Science in Schools- We've Got the Power May 2021
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Demonstration Risk Assessment Form SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS- WE’VE GOT THE POWER MAY 2021 This is a 60min long show on the subject of sustainability and features several small and large scales demonstrations. These demonstrations include: 1. Fire in Hand 2. Burning Coal 3. CO2 Candle Extinguisher 4. Blue Sky 5. Infrared ‘Ray’ Gun 6. Hero’s Engine 7. Hand Crank Generator 8. Hero’s Engine with Wind Generator 9. Blowing Wind Generator 10. Solar Panel Explainer 11. Leyden Jar 12. Electroball3000 Explainer and Pass Around 13. Volatic Pile 14. Electrolysis 15. Igniting Hydrox Bubbles with E-match using Electroball3000 Likelihood Severity of impact Current risk Certain 5 Death or total destruction 5 High 4 Major injury or damage 4 Multiply Likelihood and Severity of Medium 3 Serious injury or damage 3 impact to get Current Risk rating Low 2 Minor injury or damage 2 Very low 1 Negligible 1 Action Rating 10 and above The work is too dangerous and should not be undertaken 8 or 9 The work is high risk. Those undertaking the work must be fully competent and experienced for the type of work, equipment to be used and fully understand all risks present. 5 or 6 Moderate risk Workers must be fully competent for the type of work and risks present, or under competent supervision. 4 Low risk. Those undertaking the work must be aware or be made aware of the risks and mitigation measures required. 2 or 3 Slight risk. Those undertaking the work should be aware or be made aware of the risks and mitigation measures required. 1 Insignificant risk. Activity suitable for all workers ACTIONS NEEDED BY VENUE: Isolate Smoke/ Fire Alarms in vicinity of demonstrations Ensure presenter knows Fire Evacuations procedures Ensure 1 x Fire Extinguisher is on Stand-by (only to be used in emergencies- should be either dry powder or carbon dioxide) Discuss with Presenter is there is a no gun policy at your school as the show using a pretend ‘Sci-Fi Ray Gun’ Risk assessed by: Dan Plane and Fran Scott Date of last review: 12/05/2021 Review date 11/05/2021 1 Demonstration: Fire in Hand Those at risk Ri Staff On-Stage Volunteers Audience Non-Ri Workers Others (please tick) Y Y Current Method Statement Hazards Mitigation Risk Likelihood ofSeverity impact Lighter fluid is added Lighter fluid presents fire risk Only trained presenters will handle 2 2 4 to the cotton wool in the lighter fluid before the show. Any a fire gadget. enough spillages to be wiped up thoroughly. to make it damp. The No naked flames to be near when lid is closed and the fluid filling the device. gadget is held in the Spillages and splashes when Gadget should not be in hand when 2 2 4 presenters preferred filling the gadget with lighter filling. Minimal amounts of lighter hand. fluid use, with the presenters fully fluid. trained in how much lighter fuel to At the appropriate use. (Note- fuel up the device just time the presenter before starting the show). flips the lid open in Fire in hand presents burning Presenter is trained and practiced in 1 2 2 their hand, and holds risk how to use the equipment in such a their hand out, palm way to keep their fingers in a safe up, and uses their position. Demonstration is only to be thumb on the same conducted by presenter. hand to flick the Hot metal could burn hand Fire not left going long enough to 1 2 2 flint, causing sparks, heat metal enough to burn. which ignite the Cotton pad could fall out when Presenters trained and practiced in 1 1 1 lighter fluid. flicking lid closed to attempt to proper use. Should the pad fall out, it extinguish the flame is to be immediately stamped out. In To extinguish the addition, a wire is stretched over the flames, the lid is pad to keep it in place. flipped closed, snuffing the flames. Flames present risk to eyes Flames kept at arms length by trained 1 1 1 presenter. Presenter always in The fire gadget used control of placement of flames. can be found here: https://www.mission The fire is only 15cm high, so isolation magic.co.uk/new- of smoke alarms not needed unless fire-from-hand-a-ball- they are particularly sensitive. of-flames-appears-in- Working with Lighter Fluid Lighter fluid is domestically available, 1 2 2 your-palm-holy-spirit- but it should still be treated with pentecost Lighter fluid is a flammable respect. liquid UN1268 therefore precautions must be taking It should not be handled near any according to the MSDS: naked flames, with hands being washed after use, before eating. https://www.mssd14.org/User Files/Servers/Server_57364/Fil Suitable fire extinguishing methods e/SDS%20Materials/SDS%20Sh include CO2, sand, extinguishing eets/Ronsonol%20Lighter%20F powder. Do not use water. Our luid.pdf preferred method is restriction (to use a fire blanket). 2 Storage and Transport of It will be stored in cool, dry 1 1 1 Lighter Fluid conditions. It will be kept separate from any oxidizers. It will be ensured that the lid is always closed prior to storage. The container should not be pierced. When empty can be disposed of in the normal rubbish. If left unattended in a school, it should be left within a locked box. PPE Requirements Item Item Item Item Flameproof overalls Gloves contact High visibility Waterproof clothing Hardhat Dust Mask Gloves chemical Wellington boots Hearing protection Mask chemical vapour/mist Safety shoes 3 Demonstration: Burning Coal Those at risk Ri Staff On-Stage Volunteers Audience Non-Ri Workers Others (please tick) Y Y Y Current Hazards Mitigation Method Statement Risk impact Likelihood Severity ofSeverity Approximately 5-6 spatula Eye injury via multiple Eye protection must be worn throughout. fulls of potassium chlorate, possible causes. 1 4 4 an oxidizing agent, is placed into a boiling tube in a A relatively large The demonstration should be performed laboratory clamp and stand. amount of smoke is only in a well-ventilated environment and It is then melted and heated produced. It is not with audience members well clear (at least close to its boiling point particularly harmful 3 metres). with a blowtorch. smoke (burnt carbon) Smoke detectors in the same room should but may cause coughing 4 1 4 Once at this point, a spatula be isolated from the fire alarm system if if inhaled in any full of ground coal is put possible quantity. into the tube so that it drops into the molten The smoke may also set potassium chlorate. It off fire alarms. reacts violently with a shrieking noise, creating a It is possible, though The reaction must be performed behind a bright light and lots of unlikely, that all or some 3-sided polycarbonate screen, with the smoke. of the content will be boiling tube directed so any flaming debris ejected from the boiling will strike the screen and be contained. tube during the reaction. The clamp and stand must be secure and The blowtorch/ portable It could then cause stable, and the whole demonstration space Bunsen used will be fueled burning injury or start a within the safety screen protected with with either Butane, Butane/ fire. heat proof ceramic mats. Flammable Propane mix or a high 2 3 6 materials must be kept well clear. temperature gas mix (MAP gas). If any material does escape the tube, it should be left to burn itself out on the To save the safety screen ceramic mats. If for any reason this needing frequent replacing, material escapes beyond the ceramic mats, cheaper acrylic ‘inserts’ will it can be extinguished with a CO2 fire be provided which can be extinguisher, which must be on hand. attached onto the safety screen via clips. As the coal burns a A spatula will be used to drop the coal into flame is produced from the tube. the boiling tube (Note- when referring to Heat proof gloves are also to be used for 2 2 4 Butane, this also refers to a inserting the coal, even the gloves Butane/ Propane mix) compromise dexterity. The tube will become Heavy, heat-proof gauntlets should be extremely hot (around worn to handle the boiling tube if 400°C or more) it will necessary to do so. remain hot for some 2 2 4 time after the demonstration, risking burning injury. 4 The tube may crack The reaction must be carried out above during the process, ceramic mats. If the tube fails in this way, releasing its contents the contents should be allowed to burn out below. and cool in situ. 2 2 4 If the power drops whilst still in powder form, carefully gather up and place in another boiling tube and burn off using another portion of coal dust. The blowtorch/Bunsen The blowtorch/Bunsen must only be used creates a fire hazard. by people completely familiar with their correct use. The flame must only be on for as long as necessary. In particular in the case of the blowtorch, the gas must be 3 2 6 switched off as soon as the potassium chlorate is ready, and before adding the coal to the tube. Working with Potassium Nitrile gloves and Goggles will warn when Chlorate dispensing the potassium chlorate into the test tube. In addition, it will be kept away Potassium Chlorate is an from food. With hands washed before food oxidizer, UN1485 consumption. therefore precautions must be taking 2 3 6 according to the MSDS: https://www.timstar.co.