Induction Course for New
Laboratory Technicians
4 October 2008
Sophia CHENG
Science Education Section, EDB
Job Description for Lab Tech II/III
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To prepare, construct, operate and maintain
laboratory apparatus and equipment.
To assist in class demonstration in a laboratory
or in a demonstration room.
To assist teachers to supervise the pupils in
performing experiments.
To assist teachers in planning and trying out
experiments.
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To keep stores and inventory in laboratories.
To carry out annual stocktaking of all stores
and equipment in laboratories.
To purchase laboratory apparatus, equipment
and other items necessary for laboratories.
To prepare annual estimates of consumables,
stores and additional items for laboratories.
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To conduct routine laboratory tests.
To be responsible for all the normal safeguards
in a laboratory.
To instruct and supervise laboratory attendants
in the maintenance of the laboratories and
preparation of rooms.
Science Safety Resource Manual (2003),
British Columbia
What is your role as a LT?
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Manage for good laboratory service
Manage for safety
Manage for smooth operation
Support learning and teaching of Science
Procurement and Management of
Laboratory Equipment/Chemicals
Acquisition
Record Keeping
Storing /
Organising
Write-off /
Disposal
Composite Furniture & Equipment Grant (CFEG)
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Cover the costs and maintenance/repair fees
for F/E items, insurance premium for nonstandard F&E items
$14,714 per class for 2008/09
For Incorporated Management Committee
(IMC) schools, CFEG has been included in
Expanded Operating Expenses Block Grant
(EOEBG).
EDBCM119/2008
http://www.edb.gov.hk/oebg-e
Science Subject Grants
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For purchase of consumables
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S1-3 Science, AL Biology and ASL/AL Chemistry
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Aided Schools
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Expanded / Operating Expenses Block Grant
(E/OEBG) (擴大/營辦開支整筆津貼)
Govt. Schools
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Subject & Curriculum Block Grant
(科目及課程整筆津貼)
Reference Lists of F/E
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Consider safety and need before purchase
Specifications of the EDB Reference List of F&E
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www.edb.gov.hk
Microscale Chemistry Equipment
Pipette
多用滴管
Microspatular
Well-plate
孔井穴板
Glass
Combustion tube
Universal
Indicator Chart
Electrolysis of dilute sodium hydroxide
Pins
Shampoo
Solution
0.4 M NaOH
Reduction of CuO
Microburner
5M HCl
Galvanized
iron coil
Reactions of Chlorine
Bleach + HCl
KI
NaCl
KBr
Microscale Organic Reactions
Microscale Organic Reactions
Laboratory Equipment
Bunsen Burner
Screen
Spectacle Cabinet
Flexicam
Laboratory Equipment
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Hand Protector 隔熱護手墊
Laboratory Equipment
• Protecting students from chemical spillage
How to reduce glass breakage
and cut accidents?
Laboratory Equipment
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Reduce breakage of
glassware
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Plasticware (e.g.
dropper, beaker,
funnel)
polypropylene (PP),
polymethylpentene
(PMP, TPX))
Laboratory Equipment
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Thermometers
Non-mercury filled
 Short vs long (150mm / 300mm)
 Plastic coated / Reinforced bulb
 Digital (-50 - 150oC)
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Asbestos
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Asbestos-containing products should not be
used in schools
Beware of equipment with heat insulating
materials e.g. wire gauzes, bench mats, ovens
Bench mats should be made of glass
reinforced cement. Wire gauzes should be with
ceramic centres.
Add “Asbestos free” requirement when
purchasing
Do not dispose of asbestos-containing
products as common garbage
Procurement of Chemicals
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Before purchase, assess the hazardous nature of
chemicals, check your inventory, whether it will be used in
experiments in the near future
Acquire safer alternatives e.g. Volasil 244 instead of CCl4
Avoid over-stocking of chemicals
Keep quantities to a minimum especially for water-reactive
chemicals e.g. Na, K, CaC2, SiCl4, hazardous chemicals
e.g. Br2 (ampoule package), conc. acids and alkalis and
flammable chemicals e.g. P, ether, ethanol, etc
Clearly labelled and date-stamped the date of arrival
Keep a clear and updated record of chemical stocks
(locations)
Safety Information of Chemicals
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International Chemical Safety Cards
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http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safewo
rk/cis/products/icsc/
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
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Developed by the Faculty Laboratory Centre of
CityU
http://cd1.edb.hkedcity.net/cd/science/laboratory/c
ontent_safety.html
Labeling of Chemical
Printing labels for chemicals
職業安全健康局
http://www.oshc.org.hk/download/download/4/chemical2005.zip
Printing labels for chemicals
Controlled Chemicals
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Prevent diversion of chemicals to illicit (違法)
manufacture of narcotic drugs or psychotropic
substances e.g. heroin (海洛因)
Control of Chemicals Ordinance (Cap. 145)
List of Controlled Chemicals
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Acetylating Substances (乙酰化物）
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http://www.customs.gov.hk/chi/major_licence_chemicals_c.ht
ml
Ethanoyl chloride (乙酰氯), ethanoic anhydride (乙酰酐)
Potassium Permanganate (高錳酸鉀)
Storage approval (Form CED 360)
Chemical Weapon Precursors
List of chemical weapon precursors controlled
under the Import and Export Ordinance (Annex A
of STCC No.16/04)
http://www.stc.tid.gov.hk/english/circular_pub/stc1
6_04.html
 Schools wishing to purchase chemicals e.g.
NaF, KF, PCl3 or PCl5 for experiments should first
sign the chemical end-user undertaking.
 Strategic Trade Controls Brance, Trade and
Industry Department (工 業 貿 易 署 )
Enquiry: 2398 5587 (Tel), stc@tid.gov.hk (email)
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Do you think school laboratories
are safe?
Survey on laboratory accidents in secondary
schools (05/06)
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464 schools responded (response rate :
93.4% )
Statistics
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296 schools without accident (64%)
554 cases in 168 schools (36%)
500 students and 8 staffs injured; most
injuries were minor cuts or scalds
Cause of accidents: Carelessness
(students: 91.7%; teachers: 0.5%; LTs: 1.8%)
Subjects involved (05/06)
Others
350
309 (56%)
Bites by animals
300
Substances catching fire
250
Cuts
200
134 (24%)
Discomfort arising from
inhalation of gases
150
92 (17%)
100
Heat burns or scalds
18 (3%)
Chemicals spillage
50
0
1 (~0%)
Eye accidents
Phy
Chem
Bio/H Bio
IS
ES/S&T
Chemicals on skin
Accident Records
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Keep record of all
accidents (including
minor accidents) in
each lab
Send detailed
accident report for
serious laboratory
accident to REO
Science Education –
Laboratory Safety and Management
(http://www.edb.gov.hk/cd/sc > References & Resources)
Resources on laboratory safety and management
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Information about approved gas tubing for Bunsen
Burners
Handbook on Safety in Science Laboratories (2002)
Posters on laboratory safety
Laboratory safety inspection checklist
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Use of Sealed Radioactive Sources for Teaching
Purposes in Schools
Risk assessment form
List of university centres and facilities supplying rats
for school use
Handbook on Safety in Science Laboratories
(http://cd1.emb.hkedcity.net/cd/science/laboratory/safety/SHB_2002e.pdf)
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Safety management
Hazardous chemicals and
their storage
Disposal of chemical wastes
Handling of glassware,
plants, microorganisms,
animals, radioactive
substances, etc.
First aid in the laboratory
Laboratory accidents and
insurance
Handbook on Safety in Science Laboratories
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Additional resources or information in
appendices:
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Risk assessment form
Some plants known to contain irritants
Report form on laboratory accident
Chemistry experiments requiring particular care
Curriculum reform in science education
Year
Curriculum revised
1998
S1-3 Science
2002
S4-5 Bio, Chem, Phy
AL Bio
AL Chem, AL Phy
2005
2009
NSS Bio, Chem, Phy
NSS Integrated Science
NSS Combined Science
Emphasis on Scientific Investigation
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Inquiry-based experiments and simple
investigation
Encourage students to design their own
experiments
Develop skills of problem solving,
collaboration, critical thinking, creativity…
Scientific investigation as part of curriculum in
NSS science subjects
Risk Assessment
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An analysis of a practical activity to
identify hazards and to take precautions to
minimise the risk
Procedures:
 Identifying hazards
(Materials / Procedures / Equipment)
 Deciding what control measures to
reduce risk to acceptable level
 Finding how to dispose of hazardous
residues
More roles and duties
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contribute in departmental meetings
display signs alerting students to take proper
safety precautions
familiarise with the curriculum content to facilitate
the preparation of materials for practical lessons
familiarise with new trends of curriculum
development – purchase necessary equipment
maximise the use of resources and minimise
wastage of materials by recycling and reuse
label drawers and cabinets to facilitate easy
access
update professional knowledge
Manage a Safe Environment for
Learning and Working