FACULTY OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING

LABORATORY SAFETY PROCEDURES

 

DRESS CODE

a. DO NOT wear sandals, wear covered shoes

b. DO NOT wear excessive jewellery

c. DO NOT wear swing-loose-long hair style, neatly tie-up the long hair or place under a

proper head gear

d. DO NOT wear shoes with heel higher than 1" (2.5 cm)

e. DO wear lab-coat all the time

LAB CONDUCT

1. DO NOT disturb people who are conducting experiments!

2. Wear safety goggles. If your lab is classified as eye hazard area.

3. Wear gloves whenever you handle chemicals. Gloves must be made of appropriate

material for protecting you from being exposed to the chemicals. For example, handling

speciality chemicals, such as liquid N2, and handling hot surfaces wear gloves designed

for respective purposes.

4. DO NOT handle the door knob/handle with your gloves on.

5. Don’t handle chemicals without any label. Report them to the LT/Supervisor.

6. Encountering any spillage inside the lab, you should immediately (1) inform the lab

officer about the nature of chemical that spilled, and (2) follow the proper procedure to

completely clean of.

7. Label all chemicals in use with content, preparation date, user names, and expiry date.

8. Before handling any chemical, you have to

a. Request advice from your supervisor regarding its toxicity, nature and other

properties, and

b. Familiarze yourself with the information in its Material Safety Data Sheet

(MSDS).

9. NO eating or drinking inside the lab. DO NOT use any refrigerator or glassware in the

lab for storage of food and beverage.

10. Clear all the passage ways in the lab. Unused boxes or bottles should be thrown away

with the help of the lab officer

11. NO social gathering is allowed in the labs. The labs should not be crowded for

non-working purposes.

12. Always get the advice and help from the lab officer in-charge of your lab.

 

CHEMICAL HAZARDS

a. Store and handle all the chemicals below eye level.

b. Always wear appropriate gloves before touch any chemical because most of the

chemicals are poisonous. DO NOT sniff any chemical.

c. REMEMBER! alkali metals involving potassium or sodium are always stored in

hydrocarbon with minimum moisture contact because they react violently with water.

d. Always keep solvents tightly closed and placed in designated chemical storage cabinet

to minimize background accumulation of solvent vapours, which are flammable in

most cases.

e. DO NOT use Mercury (Hg) unless you have the permission of your supervisor and

laboratory officers. Before the actual usage, go through the procedure and precaution

with your supervisor and laboratory officer to minimize the risk of spillage by

providing containment for the working area.

f. NO pouring any chemicals down to the sink or drainage in the lab. To dispose of

chemical waste, following the instruction/help of the lab officer.

g. DO NOT sniff and contact liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide to avoid breathing

problem and serious burning. Always wear safety goggles and temperature resistant

gloves to handle them.

h. Avoid direct skin contact with chiral compounds, which are often biologically active.

i. Avoid direct skin contact with solid/liquid organo metallic compounds, which are

very poisonous. If they are a fine powder, wear a filter mask.

 

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

1. In case of spilling water on a lab bench near power points, first switch off the electrical

power before cleaning.

2. In case of leaking roofs, cover all the instruments, PCs, power points, etc., with a plastic

sheet. Request for the plastic sheet through your lab officer in charge.

3. To inspect any electrical equipment, first turn the power off and ask for the

instruction/help from the lab officer in charge. Any faulty equipment should be

attended by trained personnel only. DO NOT do it on your own

FIRE HAZARDS

a. In case of small fire on the bench, in the waste bin, or on the electrical contacts, use the

fire extinguisher. DO NOT pour water.

b. Heterogeneous metal catalysts and metal complexes are often pyrophoric, easily

triggering a fire. DON’T leave any paper towel (or other materials) containing

heterogeneous metal catalysts in the waste bin; put the towel/material in a beaker and

leave in the hood for “evaporation” prior to discard them of to a devoted waste bin.

c. Handling/processing alkali metals like sodium (Na) or potassium (K) in hydrocarbon

on a pan. Wash any flake of alkali metals using ethanol or isopropanol.

 

USING GASES

1. Always chain/secure gas cylinders at all time and place them away from excessive heat.

2. Always move the cylinders with a cap. Always use a cylinder trolley with chains to

secure them during moving

3. Open the valves slowly. DO NOT force or tamper with the pressure regulators

4. Often check the leakage of Gas cylinders, especially H2 & O2 cylinders, at the pressure

regulators, connection tubing, etc. A spark near a leaking hydrogen cylinder will lead to

a violent explosion

5. Equip all the labs using gases like CO, H2, etc., with sensors.

6. In case of a minor leakage of gases like CO, open the windows and take fresh air

outside of the lab.

7. Dispose of off-gases through the hood.

COMMENTS ON REACTION AND DISTILLATIONS:

a. Attend to reactions, particularly a new polymerization, all the time.

b. Always monitor the water supply for reflux reactions or distillations to ensure proper

cooling purposes.

c. In case of conducting reactions under a high pressure environment, always check

potential leakage of the lines, connections and valves.

d. WEAR YOUR SAFETY GOGGLES all the time during conducting pressurized

reactions.

e. Try to carry out all the reactions in the hood

f. At the end of the reactions, quench the reaction and dispose of the waste reactants,

products or residues properly by labeling them to differentiate from other chemical

wastes

 

SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY

1. Before you start doing any lab work, be familiar with the exact location of power

switches, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency showers, eyewashes, etc. Get the

emergency contact numbers from lab officer in case of fire, accidents, electrical short

circuits, etc.

2. In case of any accident, take immediately action to contain further damage and inform

your lab officer in charge for further actions. If evacuation is needed, inform your lab

officer in charge and activate the evacuation according to established procedure. DO

NOT handle the accident on your own.

3. In case of any chemical spilled with skin/eye contact, immediately wash off with excess

water and get medical assistance from the lab officer in-charge and for further action.

4. If any chemical is strongly inhaled, leave the area immediately and take a deep breath

of fresh air. If any symptom like coughing or short of breathe occurs, contact a

physician immediately.

5. In case of breaking any glassware, gather the pieces immediately and dispose them of in

a separate container. If chemicals are spilled, contact your lab officer in charge for

appropriate cleaning action.

6. Always stay alert in the laboratory. DO NOT sleep inside the laboratory.

 

COMMON LABORATORY SIGNAGES

Emergency Exit

First aid

Fire

Extinguisher

No smoking

No open flame

Emergency

shower

Head Protection

Respiratory

Protection

Eye Protection

Hand protection

Ear Protection

Footwear

protection

Lab coat Face shield

HAZARD SYMBOL

Biological

hazard

Radiation

Hazard

Flammable

hazard Poison hazard

Corrosive

hazard

Electrical

hazard

Laser hazard

Cryogenic

hazard

Oxidizer

Compressed gas

Explosive

Ultraviolet

hazard

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING

LABORATORY RULES

1. Each student, prior to commencing laboratory work, must read and accept the conditions of

these Laboratory Rules and sign a declaration form stating that they will abide by these

rules. Failure to sign the declaration form will result in disciplinary action.

2. Refer to the Laboratory Technologist (LT) in charge to sign the declaration form once you

have read the Laboratory Rules and attended the safety briefing.

3. Throughout, and upon completion, of your work you will be required to leave the laboratory

in a safe, clean and tidy condition. Refer to your Lab technologist about laboratory

departure. Note: you will not be permitted to submit your thesis until the Lab technologist is

satisfied that you have left the laboratory in a satisfactory condition.

4. This document contains requirements on:

Part 1: Housekeeping Rules

Part 2: Safety Rules & Notices

Part 3: Disposal of waste chemicals

HOUSEKEEPING RULES

Observe the following rules whenever you make use of the laboratory and its facilities:

A. USE OF LABORATORY

a. Students who need to use the laboratory must obtain authorisation from their

supervisors through laboratory approval safety form.

b. These forms are obtainable from the LT or department office.

B. CONDUCT

a. User's work area should be kept clean and tidy.

b. Do not eat, drink or smoke in the laboratory.

c. Do not bring in friends who are not involved in the project.

d. Do not play or listen to audio equipment (radio, walkman etc) while doing experiment.

e. Do not use items which have been booked-out by other users.

f. Report all accidents, breakages (major or minor) to the LT as soon as possible.

g. Label all items clearly, including name, date and contents.

h. Inform technologist and return all items promptly after completion of your project.

i. General guidelines can be obtained by referring to the Laboratory Safety Notice.

C. USE OF EQUIPMENT

a. Students should inform the LT of their intention of making use of any equipment.

b. The 'User's Record Book' should be signed before and after every use of the instrument

in the common facility room.

c. The student should make sure that the equipment and the surrounding work area is

cleaned up after use or at the end of the day.

d. Should any problem arise, the LT should be informed immediately.

D. USE OF CHEMICALS:

a. Students are allowed only to use chemicals authorized for that lab.

b. Do not leave any chemicals near balances, pH meters or common area. They should be

kept in the student's locker or returned to the store.

c. Spilled chemicals must be cleaned up immediately by the user. (eg. balance,

workbenches, fume cupboards etc.)

d. All chemicals/solutions/wastes must be properly labelled. Chemical names of all

components, concentration, date and name of user should be indicated on the container.

e. Chemical waste containers must have the word "WASTE" prominently written on them.

f. Refer to other laboratory notices regarding storage and disposal of chemicals. Speak to

the LT if you are unsure.

g. Any prepared chemicals should be handled through secondary carrying containers.

LABORATORY SAFETY NOTICE

a. ALL students, prior to commencing work must ensure that they have attended the

safety briefing and signed the acceptance form.

b. ALL students, prior to commencing work must fill in the risk assesment and obtain

authorization from their supervisors, and submit to the LT in-charge.

c. ALL students MUST familiarize themselves with the emergency procedures in the

laboratory. If in doubt ASK a LT or your Supervisor.

d. ALL students, prior to commencing work, must ensure that they have or posses a long

sleeved laboratory coat. This MUST be worn at ALL times when working in the

laboratory.

e. ALL students must wear protective eyewear, appropriate gloves, labcoats, etc when

handling solvents, acids and other harmful chemicals. ALL such chemicals should be

handled in the fume cupboard. Protective eyewear must also be worn when working

with glassware under vacuum or pressure.

f. ALL chemicals when transported around the laboratory MUST be adequately

supported and contained. All chemicals must be transported in closed containers.

g. No food and/or drink in the laboratory.

h. No wearing of sandals or ‘open’ shoes. No shorts and (ladies) wear pants, not skirts

where possible.

i. Do NOT obstruct common passageways (with stools, equipment, etc.). They must be

kept clear at ALL times.

j. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of the lab. Make sure that you have

removed and cleaned ALL glassware at the end of the day – leave the work place

TIDY.

k. All lab wastes must be properly disposed. No chemicals should be poured down the

sink. If in doubt, ask your supervisor. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure

timely disposal of stored waste solutions.

Please refer to your Laboratory Technologist regarding the use and disposal of any biological

materials (e.g. microbial cultures).

These rules will be enforced on a DAILY basis by Lab Officers and staff. Non-conformance

WILL result in penalties to the student and, if necessary, more serious disciplinary procedure.

DISPOSAL OF WASTE CHEMICALS

The Laboratory Safety Notice states the following:

“Proper disposal of the wastes from an experiment should be determined before the

experiment is started. Volatile compounds should be properly labeled and stored in a hood

until disposal. Solutions containing hazardous constituents should not be poured down a sink,

but stored in well-marked bottles for disposal. Hazardous constituents include such things as

strongly acidic or basic solutions, concentrated solutions of hazardous metals or other

inorganic compounds and toxic compounds. If in doubt, ask your supervisor. It is the

responsibility of the student to ensure timely disposal of stored waste solutions.”

Note

a. Different waste bottles must be used for different types of waste generated – DO NOT

MIX WASTES IN THE SAME BOTTLE (particularly organic wastes and acids).

b. Speak to your Lab Officers about obtaining waste bottles.

c. Each waste bottle must be labeled with: Your Name, Name of Supervisor, Date and

Type of Waste

d. Waste bottles must be kept in a safe place at all times. Speak to your LT about putting

the waste bottle in a fume cupboard.

e. Keep the bottle capped tightly between uses.

f. Do not overfill waste bottles. When finished, date the bottle. Waste must be cleared

every 2 weeks, regardless of volume.

g. Arrange with the LT to have the bottle removed promptly.

h. Refer to your LT for advice on the storage and disposal of biological materials. Note

that the use of any biologically active materials (e.g. sewage, blood, microorganisms)

must be discussed with your Supervisor prior to commencement of work and notified

to the Lab Officer in Charge.

Failure to comply with these requirements is a violation under the laboratory safety

rules.

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Undergraduates: Laboratory Approval Safety Form SECTION 1 - Laboratory Particulars. To be completed by applicant

Laboratory Name and Location : ___________________________

Laboratory Officer in charge: _____________________________

Period of use (date, max 12 months):… ..………………….from……………….……….to…………………..…

Time of use: ………………………………………………..from…………………..……to……………..……….

SECTION 2 – Student/Staff Particulars and Undertaking. To be completed by applicant

Name: Matric No:

1. I have read and understand the Departmental Safety Policy.

2. I have read and understand the Departmental Safety Rules.

3. Safety is integral part of my work in the laboratory.

4. I will do my best to ensure the safety of myself and co-users in the laboratory.

5. I have attended the required safety training(s).

Date(s) of training(s):__________________________________________

6. I use these chemicals (please list):____________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

7. I have read the MSDSs of all the chemicals listed above and can handle the chemicals safely.

Declaration:

I undertake to abide by the Departmental Safety Policy, Safety Rules and any safety directives given by my supervisor(s), Laboratory Officer and the Department Head/Safety Committee Chairman.

Name and Signature of applicant Date

SECTION 3 – Endorsement by Supervisor/PI

1. I have explained to the applicant the safety policy of the university, the department and my laboratory.

2. I have explained to the applicant that safety is an integral part of any activities in my laboratory.

3. I am satisfied that the applicant fully understood his/her duty and responsibility in the laboratory.

4. I am satisfied that the applicant has read the MSDSs of the chemicals and can handle the chemicals safely.

5. The applicant is required to work within sight of one or more persons.

__________________________________ _______________ Name and Signature of Supervisor / PI Date

SECTION 4 – Laboratory Officer

The applicant has participated in the required safety training(s).

Remarks:

Name and Signature of Lab Officer Date

Note: Applicants should carry their own authorized copy to be produced on demand by academic or security staff. Laboratory Officers are required to keep an authorized copy of this form with the student record in their office.

Applicants must sign “in” and “out” on the register of attendance kept by the Laboratory Officer each time the Student enters & leaves the laboratory after office hours.

Appendix

1. Sources of material safety data sheets ( MSDS)

a. Supplier

b. Manufacturer’s website

c. NUS digital library Canada Centre for Occupational Health & Safety

http://ccinfoweb.ccohs.ca/msds/search.html d. Pure chemical/Generic MSDS websites:

e.g. http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/cis/products/icsc/dtasht/index.htm or http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/nicstart.html

2. Warning and precautionary phrases

Warning and precautionary phrases give the harmful properties of the chemical and how to handle the chemical safely. Some MSDSs give Risk-phrases (R-phrases) and Safety-phrases (S-phrases).

Example: Hexane

From MSDS of hexane, the R-phrases & S-phrases:

R: 11-38-48/20-62-65-67-51/53

S: (2-)9-16-29-33-36/37-61-62

The meaning of R- & S-phrases (example: R11) can be obtained from ILO website:

http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/cis/products/icsc/dtasht/index.htm

ILO website gives:

R11: highly flammable

and

S62: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label.

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Research Student / Staff: Laboratory Release Form

SECTION 1 – Student/Staff Particulars. To be completed by applicant

Name: Matric/Staff No:

Supervisor(s):

SECTION 2 - Laboratory Particulars. To be completed by applicant Laboratory Name and Location : ___________________________

Date of last lab usage: ___________________________________

Experimental set-ups and equipment used:________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

All glassware, experimental set-ups and equipment been cleaned and stored? Yes/No/NA

All liquid/solid wastes properly disposed of? Yes/No/NA

Have all samples been cleared from refrigerators etc? Yes/No/NA

All keys returned? Yes/No/NA

List all items/chemicals that have not been cleaned/disposed of (specify location):

SECTION 3 - Undertaking by Successor/Supervisor (If applicable)

I undertake liability for all the items and chemicals listed above/attached list.

Name and Signature Date _____________________________________________________________________

Remarks: Satisfied/Not Satisfied

________________________________ _______________ Name and Signature of Supervisor Date

SECTION 4 - Approval by Laboratory Officer Remarks Satisfied/Not Satisfied

Name and Signature of Lab Officer Date

Note: In a case where the Lab. Officer and/or Supervisor is not satisfied, student must address all items prior to thesis submission. Note: the General Office will not accept submission of your thesis unless this form is completed and signed.

National University of Singapore Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

LABORATORY ACCESS CONTROL APPLICATION FORM Section 1 (to access your supervisor lab) To be completed by Requestor a) Name: _________________________ Supervisor Name: ___________________ b) Staff/Matriculation No.: ________________________________________________ c) Contact No.: _______________ Email Address: __________________________ d) Location Access requested: _____________________________________________ e) Reason: _____________________________________________________________ f) Course & year of study: B Eng (2nd, 3rd, 4th) M Eng. / M Sc. / PhD. Other: ________ g) Period of Use: Date from: ______________________ to: ___________________ h) Please tick ( ) 24 hr access or ( ) office hr access (8:30am to 6:00pm) _____________________________ ____________________________ Signature of Applicant Date _____________________________ ____________________________ Signature of Supervisor Date Section 2 (to access lab which not belonging to your supervisor) To be completed by Lab Supervisor in-charge Please tick ( ) 24 hr access or ( ) office hr access (8:30am to 6:00pm) Lab Supervisor’s Name:_________________________ Approved/ Not Approved ______________________________ _____________________________ Signature of Lab Supervisor in-charge Date