Q&A
potassium bromate
I am wondering if it is safe/acceptable to order potassium bromate in solid form for a visually impressive science reaction for open day purposes. Are there any special considerations associated…
VIEW QUESTIONscientific dictionaries
Can any one recommend an affordable scientific dictionary for use with Years 7–10 students?Many thanks.
VIEW QUESTIONReflux and distillation
How should solutions be heated when using quickfit apparatus to perform reflux or distillation? Are Bunsen burners still allowed? We do not have any heating mantles.
VIEW QUESTIONMaking ionic compounds
I need help to understand the products we ended up with when we ran this practical. Fresh solutions of sodium sulphide 0.1M and copper (II) chloride -0.1M were made up…
VIEW QUESTIONMercury (II) Thiocyanate
Hi all. Does anyone know if we can use this in high schools? it is used to make Pharoah's serpent?
VIEW QUESTIONDisposal of potassium permanganate
I would like to know how to dispose of potassium permanganate 0.02M solution. The MSDS states it is not a hazard but that it must not be put down the…
VIEW QUESTIONEnzyme preparation for experiments.
Enzyme preparation for experiments: Could you provide guidance in the correct preparation of enzymes such as trypsin, pepsin and amylase for enzyme digestion practical activities? Furthermore, can you make suggestions…
VIEW QUESTIONMaking Polyurethane foam
Could someone please tell me where I can find instructions for a Year 11 chemistry prac for making polyurethane foam?
VIEW QUESTIONpH Probe
Can anyone suggest a pH probe with data logging function/capabilities for use with our senior science groups? Looking for any feedback on models you may have used, before I go…
VIEW QUESTIONLicence to purchase chemicals
Hi - I've had a few Year 11 students (Occ Health & Safety topic) ask about licences for chemicals held in schools, specifically the Science Dept. I had a vague…
VIEW QUESTIONLaboratory doors security
Is it a requirement that science room doors be locked when not attended by staff?
VIEW QUESTIONDisposal of reactants of chemical clock activity
Chemical clock practical: My chem teacher would like to do a chemical clock prac with ferric nitrate and sodium thiosulfate, using metal ions as catalysts. How should I best dispose…
VIEW QUESTIONDisposal of silver nitrate
Disposal of silver nitrate solid: I have collected silver nitrate solution in a winchester and decanted it off, ready to evaporate the solution, so that I am left with just…
VIEW QUESTIONUse of a spirometer
One of our teachers would like to use a spirometer in class. The spirometer requires the user to breath in rather than blow air out. Are we allowed to do…
VIEW QUESTIONScience drug lab equipment?
Apparently school laboratories need a list, by item and quantity, of anything that could be targeted by a 'drug lab' break in. Where can I find a list of items…
VIEW QUESTIONPhenylthiocarbamide (PTC) paper used in genetics
Are we still allowed to purchase them and do the experiment? We are looking at ordering some PTC papers and an SDS does not appear to be supplied with the…
VIEW QUESTIONDisposal of empty helium cylinders
From browsing Google, there seems to be a lot of confusion on how to dispose of empty helium gas cylinders. Does Science ASSIST have any protocols or suggestions?
VIEW QUESTIONLightning in a test tube
I have a teacher who is planning on performing the 'lightning in a test tube' demonstration in the school lecture theatre. The experiment involves layering ethanol on top of sulfuric…
VIEW QUESTIONDisposal of products of sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid
Risk assessment (thiosulfate): Do you have a RA for the reaction of 0.1M sodium thiosulfate with 2M hydrochloric acid, especially the cleaning up and disposal.
VIEW QUESTIONAmmonium nitrate
Hi, Has anyone else had any trouble with ammonium nitrate absorbing water? Mine has become a clear mixture of liquid and crystals. The crystals are a solid lump that needs…
VIEW QUESTIONPortable bunsen burners
In August 2013, a Qld Dept Education Health and Safety Consultant advised us that the Australian Gas Association (AGA) and Qld Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate have decided that the puncture-type…
VIEW QUESTIONDisposal of calcium metal
Calcium Metal: Can you please tell me how I can safely dispose of a very small amount of Calcium metal, which has not been used for a long time. The…
VIEW QUESTIONFuels
We have received a few questions on this topic We are using toxic alcohols in spirit burners to test fuel efficiency. The students are provided with six alcohols in spirit…
VIEW QUESTIONScience equipment for Early Years Science
We intend teaching a unit on mini creatures at Year 1 level. The school has some magnifiers for viewing. The microscopes are not really friendly for younger students. Would you…
VIEW QUESTIONStorage of copper powder
Storage of copper powder: Could you please advice me how and where to keep this copper powder (Chem Supply) as in the SDS it has been marked as a DG…
VIEW QUESTIONPhosphorus use and storage
Demonstration of phosphorus: Are teachers still allowed to demonstrate the properties of white phosphorus? If so, where do we get some? Clearly we would need only a tiny amount. is…
VIEW QUESTIONOxidising Chemicals
While updating Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), I found some confusing changes in the listing of some nitrates. Magnesium nitrate no longer has an oxidising listing for transport (ChemSupply and Sigma).…
VIEW QUESTIONWater aspirator/vacuum pump
Hi ASSIST team. Can you please give advice for using the water aspirator/vacuum pump connection that is available in some schools. Also, the possible downside if not used correctly.
VIEW QUESTIONUse of iron III nitrate and zinc nitrate
Is it still okay to use iron III nitrate and zinc nitrate, as they are not listed on the Recommended List of Chemicals for Schools. We currently make up 0.5…
VIEW QUESTIONChemicals (cold pack practical)
I would like use the following chemicals for a cold pack prac: ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, magnesium sulfate and sodium thiosulfate. Are these available? Are there particular safety issues?
VIEW QUESTIONRefrigerator
Is it safe to have a small refrigerator for keeping Bromine water and Iodine in a chem store.
VIEW QUESTIONStoring magnesium ribbon
Hi, Could you please let me know the safest place to store our rolls of magnesium ribbon? They are DG 4.1 flammable solids—should they be stored with the flammable liquids…
VIEW QUESTIONYear 12 Biology (Rennet)
Dear Sir or Madam, I am just wanting to source Rennet for Yr 12 Bio experiments. We have previously used 'Simply Junket' powder, which is now very expensive. I have…
VIEW QUESTIONAustralian Standards for window coverings in science labs
Good morning, We need to replace the window coverings in our labs. Is there an Australian standard that states the requirements for window coverings?
VIEW QUESTIONFume cupboard plumbing
We are about to install a fumehood and the question has come up about its plumbing. Can it be plumbed into the normal waste water / sewer lines or is…
VIEW QUESTIONClassification and storage of nitrates
While updating Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), I found some confusing changes in the listing of some nitrates. The recent SDS has iron (III) nitrate listed as Transport Hazard Class 8,…
VIEW QUESTIONGHS Signage on Flammable Liquids and Corrosives cabinets.
Do cabinets before GHS need to be updated to comply with GHS. Are new placards required for chemical storerooms and machinery sheds?
VIEW QUESTIONBanned chemicals/materials list NSW & ACT
Hi there, I have heard that schools in NSW & ACT have updated their list of banned chemicals and materials for use in Science. Is anyone able to please supply…
VIEW QUESTIONTarantula kept in classroom
Is it perfectly okay to keep a tarantula in a locked container in the classroom?
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