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CLEAPSS and COSHH

CLEAPSS

CLEAPSS works in the field of school and college science, Design and technology and art, from foundation stage through to GCE A-level or equivalent. They provide general support and advice for all aspects of practical work. This includes information, advice and training about laboratory and workshop design and working practices, technicians and their jobs, equipment, tools, materials, living organisms, and practical activities for students, as well as about disinfection with an over-arching focus on health and safety.

See CLEAPSS’ guides to joining their service for more information.

All Suffolk County Council LA schools are signed up to CLEAPSS via the Council. For other schools and settings, please contact CLEAPSS directly to sign up.

One of the most useful resources from CLEAPSS is their guidance on making and recording risk assessments in school science.

MARCH 2026 – CLEAPSS has produced a really helpful list of documents which will help with ALLERGIES IN SCHOOLS when carrying out D&T classes.

CLEAPSS’ Warmer weather and chemicals guidance is important for all schools to ensure they store their chemicals safely, especially during the summer break when temperatures are rising.

CLEAPPS Services

CLEAPSS Science Site – Information for science teachers and technicians on all aspects of secondary science, including Bulletins, HazCards, Practical Procedures etc.

CLEAPSS Primary Site – Information for primary teachers of science, technology, art and design. Includes teaching ideas, doing things safely, primary competition and leadership guidance.

CLEAPSS Technology Site – Information for teachers and managers of resistant materials, textiles, food, art and design and construction. Includes project ideas, model risk assessments, FutureMinds newsletter and management guidance.

CLEAPSS resources – September 2025

A whole host of new and updated resources are available to member settings, and these include:

Training courses:

  • Practical Science for the Primary Classroom
  • Health & safety in Design Technology follow on course (online)
  • Audit training for D&T, Food and Art departments (online)
  • Microscopes: maintenance and use NEW!
  • H&S in practical Science for early career teachers UPDATED!

WhatsAPP:

Last term a new WhatsApp channel was launched as an easy way for relevant staff to keep up to date with guidance. There’s no chat, just information. Go to the main page of CLEAPSS and you’ll find the link for the desktop site, and a QR code for phones.

Tik Tok:

The D&T team have launched a Tik Tok channel which specialises in design and technology – all sorts of videos on here from pewter casting with MDF moulds, to epoxy resin information, and the use of laser cut resin pieces. This is a ‘public’ viewing channel so just follow them at Cleapss_DT (@dt_cleapss) | TikTok .

Membership renewals for academies / other non LA schools can be found by logging into your My CLEAPSS account.

Helpline:
Don’t forget their helpline is here for all of our members not just the technicians!

They normally respond to helpline requests within two working days.
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

If your query is urgent then please contact them directly by phoning
01895 251 496 (Monday – Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)

Radiation Protection Officer

Advice can be sought from the County RPOs: Nina Bickerton – [email protected] / 01473 260 399 and Martin Fisher – [email protected].

March 2024: New and revised guidance from CLEAPSS: There is a NEW version of L93 and its associated guidance. Maintained schools can receive a copy from Nina or Martin / CLEAPSS, and all other education settings directly from CLEAPSS.

Ionising radiation inspections in schools

The Health and Safety Executive are undertaking inspections of Secondary Schools (HSE Education Bulletin dated 29 March 2022) who work with ionising radiation in science labs. If you are a member of CLEAPSS please access document the NEW L93 and ensure you are adhering to that guidance, alongside IRR17. Details of the inspections and further guidance can be found via the link above.

COSHH

Control of Substances Hazedous to Health (COSHH) relates to the materials used in science, art and design and technology as well as cleaning products used at the school, and the various chemicals and products the caretaker and maintenance staff use.

COSHH guidance