Safety

In all of the practical investigations described at the EIBE Web site, we have tried to check that recognised hazards have been identified and that suitable precautions are suggested. Where possible, the proposed procedures are in accordance with commonly-adopted general risk assessments. If a special risk assessment may be necessary, this has been indicated.

However, users should be aware that errors and omissions can be made, and that different employers and educational authorities adopt different standards. Therefore, before doing any activity, users should always carry out their own risk assessment. In particular, any local rules issued by employers or educational authorities MUST be obeyed, whatever is suggested in the activities available from this site. Unless the context dictates otherwise, it is assumed that:

• practical work is carried out in a properly equipped and maintained science laboratory;
• any mains-operated equipment is properly maintained;
  care is taken with normal laboratory operations such as heating substances;
• good laboratory practice is observed when chemicals or living organisms are used;
• eye protection is worn whenever there is any recognised risk to the eyes;
• pupils and / or students are taught safe techniques for activities such as handling chemicals and microorganisms.

If you have any comments or concerns about safety issues in any of the EIBE Units, please send a message to:

Renate Glawe
Secretary
European Initiative for Biotechnology Education
c/o Institut für die Pädagogik der Naturwissenschaften
(IPN) an der Universität Kiel
Olshausenstraße 62
D - 24098 KIEL
Germany