Occupational health and safety

Chemical Cell: Acidified Potassium Dichromate

Chemical Storage Timeframes: I was wondering if there are any guidelines that relate to how long chemicals can be stored in a secondary school prep lab before they go 'bad' - essentially a use by date? None of my chemicals have use by dates, but some are very old (from the 90's), and I'd like some information to forward to my HOD to back up my request for disposal.

Aluminium powder: I have just purchased some Aluminium powder and the MSDS from the supplier ( Chem supply ) states Non Hazardous and Non dangerous goods.

Other information from the Regional Technicians Group (Western Australia) risk assess states this is a 4.3 class chemical.

Could you clarify the correct class and storage requirement.

PPE - using gloves with 0.5 M Sodium hydroxide. The SDS for 0.5M NaOH advises us to use gloves with the students in grade 7/8. We have always used goggles and aprons but have not been in the practice of using gloves.

Chemical Storage Cabinets: Can you please provide information on chemical storage cabinets suitable for storage of corrosive substances, including concentrated nitric, sulfuric and hydrochloric acids.

Eating in Science labs and Classrooms - We have received a few questions on this topic

Storage of Gas Cylinders: We currently have three gas cylinders - Hydrogen - DG 2.1 (size E), Oxygen - DG 2.2 & 5.1 (size D) and Carbon Dioxide - DG 2.2 (size D) which are secured with chains on trolleys. They have always been stored in the science prep area together, but I have now separated them so that the Hydrogen Gas cylinder is at one end of the prep area and the the Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide are together at the other end of the prep area. The MSDS says (among various other conditions) that they need to be stored in a well ventilated area, away from sources of ignition.

Science Facilities: Where can I find policies, national standards etc. to clarify what the Australian Standards are for science rooms in schools?

Sourcing dissection materials: I am a laboratory technician in regional NSW. Could you please advise me on the following or provide me with a person who may be able to answer my questions regarding dissection materials?

Currently we are supplied with dissection specimens from a local certified abattoir and have also in the past sourced them from local butchers, however, I have been advised that this may not be ideal due to new food regulations. Is there any formal written procedures for use in schools on dissections and the quality of items to be supplied?