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Previous by Date: Subject: CHAS Award Help Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 15:19:35 -0500 Author: Doug Walters |
Next by Date: Subject: Re: Cell Phones in Lab Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 13:09:47 -0800 Author: Sheila Kennedy |
Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you so much for the great responses. Many helpful questions and suggestions. (And if you've got more, feel free to let fly.) A little more verbose explanation, for those who had questions: The concern was raised by our Organic Chemistry professor, and his primary concern was the undergrad students' reflex to answer the phone immediately (no, OF COURSE they wouldn't have turned off the ringer or phone) in the middle of a procedure, with their gloves still on, etc. He was also concerned about the fact that most of his students no longer wear watches, and were pulling out their phones to time procedures, and simply laying them on the bench top. So, again, he is concerned about the telephones being a vector for carrying chemical contaminants out of the lab (and yet he's not in favor of providing lab coats. . .). I do agree with the responses that suggest that this is an issue where education and reinforcement on basic lab hygiene and safety consistently applied should help take care of the issue. The issue of cell phones for emergency communication doesn't seem terribly compelling, because we have emergency phones in the hallways throughout our Life Sciences building, and in particular right outside the door to the O. Chem. lab. My impression is that our O. Chem. professor wants to ban cell phones from his lab, but he wants a little backup. He did express concern about being the only one to institute a ban, and having an uphill battle against constant arguments. I'm in favor of the ban, and would like to see it expanded to anything that could distract attention away from hazardous jobs or procedures. I think that having a well-thought out policy may be helpful, but I feel that the core issue really needs to be addressed by the professors, teaching assistants and researchers. Once again, many thanks for the thoughtful responses. Matt Heinrich Chemical Hygiene Officer Radiation Safety Officer Walla Walla College Ph. 509-527-2148 Fax 509-527-2249 heinma**At_Symbol_Here**wwc.edu
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