Stop bath for disappearing cross

Ophelia

Ophelia

Hi everyone, not been on here for a while but I would appreciate some advice.

I think I already know the answer to this but I am having some issues with a colleague and it would help if I could get some views from here.

In my understanding, a stop bath should ALWAYS be used when the disappearing cross reaction is done, to stop the production of sulfur dioxide gas.

Is this correct? Are there any circumstances where it would be acceptable to just dilute and pour the reaction mixture down the sink?
 
C

ClaireL

From H&S yes...
but also because pouring down the sink and/or leaving it to be cleared up will stink out the lab- sometimes the stinkiness is the bigger incentive to use it...
 
CovTech

CovTech

Lvl 39 Alchemist
The stop bath was introduced to stop the solid sulfur from building up after the experiment is done but before you dispose of it as the water companies were complaining too much sulfur was being dumped down school drains

CLEAPSS instructs they must be used - so no excuse not to use them as they're easy to make and easy for the staff to maintain
 
Emil Tac 2

Emil Tac 2

Roller of Sleeves
Ophelia said:
Thank you all. It’s one of these cases where I know I’m right but am meeting resistance because “We’ve always done it that way…” :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Hate that response....
Had that in the past regarding teachers swapping rooms when we had to carry heavy equipment up/down stairs. We've always done it like this, so it's ok if you break your back too.
 
CovTech

CovTech

Lvl 39 Alchemist
Ophelia said:
Thank you all. It’s one of these cases where I know I’m right but am meeting resistance because “We’ve always done it that way…” :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Tuff
Things change, H&S is dynamic and if they won't use the stop-bath they can not have the experiment

Wasn't your call or choice to change it but you MUST abide by it
 
Ophelia

Ophelia

CovTech said:
Tuff
Things change, H&S is dynamic and if they won't use the stop-bath they can not have the experiment

Wasn't your call or choice to change it but you MUST abide by it
Click to expand...
It’s not actually the teacher that’s causing the problem, it’s another technician!
 
Ophelia

Ophelia

Emil Tac 2 said:
Hate that response....
Had that in the past regarding teachers swapping rooms when we had to carry heavy equipment up/down stairs. We've always done it like this, so it's ok if you break your back too.
Click to expand...
It drives me absolutely nuts. I love my job and take it very seriously, so I make sure I check CLEAPSS when I can and stay up to date. Yet I’m not listened to! I know I’m autistic and can come across a bit ‘blunt’ but I’m fed up of tiptoeing around certain people in order to spare their feelings.
 
CovTech

CovTech

Lvl 39 Alchemist
Ophelia said:
I added the stop baths to the trays going out and the other technician accused me of interfering, then removed them!!!
Click to expand...
It sucks to do but if they're really being that obstinate go above their head and see the HoD or the head of H&S

Be perfectly clear with them that you're doing it and why

Also might be worth emailing CLEAPSS and asking for them to make a statement on it as their search function is terrible and I can't find which bulletin it was announced on prior to the HazCard changing
 
Paul

Paul

Ophelia said:
Hi everyone, not been on here for a while but I would appreciate some advice.

I think I already know the answer to this but I am having some issues with a colleague and it would help if I could get some views from here.

In my understanding, a stop bath should ALWAYS be used when the disappearing cross reaction is done, to stop the production of sulfur dioxide gas.

Is this correct? Are there any circumstances where it would be acceptable to just dilute and pour the reaction mixture down the sink?
Click to expand...
only if you want the bursar to phone the water board about the stink from the drains.
 
Ophelia

Ophelia

CovTech said:
It sucks to do but if they're really being that obstinate go above their head and see the HoD or the head of H&S

Be perfectly clear with them that you're doing it and why

Also might be worth emailing CLEAPSS and asking for them to make a statement on it as their search function is terrible and I can't find which bulletin it was announced on prior to the HazCard changing
Click to expand...
The HoD was there when I was accused of interfering, so is aware now. I’ve emailed them all the relevant info from CLEAPSS and reminded them of the serious consequences if anything were to happen because we’d ignored the H&S guidelines (not just with this experiment but in general). The lesson isn’t until Friday so they have a bit of time to sort it out.
 
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