Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:34:17 -0800
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Eric Clark <erclark**At_Symbol_Here**PH.LACOUNTY.GOV>
Subject: Re: GLOVES IN STUDENT LABS
In-Reply-To: <FF70A3D197478C4A8E079799AD76FBEC052E91C8**At_Symbol_Here**gimli.morehead-st.edu>
Interesting discussion.  
I'd like to compile a list of excuses we've all heard when chemistry 
laboratory students choose not to comply with the instructor's safety 
precautions.  Like many of us, I taught General Chemistry for several 
years and I've heard plenty of memorable student responses.  
My favorite:  "Why you always hassling me!?!?"    
Just reply to me on this, with a one-liner - not the entire group - and 
I'll share the results in a day or so.  
Thanks, Eric

Eric Clark, MS, CCHO, CHMM 
Safety & Compliance Officer 
Los Angeles County Public Health Laboratory              

>>> Rita Kay Calhoun  3/8/2010 10:20 AM >>>
Would one of you please explain to me the dermal hazard associated with 
determining the volume of a drop of water?  Or perhaps the density of a 
saline solution?  As I said in my original response there is guidance 
given to the students in their risk assessment.  And if their assessment 
is inadequate, there is "You will wear gloves, period".  When students 
understand, they are much more likely to comply.  When they see the rules 
as simply something People-in-Authority impose because they're in 
authority and want control, the students try to get away with not 
complying.  I do teach your children safety.  I also try to teach them to 
think.  The most important safety rule you can learn is to think.  
Everything else flows from that.

Kay Calhoun


From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of 
Moorefield, Mubetcel
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2010 7:44 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU 
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] GLOVES IN STUDENT LABS

I am surprised to see there is even a discussion of whether to ask the 
students to wear gloves or not.  That is probably why even the chemists 
who graduate with PhD in chemistry have hard time following those simple 
safety rules when they get a job in the industry.

As teaching profession, I would expect you to teach my child how to be 
safe in a lab as well as how to set up a reaction.  It should be part of 
the teaching curriculum.  I am pretty sure you are teaching them not to 
pour hazardous chemicals down the drain so the environment doesn't get 
hurt.  Why would you question if it  is necessary to teach them not to 
hurt themselves?  Discussion of recovering the cost should be a separate 
issue.

Mubetcel

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________________________________
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of 
Kennedy, Sheila
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 6:32 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU 
Subject: [DCHAS-L] GLOVES IN STUDENT LABS
As the staff of the Chemistry & Biochemistry Teaching Labs, we have been 
asked to propose ideas for saving money, as budgets are only getting 
tighter over the next few years. One idea proposed is that we stop 
providing gloves ad lib. to students, but have them buy & bring their own. 
We currently supply either nitrile or PVC examination (thin, single-use) 
gloves in our labs.
Do you provide/require gloves for student labs?

Sheila
--
Sheila M. Kennedy, CHO
Safety Coordinator
Chemistry & Biochemistry Teaching Laboratories
University of California, San Diego
(858) 534-0221

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