Australia's Science Forum

Thanks, Smiley, at least I know my maths is right! I didn't want to say it up front in case I'd had a "moment" and completely forgotten all the basics of algebra! Thanks for being braver than me!!

I'm trying to make up 250mL of 0.1M Barium Hydroxide by 11am. The MW on the bottle is 315.47. So I can check my calculations, can someone tell me how much I should have used? It's taking a long time to dissolve, I've put it on the stirrer, then tried some heat but it's still looking like it's not go...

I always thought disposable nitrile was the norm. My only problem with the disposable nitrile gloves is they tend to be a bit short and can leave your wrist exposed. I've been trying to get hold of some longer non-disposable nitrile gloves but cannot get small or even medium size, so am putting up ...

Just because it hasn't happened before doesn't mean it can't happen. A reminder that we need to treat concentrates/strong dilutions with great care.

Back on Page one of this topic is a recipe posted by Xenon. I tried it this year (after a disastrous first attempt last year) and it worked perfectly. I was sooo happy, pity there was no one here to share my jubilation with!

Ellice I think questions about time management and conflict are good, it gives a great indication as to how the person will cope with stress. A question I liked at my interview, which I think helped me get the job was "What would you do if you were really busy and a teacher came to you with a l...

On average I get 48 hours notice, but I have one teacher who regularly gives me at least a week's notice which makes up for the "can you do me a favour?" I can cope with the short notice pracs, although I have told them all that I will do my best to get it out for them but if it's not on t...

Thanks, Lorrae. It's always good to get other people's thoughts and ideas. I didn't get to it today, but it's not needed to after lunch tomorrow. I'll give them the fresh batch but the teacher did say she'd use it when it was ready. So if it isn't any good tomorrow they can try it out later. And...I...

Hi All Yes, it's that time of year again (Iknow I've been doing this job for a full year now when things come back to bite me). Biology teacher has asked for phloroglucinol 1% solution (it is now I remember not being able to find the powder last year and forgetting all about it until now). In "...

Thanks guys. When I checked it, it definitely goes red with acid, and kind of went bluer with a base, but not a great change. When I really looked at quantities there wasn't as much as I first thought. So it looks like I will be making more in the not too distant future. (Ian - I thought too, that t...

Estelle Take the time off and relax. I'm sure you've got good systems in place with labelling, coloured dots etc that should be easy for anyone to follow. I came into this job with only a brief hand over and have managed to work it all out. It helped that things were clearly labelled and there was a...

I need everyone's help on this one. A teacher has ordered a whole range of indicators for a Year 12 Chemistry prac. One ordered is "Litmus". When I've gone to the cupboard I've found bottles labelled "litmus solution". When I looked in the book "The Laboratory", there a...

I forgot to add that we put the relevant mini MSDS in with the prac so it is at hand. The purpose being that if there is an accident, the mini MSDS can go with the patient to first aid and then to hospital if necessary. Although not a substitute for the full data sheet, it gives everyone the details...

We just have a set of mini MSDSs in the prep room and the appropriate one goes with the chemical when pracs are put together. They are laminated to make them more durable and are stored alphabetically in a filing cupboard. As I put them away I check the issue date and replace any that are more than ...

Rosalie
yes, $300 for each trolley may be pushing the friendship a bit, especially when we need nine of them! I'll keep looking for something a bit stronger and will post some info here if I ever find anything.

M.

Hi RosalieM, I know this is an old post from last year, but was wondering if you managed to solved your trolley problem. We have the same problem with our text book trolleys. I also was speaking to one of the admin ladies who has to drag two of those collapsible trolleys around the school and though...

Adrianna
I've sent you a PM with my contact details. Look forward to hearing from you.

Which version are you using? I've got some good instructions for Chemffx and contact details for them.

Hi Adrianna Welcome to the area. I'm with Ian, it is God's own country, I live about 5k's down the road from Ian. The further south the better it gets, although a bit colder. I saw the post about the job at Chev - it's only about half an hour for you to travel, which, for the Picton area is close to...

Our RAs are combined with the prac request form, so the teachers have to complete this form to get any equipment. I think it is their responsibility not ours to do the risk assessments.