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Recommended Chemicals for secondary Schools

Submitted by sat on 14 September 2017

Answer reviewed 10 February 2023

In brief:

The inclusion of a chemical in the List of recommended chemicals1 or in the Chemical Management Handbook2 indicates that the chemical is suitable for use in schools. We have not published a list of prohibited chemicals as this varies in each state and territory.

The absence of a chemical from the List of recommended chemicals or from the Chemical Management Handbook, does not mean that the chemical is prohibited from use in schools. However, some jurisdictions have banned the use of certain chemicals and we have taken this into consideration in the development of the List. Schools are required to follow the policies and directives of their educational jurisdiction.

The List of recommended chemicals is an evolving document and will be updated in response to feedback, changes to safety data and changes to practices in school science.

Specific chemicals mentioned:

Ordering chemicals for your school:

Prior to purchasing chemicals for your school, it is important to conduct a risk assessment and research whether the chemical is suitable for use in your school. Aspects to consider include:

The Queensland Department of Education provides detailed information outlining their chemical management process, which Queensland Department of Education schools need to follow.4

References:

1 Science ASSIST. (2021). List of recommended chemicals for science in Australian schools 2021, Retrieved from the Science ASSIST website, https://assist.asta.edu.au/resource/4669/list-recommended-chemicals-scie...

2 Science ASSIST. (2018). Chemical Management Handbook for Australian Schools – Edition 3, Retrieved from the Science ASSIST website: https://assist.asta.edu.au/resource/4193/chemical-management-handbook-au...

3 Science ASSIST. (2023). The use of lead in schools, Science ASSIST Q&A, Retrieved from the Science ASSIST website: https://assist.asta.edu.au/question/4070/use-lead-schools

4 Department of Education, Training and Employment. (2013). Chemical management procedure. Retrieved from the State of Queensland (Department of Education) website: https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/pp/chemical-management-procedure