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Take a breather - How to avoid toxins in the workplace Oct. 7, 2004 Silica. Mineral spirits. Ammonium sulfide. Bromine. These are a handful of the hazardous chemicals that science and visual arts teachers can encounter in the classroom. If you work in these departments, do you know if you're using the proper equipment or taking adequate safety precautions to protect yourself and your students? New York State United Teachers saw a need for educators to have a ready source of answers to these questions. After researching the issues, staffers developed health and safety checklists, weaving in recommendations from experts in the visual arts and sciences. The checklists are on NYSUT's Web site at www.nysut.org. "Use the checklist to see if you've got the right equipment, are using the least toxic materials and have effective safety procedures in place," explained Wendy Hord, NYSUT health and safety specialist. Hord researched regulations from OSHA and other national health and safety organizations to determine what's needed for a safe, healthy learning environment. Local presidents, NYSUT regional offices and heath and safety activists received checklist copies, she explained. For health and safety publications from the statewide union, call (800) 342-9810, ext. 6249; or see www.nysut.org. - Kara E. Smith |
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