Abstract:

Information technologies (IT) can be applied within the pedagogical environment to various parts of chemistry teaching, with different goals and using selected methods and forms. As of the laboratory work, IT is used to manage experimental activities, its evaluation, data processing, and presentation. They are also used to simulate and model processes, phenomena and to predict the course of reactions and chemical processes. From pedagogical practice, their use represents the possibility of acquiring new knowledge and information. Nowadays, the number of chemicals that can be dangerous or have a toxic effect on health, negatively affect the environment, pollute the air, water, and soil and thus gradually enter the food chain is growing (increasing).

Based on a survey of the current situation in the use of IT during laboratory exercises in selected years of university education we found that it is necessary to provide students with information about the properties of chemicals, their acute and chronic effects, safe handling. The obtained opinions and attitudes from students led us to add to the e-learning course in Moodle named "Laboratory exercises in analytical chemistry" with chapters focused on work and proper handling of chemicals. We also focused on providing first aid in the event of an accident due to improper handling of chemicals, endangering the health or even life.

The e-learning course consists of the following topics: safety and health at work; classification and labeling of dangerous substances; principles of safety at work, proper handling of chemicals and waste disposal; occupational health and first aid; extinguishing the fire of chemicals. The chapters of the e-learning course are inserted in the form of a book with control questions; the task is to verify the acquired knowledge. They also contain general principles concerning the prevention of occupational risks, safety and health protection, the elimination of risk and accident factors, information on applicable legislation, obligations to train students, and the rules for compliance with these principles. The course is extended by short video demonstrations of extinguishing chemical fires.

In the gradual addition of the topics of the e-learning course, we considered prevention-related measures aimed at risk avoidance; assessment and eliminating risks at source; adaptation of students' work, concerning the organization of laboratory layout, and the choice of working methods during laboratory exercises; deepening of acquired knowledge and experience; replacing unsafe laboratory procedures with safer or less unsafe ones; the introduction of a comprehensive risk prevention system that includes laboratory procedures, work organization, working conditions, social relations and the impact of the working environment; prioritization of means of collective protection over means of individual protection and appropriate organization of students' work during laboratory exercises.

The principles of risk prevention in chemical laboratories consist of a thorough knowledge of the effects of chemical substances and mixtures and in compliance with safety regulations when handling them. Their task is to draw attention to the risks and possible health threats when working with them. Therefore, in the education of students, it is necessary to draw attention to the correct handling of chemicals in order to avoid possible danger.

Keywords:

Pre-service teacher, chemical substance and mixture, risk prevention, laboratory exercise.