Cancer-causing chemicals alert

There is no organisation for school lab personnel to liaise with or discuss issues of toxic chemicals, disposal methods, effects of certain chemicals, proper storage, handling of toxic chemicals and harmful chemicals. Personally I have done some research on my own, I am aware of the dangers and therefore proper ways of handling chemicals and equipments, my concern is for those who are not aware.

The ministry is sending many young people out into schools and yes they have their science subjects and the theoretical knowledge, however, science from a practical point is very different from the text book as any school lab assistant would know. Many lab assistants who have been in the service for some time may not necessarily be aware of the harmful effects of some of the chemicals they are dealing with. You see a textbook tells you what a substance is used for and not what harm it can cause. The bottom line is that this is our job, we love what we do, with proper knowledge we can continue to make the school labs a safe place for teachers, students and ourselves, however, the ministry must ensure we are equipped with all necessary equipment, knowledge and training. They need to send us on safety management courses regularly. We can be sent on workshops and courses that can benefit our schools, our students, and eventually our country. Lab assistants are not properly outfitted by the ministry. In fact, a circular was sent for teachers to get lab cots but none for lab assistants. We have to make this request to the schools who then purchase these and other items that are extremely important for the lab personnel to do their work. It’s like asking a teacher to teach without a marker and a whiteboard.

There are times I have to dilute concentrated sulphuric acid, which is not only a carcinogenic substance but (to use an unscientific word) a “major skin-melter” and there is no fume cupboard to carry out this activity. Most schools have no mercury aspirators to pick up mercury when thermometers are broken. Mercury can diffuse through the skin apart from inhalation and other ways of exposure causing life time consequences. Mercury is a cumulative poison, like lead it stays in the system for a very long time.

I am hoping someone from the Ministry of Education would read this and look into the schools lab assistant and technician situation and please make some changes for the better.

S ROSEN

Port-of-Spain