Education of Pre-service Chemistry Teachers: Protecting Health and the Environment

Abstract

An integral part of the preparation of pre-service teachers is learning about Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and protecting health in the field of education. 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. This paper provides information about on-line innovative study materials contained in the e-learning course prepared with the help of the KEGA Project (Cultural and Educational Grant Agency) No. 044UKF-4/2017, which is focused on pre-service chemistry teachers. Since pre-service chemistry teachers work with chemicals, it is important to focus on dangers, which threaten not only their health but also the surrounding environment. The topics comprising the course examine the situation, look for solutions to improve the current state of the environment and maximise the protectionof health. 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 and health protection for pre-service chemistry teachers.