Demystify: 

I can understand how setting students on fire would evoke a strong reaction
from folks who spend a great deal of time concerned with safety. I may be
wrong, but I think that some of the responses may have seemed a bit harsh.
Clearly, this particular demonstration, in various forms, has been around
for quite a while and the instructor has asked a question in good faith.
Excessive harshness, expressions of shock and horror, and disparagement will
not do much to encourage future questions. Such future questions may be
valuable in preventing some future harm. I think we should be very grateful
that someone has asked for guidance and our responses should respectfully
express this and be considerate of the questioner's feelings.

I realize this is a bit off-topic, but I think it is something important to
keep in mind.

Thank you very much,

Ben

-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of
Secretary, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 8:09 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] "Cool" demonstrations

From: Wayne Wood
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] FW: ACS Thursday
Date: February 2, 2012 8:05:43 AM EST

Well said, David. This is a pretty "cool" demonstration but I am not sure
what the pedagogical value is. What is the lesson we are trying to convey -
that it is okay to play around with flammable liquids and you won't hurt
yourself?

W.

Wayne Wood | Associate Director, University Safety (EHS)
Directeur Adjoint, Direction de la pre´vention (SSE), Services universitaires
|
McGill University | 3610 McTavish Street, 4th floor
Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 1Y2 | Tel: (514) 398-2391 | Fax: (514)
398-8047

Previous post   |  Top of Page   |   Next post