Assignment 1

Science at Work

Task 6 Investigating Health and Safety in Scientific Workplaces

Working in groups, devise a questionnaire that you could use to find out about essential safety measures in:

(a) The College Science Department
(b) Another scientific workplace, eg a hospital or other science industry

Your questionnaire should ask about the following aspects of safe working in science:-

• the design features of the laboratory or workplace that contribute to the safety of those working there (eg fire doors, etc)
• evacuation procedures
• the safe use of electricity
• fire prevention
• protective clothing
• chemical hazards
• biological hazards
• disposal of hazardous waste
• dangerous experiments or industrial processes

Again working in your group, arrange to use your questionnaire to interview a science technician in College, and to send your questionnaire to a science-based local organization. You will need to produce a covering letter explaining the purpose of your questionnaire and should keep a copy of this for your portfolio.

Produce a report comparing the different health and safety issues raised by the College technician and by your chosen organisation.