Australia's Science Forum

Hello everyone
I know someone out there will know the answer to this question: Is Chemical Safety in Schools training mandatory for all NSW lab assistants??? If this is so does that then mean that no casuals can work in science if they haven't had the training??? Maybe someone who is associated with the PSA Union would know the answer.!!!
Cheers
Mother

I do believe that to be true. That is why no one will go to Science if you are away or sick. All the SAO in this school are busy trying each others job, in case of something, our new principal's idea, but I do not have to learn some one else job, because of OH&S etc etc. From our network meeting the other week, and at St Marys in 2006, we can not train some one to do our job, only the head teacher can. We have to have CSIS training, to carry out our duties, plus training, but we can NOT train any one else.

How ever Mother, please give PSA a call, I would like their side of things.

Sorry for this sarcastic reply but...
That must be fine in an ideal world. Does anyone know a head teacher that has time to train people in CSIS.
I trained myself!!!

Lorrae

I trained my HT.

Yes I also trained my two Head teachers.

After takeing the two Vol's home to read.

I have emailed PSA, shall let you all know answer when it arrives.

Thanks Sue
Cheers
Mother

I trained myself, then all the staff in this school AND another school!

Hey we are worth MORE MONEY

No answer from PSA as yet, perhaps it too hard for someone to answer, Have a nice long weekend.

This is taken from 1.1 Overview of CSIS Volume 1 Section 1 page 5.

QUOTE" 1.1.8 Training
It is a mandatory requirement of the Hazardous Substances Regulation 1996 for employers to provide appropriate safety training for staff in the management of risks associated with the use of chemicals.

The CSIS workplace training module involves awareness raising for all staff in relation to:

The resource package Chemcial safety in schools
Hazardous substances and dangerous goods legislation
The safe use and storage of chemcials
Labelling requirements for dangerous goods and hazardous substances
The use of Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the chemical register .
Risk assessment. END OF QUOTE"

ETC ETC

Hello
It has been mentioned several times that Lab Assisatants are NOT allowed to train anyone to work in Science - only Head Teachers can.
Does anyone have any more information on this - particularly for NSW?
Mother did you ever hear from the PSA on this matter?
Regards
Jilly

I also tried the PSA on this matter, but they never did get back to me. From the 2006 St Marys conf, we were told that by a chap called Glen, Saw????? sorry can not remember his last name. Their are a few labbies that do hold an instruction certificate, about 3 I think, they may train people or new labbies just coming into the job. But again the DET will not pay them to do a course, or recongize their qualification. I can not see any one from PSA giving us a black or white on this problem.

I have re-sent an email to a Pam Veivers at PSA, from the web site she is an OH&S officer. Time will tell.

Pommy,

His name is Glen Sawle.

Robbie

Mother,
ALL staff in NSW schools are required to complete CSIS training, whether support staff or teaching staff.
There are 2 strands -
A, B1, C1 for non science & TAS staff & A, B2, C2 for science & TAS staff.

Each section takes 45min to complete in a class setting or the notes can be copied & staff can complete them at their leisure.
I was told by Graham Wilson from the AIS that any staff working at an independent/catholic school for longer than 1 term must do the course.

Hope this helps
Judy

Hi everyone

I have been doing this job for 2.5 years, the first 2 as a casual and then made permanent earlier this year I have had no training except that I have read the 2 manuals and bought myself "The Manual". Is there anyone who can tell me how I can get some training. I have looked at personal development but there is never anything for Science and our local tafe doesn't do anything except general science for the HSC. I think I will ask my HT if I can start sitting in with YR11 chem at least this would be something.

What do you think?

Cindy

Have just been going through all the messages on the site (hate to miss out on anything!!) Seems the PSA is ignoring the OH&S question,so why are we paying union fees??? Anyone else have an opinion on this subject??
Cheers
Mother

So, it now appears that we are really a group of people who have received "specialised" training. Therefore I see that as something that should be paid extra. If training is so essential for our position, then we MUST be worth more money. Sounds really simple to me. Doesn't everyone pay a little extra for quality!!