Thank you to those of you who were able to attend the É«ÀÇÉçÇøonline meeting on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 to discuss the implementation of the Chemical Safety in Schools (CSIS) program, particularly concerns regarding the proposed Chemical Safety Officer (CSO) role.
The meeting was well attended by É«ÀÇÉçÇømembers, É«ÀÇÉçÇøSchool Administrative Officer (Science) delegates, Schools Departmental Committee delegates, É«ÀÇÉçÇøindustrial staff, and a number of non-members.
During the meeting, members raised concerns about the nomination of the CSO and the possibility that the role could be delegated to a School Administrative and Support staff member, most likely a School Administrative Officer working in Science.
The CMIP (Chemical Management Improvement Program) Working Group continues to meet on a fortnightly basis and includes representation from both the School Administrative Officer (Science) and General Assistant Advisory Groups. The program remains one of the most significant pieces of WHS consultation currently underway within NSW public schools.
Following consultation meetings, the É«ÀÇÉçÇøhas written to the Department outlining members’ concerns and has written regarding the following:
- Escalation of Assigned Duties, the Chemical Safety Officer Role, and Preventing Duty Creep
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøraised concerns that due to the nature of schools, duties relating to chemical safety could unreasonably be delegated to School Administrative Officers working in Science that does not comply with the Statement of Duties (SoD).
- School Administrative Officer (Science) should not be nominated as the CSO
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøclearly stated its position that a School Administrative Officer working in Science should not be appointed as a CSO as this carries a significant level of responsibility, accountability, coordination, and compliance oversight that extends beyond the scope of the current School Administrative Officer (Science) Statement of Duties.
The Statement of Duties clearly outlines that School Administrative Officer (Science) staff perform their work under the supervision and direction of a teacher. In contrast, the CSO role involves specialist oversight, coordination, and compliance responsibilities that are not reflected within the School Administrative Officer (Science) classification.
The Department’s proposed resources indicate that a CSO would, where possible, hold a science-related degree. This highlights a clear distinction between the CSO role and the current School Administrative Officer (Science) classification, which has no essential qualification or certification requirements.
É«ÀÇÉçÇøadvice to members
As a School Administrative Officer (Science), you must receive appropriate training before undertaking science support duties. At a minimum, this includes chemical safety training.
Your role includes:
- Providing technical assistance in the operation of the science laboratory under the supervision of a teacher, including where some discretion and judgement is required.
- Assisting with the evaluation and selection of equipment and supplies.
- Providing guidance to students in the safe use of laboratory equipment.
- Preparing materials and resources for science lessons in accordance with relevant safety protocols, including the safe disposal of materials, as directed by the teacher.
- Testing and demonstrating experiments under the guidance and supervision of a teacher.
Please ensure your duties are carried out within this framework and that appropriate supervision, direction and training are provided.
You Statement of Duties – School Administrative Officer (Science) can be found HERE
If you have any questions or require assistance, please email or contact your É«ÀÇÉçÇøSchools Organiser through É«ÀÇÉçÇøMember Support on 1300 772 679.
Next steps
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøwill hold further members only online meetings as consultation progresses. Members will be advised of the date and time as soon as it is confirmed.
Now is the time to have your voice heard. Support your Union. Support your Delegates. Support yourself.
Are you working in Science and need to let the É«ÀÇÉçÇøknow? Please emails so we can update your classification on our records.