Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:25:52 -0500
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
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From: "Samuella B. Sigmann" <sigmannsb**At_Symbol_Here**APPSTATE.EDU>
Subject: Re: Chemistry Dept Lab Safety course
In-Reply-To: <OF1798C9E2.A012CF6E-ON8525766B.004CCC33-8525766B.004E3C65**At_Symbol_Here**notes.cc.sunysb.edu>

Hi Kim - I have been teaching a Chemical Safety Course for 3 years now.  We have not yet made it mandatory for our majors, but are considering it.  I presented the course as a workshop at the 2008 CSHEMA conference.  I have lots of materials (slideshows, etc) if you are interested.  The materials are specific for our university and state, so there would have to be some modification for other institutions and states.  The main thrust of the course is the development of a "Safety Culture" for the next generation of students working with chemicals and teaching students how to locate information.  Both of these things will serve students well in academics or industry.  I also welcome students from Art, Technology, and any of the sciences.  I will be converting this to an online course and, in fact, already have some on line materials in the course.  My current course is 1 credit and we meet 1 hr/week. 

I do things like have students create an MSDS for a chemical where they are the manufacturer.  I have students risk assessment report for an experiment.  We do walk through inspections (this is not possible online or with a large class).  Use CSB videos for case studies.

Particularly helpful sites for teaching:
NOAA's site CAMEO Chemicals - http://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/
NIH's ChemIDPlus Advanced - http://chem.sis.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/
CSB's site - http://www.chemsafety.gov/default.aspx?

I would be happy to share slideshows if you are interested.

Below is an excerpt from my syllabus.

Course Description: This course will focus on safety education for students perusing careers in fields where chemicals and chemical processes are involved.  As recommended in the ACS statement, “Safety and Safety Education” (Committee on Professional Training in the Undergraduate Professional Education in Chemistry: Guidelines and Evaluation Procedures, Topical Supplements to the Guidelines), safety must be an integral part of the chemistry curriculum.  In this course, we will address the areas of Safety Awareness, Health and Safety Information, and Safety Procedures and Processes.  The primary focus of the material presented will be on directed toward best practices in the academic laboratory and The Laboratory Standard. Course methods will involve lecture, AsULearn, on-site laboratory observations, and guest speakers when possible. Prerequisites: Chem1101& 1110 OR Instructor permission.

Text and Readings

Course Topics (as time permits)

-

***************************************************************************************

Don’t always believe what you think.

Samuella B. Sigmann, NRCC-CHO
Lecturer/Safety Committee Chair
A. R. Smith Department of Chemistry
Appalachian State University
525 Rivers Street
Boone, NC   28608
Phone: 828 262 2755
Fax: 828 262 6558
Email: sigmannsb**At_Symbol_Here**appstate.edu

Kim Auletta wrote:


Our Chemistry Dept. is considering a mandatory 1 credit Master's level Lab Safety Course!!! I know you're all as excited about this as I am! Its especially interesting that this came up the same week that a chemical company rep on this list (who we happen to by A LOT of chemicals from!) said that they will reconsider the safety-ability of their new hires directly from academia.

I've been asked to help develop & provide material for the course. They want it to be an on-line course required for all graduate level Chem majors. I'm looking to all of you for input on what should be included! They envision this course to meet the ACS accreditation requirements and go beyond my OSHA CHP training. You can post to the list or email me directly. I'll compile & post the final results to this list. Thanks in advance for your help.

1. Is your college/university offering or requiring an academic lab safety course (above & beyond the OSHA & EPA requirements)?  If yes, how is it delivered (live vs. on line)? How many credits? Can you share your syllabus?


2. What topics do you think should be included?


3. Since this is to be an on-line course, do you know of any videos, etc. that could be used to demonstrate techniques (eg - as suggested by the recent tubing removal discussion)?


4. Any other advice?


Kim Auletta
Lab Safety Specialist
EH&S
Stony Brook University
kauletta**At_Symbol_Here**notes.cc.sunysb.edu
631-632-3032
EH&S Web site:
http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/lab/

Remember to wash your hands!

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