25/09/03 - 'Katie Chemical' launches attack on dangerous substances : Cumbria County Council

At 12.30 on Wednesday 1 October at Higham Hall, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria County Council’s Health and Safety Unit launches a new campaign focusing on the careful handling of dangerous substances. The campaign lasts throughout October and highlights the Council’s support for `European Week for Safety and Health at Work’ from 13 to 17 October. `Katie Chemical’, the campaign mascot, introduces her attack on dangerous substances at the launch event and gives prizes to winners of a children’s health and safety competition.

The competition and awareness packs went to all Cumbrian schools, Family Centres and Foster Carers before the summer holidays began. Packs included colouring competitions for younger children and poster and t-shirt design competitions for the older age groups. The competitions are designed to encourage children to think about the safety of chemicals in their homes and schools

County Councillor Jack Richardson, Cabinet spokesman for Community safety says,

“This is a very important campaign to raise awareness of the dangers involved in handling hazardous substances. `Katie Chemical’ is the mascot and logo for the campaign and will be visiting schools and supermarkets during October raising awareness of dangerous chemical handling. Katie will be giving out home safety leaflets and stickers on her tour around the county and BBC Radio Cumbria will broadcast the prize draw winners at the end of the campaign.

One of Cumbria County Council’s key themes within the Corporate Strategy is to improve the safety and quality of people’s lives. I am sure that Katie’s attack on dangerous chemicals will be successful in raising awareness and ensuring adults and children are safer in their home and work environment.”

Katie Chemical will be raising awareness of dangerous chemical handling at the following venues;

Monday 13 October, 10.30 to 12.30 at Tesco, Workington

Tuesday 14 October, 14.00 to 16.30 at Asda, Carlisle

Wednesday 15 October, 11.00 to 13.30 at Asda, Barrow

Thursday 16 October, 11.00 to 13.30 at Asda, Kendal

Friday 17 October, 14.00 to 16.30 at Safeway, Penrith

An Introduction to European Week 2003 and useful links to kids safety sites