Facilites+notes+page

**Notes on Facilities**
I suggest that the first paragraph beginning “Because chemistry is an experimental science .” be moved to the Introduction because it doesn’t address facilities but does frame discussion. The phrase “administrative units” is vague. I suggest replacing it with “administrations.” Expenditures today need to include technology such as graphing calculators and prolabs (such as Vernier or Pasco). Is 30% still a realistic number? (I know it should be a lot of lab, but costs, safety, etc surely have reduced this number in the eyes of administrators?)

**Notes on The Laboratory**
Attention to extra hoods and storage (stockroom). Also, security of stockrooms. Gas, water and electricity cut-offs should be easily accessible and clearly labeled. [2 students per lab group doesn't happen often with our current numbers!] a. Change to “Portable fire extinguishers, in accordance with NFPA 10” (see Resources) b. Add “A fire blanket” (required in Colorado, although controversial) c. “A safety shower and a plumbed eyewash facility //in the laboratory// that meet ANSI Z 358.1-2004 and are accessible within 10 seconds.” (See Resources) d. “Laboratory ventilation and an externally vented fume hood meeting ANSI Z9.5-2003.” e. “An automatic fire/smoke detection and alarm system meeting NFPA 72.” f. “Electrical wiring consistent with NFPA 70, with GFCIs near sinks .” I would add that computers/hand held devices, etc. should be incorporated into the laboratory work. List is fragmented, needs to be put in more logical order 1. eliminate “gas” substitute “heat source” (encourage use of hot plates for safety when possible). Add: appropriate drains. Add: Teacher should have access to natural gas and water shut-off valves. (emergencies such as earthquakes) New 4. classroom ventilation fans Old 4. Eliminated in favor of new 4. a. approved, well maintained fire extinguishers and blankets (?) f. eliminate from “Although….. to end” Most HS lab rooms do not contain sprinklers (students will set them off ) Old 5. Add: emergency window escape Add: OSHA approved goggles (goggles sterilizer), chemical resistant aprons, accessibility for all students (including students with special needs) Acid and fire resistant dispensing table for laboratory chemicals Individual lab station storage for basic laboratory and safety equipment Wall space to post safety instructions, posters Computers securely mounted for use of probe ware without obstructing the working lab area May want to recommend that the lab is not a place that doubles as the classroom, where lab benches are used as “desks”. Include computer/CBU etc discussion. Only one hood?
 * 1) 4 Could add fire blanket and goggle sterilizer cabinet.
 * 1) 3. Add at beginning of first sentence “There should be no more than 24 students in a chemistry class, and…”
 * 2) 4. 1st sentence “consistent with state and federal regulations and other guidelines.”
 * 1) 6. Delete this one. I’m suggesting a new sub-category after Storage of Chemicals and Equipment, “Chemical Waste.”
 * 2) 7. add “and a telephone either in the laboratory or in the preparation area.”
 * 3) 8. change “to permit detailed…observations” to “according to __(a lighting)__ standard.” (Need to find this.)

**Notes on Preparation Area**
Hoods and good, large prep area. 3rd sentence: After “electrical outlets” add “(with GFCIs near the sinks), and a plumbed eyewash facility, a safety shower, and a fume hood.” Delete “and should be provided…laboratory.” After “fume hood” above, add “Food intended for human consumption should not be stored, prepared, or consumed in the preparation area.” A telephone should be in the area as well as computers. Specify needs: sink with hot and cold water, glassware storage, electricity, gas, ventilation fan/hood, eyewash station, and other safety equipment listed for the laboratory deionizing (or distilling), apparatus The preparation area should be secure (lockable, keyed differently from classroom) with adequate space for the preparation and mixing of chemicals. 2 unobstructed exits I suggest emphasizing that the preparation area should have restricted access to students and should be available for the safe handling and bulk storage of hazardous equipment and chemicals and for teacher preparation of laboratory exercise materials away from student areas. More emphasis here, as many teachers must use the lab as a prep area and if the lab is also a classroom, then this can be dangerous. Realistic to require that it accommodate everyone at once?

Notes on Storage of Chemicals and Equipment
Mention acid/flammable cabinets as necessary. Chemical storage area limited to one location on campus to contain chemicals. Make sure teachers are aware of county/state prohibited list of chemicals. Make 1st sentence two sentences: after “Chemicals…secure area” add “that is locked at all times.” 2nd sentence: “The area should be well-ventilated, convenient to the laboratory…facility.” a. After “shelving” add “with shelf lips” After #2, insert: “3. Chemicals ordered should be sufficient for 1 - 2 years’ use only. Smaller quantities, although often more expensive per gram, are less expensive over the life of the chemical when disposal is factored in. In addition, teachers are encouraged to buy prepared dilutions rather than concentrated acids and bases.” Change numbers of next two to 4. and 5. (In high schools, chemicals and equipment are usually stored in the same area as the preparation facilities.) Access to this area should be restricted to staff with knowledge of chemistry and hazard chemical training. Students and non chemical trained staff should not have access to chemicals. This area should be a secure, lockable room keyed differently from the classroom. a. Add to “a” for earthquake protection: open cabinets need guards on shelves b. Add to “b” for earthquake protection: free standing cabinets bolted to walls 4. Chemicals should be dated, added to the inventory, and numbered upon receipt. 5. There should be an established, computerized, inventory system. In case of emergency, the fire department should be given access to the location of flammable liquid and hazardous chemical storage 6. Outdated or unknown chemicals should be properly stored until discarded by environmentally appropriate methods. I suggest adding “following proper environmental and safety guidelines” to the end of bullet number 4 after the phrase “should be discarded.” Many small schools have very inadequate storage, with no ventilation nor the proper ventilation or storage vessels (acid cabinet.) 2. Shouldn’t the teacher DO the unpacking? 4. add “ in appropriate fashion” at the end.

**Notes on The Classroom**
Computers? If combined lab/classroom make sure students can get out of the lab area easily (desks not blocking the exit path) In 1, “chalk- or whiteboard” Change #2 to read “Audiovisual equipment should be available for classroom use.” Add #4. “Chemicals should not be stored in the classroom.” Whiteboards and computer equipment (computer projectors, etc.) should be in the classroom. white or chalk boards, wall space for posters, bulletin boards to display student work storage space for equipment, books, audiovisual aides Teacher desk, filing cabinets, book cases a large chemical and fire resistant demonstration table with electricity, gas, water, and sink with drain Wall mounted TV/VCR/DVD and LCD projector Internet Access I suggest changing “large chalkboard” to “large chalkboard or whiteboard.” Again-discussion about computer.

Notes on Instructional Aids
Internet connections? Update #4 re computers, CBLs, etc. 2. add: reference manuals (CRC) 3. Move bulletin board to “The Classroom”, molecular models Add: Overhead projector, student computers, printer I suggest adding a bullet number 5 that says “Students should have access to the internet for the purposes of conducting research, finding references, and participating in interactive computer facilitated lessons. 4. delete “will”. Is this still a realistic discussion?

**Notes on Construction and Renovation of Facilities**
Asbestos? To #2, add: “(See Resources)” I suggest rewriting this entire section. Many teachers are not experienced with the best architecture for a chemistry classroom. This is a complex topic. Certainly, there should be a great deal of teacher input, but the teacher cannot take on the role of the architect. I suggest rewriting so that the teacher is part of the school board / administration / architect team working on this problem.