, lots of laughing)
So save the dates now....the flyer will be out in August (or there abouts) so hang on til then.

Hope to see you there!

Great to hear, Narelle. Do you know the rough cost? I'd like to get in early so I can find out if I can come.

Hi Conference Ladies,

Very excited about the conference in November. I enjoy it every year. One thing I am very stressed about and I know it was a big concern for a few labbies last year is "Risk Assessments".
I work in the Public System and I am under the belief that as long as I follow the rules of the CSIS package, then all is good.

BUT, so many people were saying last year that this isnt good enough any more and that all prac's must have a risk assessment done on them. There was also the workshop with Phil Crisp, selling his risk assessment package.

I really feel this needs to be cleared up. I am worried that if our school is audited and we are found to be doing the wrong thing there could be serious consequences.

Maybe one of your fabulous SLAMN team members could just do a simple talk on this issue during the day (perhaps during the luchbreak when all of the labbies are in attendance). I am really stressed about this issue. Thanks.

The costs will be the same as last year - disclaimer - as far as I know.
DET EMPLOYEES $90 per day GST FREE NON DET $120 per day GST FREE
Morning tea and lunch provided.

Lab-woman, i will pass your message on to the committee.

Thanks!

Hi Lab lady,

If you are a DEC school YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO R.A. Risk assessments, Phil is just selling his goods.
I have the letter from Richard Morante, and can forward it on to you, should you require it. Just let me know your fax number.

Dates in diary, forms ready for HoD to sign, just to count down days now.

Hi Labbie,

I would love the copy of the letter from Richard Morante. Fax no is 02 42571744. just mark it attention lab asst.

Still think we need to stop the confusion though. There were quite a few public school lab assistants at Phil Crisps lecture thinking that we all need to change to his system. I even explained the CSIS system to him and he said "everyone" was now moving towards his risk assessment practise as it "covered" everyone better.

Lab Woman

I am with Labbie you do not have to do a RA as long as you follow the CSIS this is for State school
Phill Crisp is only trying to get money out of you all.

Sorry I must have missed something. Are we talking about lab assistants or teachers or both that do not require RA's? I'm confused

DEC schools Teacher or labbie do NOT have to do RA. Any way it is NOT the labbie's job, its the teachers, only labbies job to file it.

Ok Thanks Labbie. So why do independent school teachers have to do them? or dont they have too do them either?
Any ideas?

Sorry NO idea about independent, private, cath schools. Think their Principal make that choice.

Here is a response for you Lab-Woman.
My understanding is that the CSIS package, including the DETRA protocols, gives a generic risk assessment for the experiments that are needed to teach the outcomes in the syllabus. Therefore there is no need to do a risk assessment unless the experiment is beyond the outcomes in the syllabus. There are no recent documents only the original documents.

Regards



Jane West



Science Advisor 7-12

Learning and Leadership-Secondary Education

NSW Department of Education and Communities



Level 3, 1 Oxford Street

Darlinghurst, NSW 2010.





T: 02 92445432 F: 02 9266 8098





jane.m.west@det.nsw.edu.au

I do not know about state schools.
I work in private school and very first question put to me by inspector last week was :"Can I see your RA and MSDS" Also, where do you keep second copy.
HOD said inspector was impressed how quickly I could put my hands on it.
So I understand private schools must do RA for each prac.
Lada

Second copy of what RA or SDS?

Fax should be on it way, we had to resend. For Lab lady you sent me your phone number, your fax number is 4257 1826 so I have NOW sent off that fax to you.

Sorry Rae, second copy of both plus manifest (inventory) of chem store.
Lada

One copy of SDS in prep rooms and one copy in front office. Office ladies weren't too pleased with that (extra work). The second copy now resides in the maintenance office. If there is a fire in the science labs the firemen need to know what chemicals they are dealing with which is why the second copy somewhere else except the labs.
As for the risk assess program (Philip Crisp) it is simple and easy to use and aids in identifying risks that you or a teacher may overlook. It is good backup if anything goes wrong in the classroom. It takes the trauma out of reinventing the wheel every time you set up a prac. Someone else has already done the thinking for you.
Lyn.

I've only just seen this, and correct me if I'm wrong but it seems that in NSW RAs for each school are not needed as they are covered by DET. They are in Victorian schools in the DEECD system and also in private schools. There must be different legislation for each state. The teachers are responsible here for pracs done and the lab tech is responsible for preparation of solutions. Having said that it's very hard to get the teachers to do a RA as they are busy enough already

Hi all, I take it this conference is for lab assistants? ( sorry I'm new!!! ) where is it held ? and will I receive an invite through dec email? So many questions!!
remlap12