Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:58:34 -0400
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Anne Skinner <Anne.R.Skinner**At_Symbol_Here**WILLIAMS.EDU>
Subject: Re: 8 Re: [DCHAS-L] Yale student killed in chemistry laboratory
accident/ A Call for a broad perspective on safety
In-Reply-To:

Thank you very much for this note.  "Chemphobia" is rampant (look at the number of schools evacuated because someone smells something that turns out to be cleaning solvent).  Yes, safety in the sciences includes machine shop safety, but to call this a 'chemistry' accident implies that toxic chemicals were involved, and reinforces the idea that we should stop doing chemistry because it, and it alone, is responsible for the ills of the world.

Anne R. Skinner



                I don't think those who have lamented the fact that "chemistry" has been prominently included in the reports of a shop accident are implying that we aren't responsible for safety in all areas.  They're just saying "Here we go again; chemistry gets the bad rap."  When Morton advertises  their Solar Salt as having "no chemicals", C&EN Nov,2010, you know there's a problem and being sensitive about it is understandable.  The other side of this is that with the emphasis in the headline is on Chemistry, many Physics & Astronomy professors and those responsible for mechanical safety may have just ignored it.  I know I passed it on to our Physics faculty because I didn't know if they'd hear about it otherwise.
 
Kay Calhoun
 
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Secretary, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2011 8:23 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] 8 Re: [DCHAS-L] Yale student killed in chemistry laboratory accident/ A Call for a broad perspective on safety
 
From: fred.simmons**At_Symbol_Here**srs.gov
Date: April 15, 2011 7:25:16 AM EDT
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] 8 Re: [DCHAS-L] Yale student killed in chemistry laboratory accident/ A Call for a broad perspective on safety
 
 
When I was in school I had the lathe, drill press and other machine shop tools in my laboratory along with all of the traditional chemistry lab equipment.  I fail to see the difference here.  Whether you call this a lab or a machine shop it was a part of here "Chemistry Lab" environment and the distinction is surely irrelevant to her friends and family.
 
Fred Simmons
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
 
 
 
 


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Dr. Anne Skinner
Chemistry Department, Williams College
47 Lab Campus Drive
Williamstown, MA 01267

anne.r.skinner**At_Symbol_Here**williams.edu
Phone:  (413) 597-2285
Fax No: (413) 597-4116

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