Abstract:

For a young person´s personal and professional growth, university education is very important. The top priority should be to provide the young person in question with quality education with the possibility of applying knowledge acquired in practice. Increasing the quality and efficiency of education is currently a priority aim at universities. An integral part of the preparation is taking care of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the field of education and training. Current information on compliance with the principles of OHS in schools shows that this activity is not satisfactory in schools. It is, therefore, necessary to focus long-term attention not only on increasing theoretical knowledge in the field of OHS, but also and primarily on their applicability and usability in practice, and this is also true for the education of pre-service teachers of chemistry. The aim of education regarding OHS is to offer student-pre-service teachers necessary knowledge and information. To develop their skills and habits that are essential for working safely and in case of risk to provide layperson´s first aid.

The aim of this paper is to share information about possibilities regarding the education of pre-service chemistry teachers in the area of providing first aid in the case of intoxication by waste. Since pre-service chemistry teachers work with chemicals, it is important to focus on dangers which threaten not only their health but also the environment in which they work. This paper describes injuries which can occur while working in a chemical laboratory (risk of fire, explosion, and injury). It draws attention to the importance of injury prevention in the workplace with adherence to the principles of safe working practises. This paper shows the importance of training and education concerning OHS compliance for pre-service chemistry teachers.

Danger is a characteristic of working in a laboratory, which may harm the health of teachers, students, and pupils. Factors concerning danger include the dangers of working with a given substance, their quantity, the nature and knowledge of how the chemical behaves, principles regarding safe handling of the chemical, the level of technical security and organizational measures and the selection and use of personal protective equipment. Safety is endangered by working with chemicals. It is difficult for the young generation to properly observe OHS in particular in terms of hygiene and safety habits.

The pursuit of a highly professional level of education and of quality knowledge means constantly studying. OHS is aimed at decreasing the rate of accident and injury, risk assessment, precautions using progressive arrangements from practice, plus education and development of awareness aimed at a comprehensive improvement of welfare, increasing of a “culture of work” and school preparation. OHS education and training are provided by laboratory operations and activities in the workplace or school. For evaluation of danger and risks of various types of chemicals contained in waste, it is necessary to understand, in which situation and where and why they are risky. That is why it is highly necessary to know the dangers and follow rules ensuring the safe working with chemicals.

Keywords:

Pre-service teacher, education, chemistry, chemical substance, waste, first aid.