Workshop / Laboratory Assistant

As an institution with many science and engineering courses, many Queen Mary students are required to work extensively in laboratories.

For disabled students this can be especially problematic, owing to the nature of the equipment that they need to use. The Disability and Dyslexia Service use some Non-Specialist Human Support Workers to work in Workshop or Lab assistant roles within university laboratories to ensure that the students being supported can circumvent the issues presented by their disability.

When working as a  workshop or lab assistant, it is very important to do exactly what the student asks, as they may be assessed on the experiment. Therefore, even if you know that the student is telling you to do something which will result in them failing an assessment you must carry out their instructions. Basically, you will be acting as their hands or eyes.

However, health and safety is of paramount importance at all times and if you are asked to do something which you fear may lead to an accident you should refuse and ask for the advice of the lecturer or tutor leading the class. It is likely that you will need the permission of the student’s academic department to work in the laboratory so that you do not present as a risk to yourself or anyone else.

If in doubt, please speak to a member of staff within the Disability and Dyslexia Service.