In Elements 5 and 6 of the management unit of NGC we were presented with a bewildering variety of hierarchies for control measures. An opportunity for active learning was missed in that we were not asked to apply these schemes. I was presented with an example during a conversation with one of our local pre-school teachers. She had been told the children were not allowed to collect some beautiful Autumn leaves and do leaf rubbings because of "health & safety". The leaves may have animal excrement on them, which could transfer to the children's hands and into their mouths, and some children may have an asthmatic reaction to leaf mould. So looking at the "PIGS RISE" mnemonic for control measures we have some alternatives:
P for PPE – the children could collect the leaves and make rubbings wearing protective gloves and respiratory protection.
I for Information – provide the parents with information about the intended activity and ask if any children actually have a problem with leaves
G for Good housekeeping – clear up after the work
S for Safe systems of work – make sure the children know not to put their hands in their mouths, show them how to rub leaves safely, and supervise them accordingly
R for Reduce – reduce the risk by the adults collecting the leaves, washing them in hypoallergenic disinfectant and then allowing the children to make leaf rubbings
I for Isolate – provide the children with isolation glove boxes so they can make leaf rubbings safe from any of the hazards entailed.
S for Substitute – print pictures of leaves from the Internet for the children to use instead.
E for Eliminate – Eliminate the original activity.
The pre-school decided on the last two measures. Not sure that's the choice I'd make…
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