When we instruct folks to drive a car, regardless of whether it is state
law, we insist the appropriate safety gear, seat belts, be worn at all
times.  For most individuals, this message lasts until they cease
driving.  I certainly believe that it is important to develop good
habits while working in a laboratory, be it with soap bubbles or
sulfuric acid.  You cannot begin at too young an age to encourage the
use of appropriate PPE.  It is hoped that the young ladies in the
picture were instructed on the importance of wearing PPE when working in
any laboratory situation.  Thanks

Jack

-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of
Ralph Stuart
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2005 11:56 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Confusing risk message?

I received the December 12 issue of C&EN news today and found the  
cover photo to be a rather confusing risk message. It shows two high  
school girls participating in National Chemistry Week activities with  
lab coats and safety glasses on. They are using straws to blow air  
into liquid soap to form bubbles.

My gut reaction in looking at the picture was "oh my god, they're  
mouth-pipetting; I thought we got rid of that last century". Looking  
at the picture more closely, I realized what was going on and  
understood why they wanted to use straws for better pressure control.  
However, my question is "Are the lab coats and glasses appropriate in  
this setting?"

By using these ppe in this situation, are the girls building good lab  
habits, or perhaps, receiving a confusing risk message that says  
liquid soap is as dangerous as any other chemical you might work  
with? When they get to college chemistry lab are they less likely to  
use ppe when working with a strong corrosive because they "too old"  
for high school habits now?

I don't expect a clear answer, but I'd be interested in hearing CHAS  
people's thoughts...

- Ralph

Ralph Stuart, CIH
Environmental Safety Manager
University of Vermont
Environmental Safety Facility
667 Spear St. Burlington, VT  05405

rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**uvm.edu
fax: (802)656-5407

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