guideline for chemical safety

8/14/2019 Guideline for Chemical Safety

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Guideline for Chemical

Safety

Prepared by

Dr. Aly Mohamed Ez El-Arab Aly

Under supervision of

Chemical GroupCommittee for Safety and Occupational Health

2007


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INDEXPage

1- PURPOSE... 5

2- SCOPE... 5

3- SOME DEFINATIONS... 53-1. Chemical Hygiene Officer ( Committee for Safety :

and Occupational Health ) .. 53-2. Hazardous Chemical: ... 53-3. High acute toxicity chemical... 5

3-4. Laboratory: ... 63-5. Laboratory Scale: .. 63-6. Reproductive Toxin: ..63-7. Select Carcinogen: .....63-8. Laboratory Workers: ..6

4. CONTROL MEASURES AND EQUIPMENT .... 64-1. FIRST: LABORATORY.. 64-1-1. Laboratory Protocol... 64-1-2. Laboratory Design ..... 74-1-2-1. Ventilation....74-1-2-2. Laboratory-type hoods... 74-1-2-3. Safety Equipment... 8

4-2. SECOND: STANDARD PERSONAL OPERATING PROCEDURES.. 94-2-1. General Safety Rules...94-2-2. All laboratory workers should know.... 104-2-3. Personal Hygiene Guidelines... 104-2-4. Protective Clothing and Equipment.. 114-2-5. Personal Housekeeping.... 13

4-3. THIRD EQUIPMENT... 134-3-1. Glassware: .... 134-3-2. Syringes: .... 144-3-3. Vacuum/Pressure Equipment: ... 144-3-4. Compressed Gases: ... 144-3-5. Centrifuges.... 154-3-6. Ultraviolet Lamps..... 154-3-7. Lasers.... 154-3-8. Reparatory Funnels... 154-3-9. Cooling Baths and Cold Traps.. 164-3-10. Vacuum Pumps.... 164-3-11. Electrical....16


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Page4-4. FOURTH: CHEMICAL...... 17

4-4-1. CHEMICAL-SPECIFIC SAFETY PROCEDURES.. 174-4-1-1. Reproductive Toxins: ..... 174-4-1-2. High Acute Toxicity Chemicals ..174-4-1-3. Select Carcinogens ......184-4-1-4. Flammables: ... 19

4-4-2. Procedures for Specific Classes of Hazardous Materials.. 194-4-2-1. Flammable Solvents... 19A) Terms and Definitions: ... 19B) Examples of Flammable Liquids... 21C) Use and Storage of Flammables... 21

D) Health Hazards Associated with Flammables.. 21E) First Aid Procedures for Exposures to Flammable Materials.. 22F) Personal Protective Equipment... 23

4-4-2-2. Oxidizers.... 23A) General Characteristics... 23B) Examples of Common Oxidizers.... 23C) Use and Storage of Oxidizers... 23D) Use and Storage of Perchloric Acid..23E) Health Hazards Associated with Oxidizers...24F) First Aid...... 25G) Personal Protective Equipment... 25

4-4-2-3. Corrosives....26A) General Characteristics... 26B) Examples of Corrosives... 26C) Use and Storage of Corrosives... 26D) Use and Storage of Hydrofluoric Acid.. 28E) Health Hazards Associated with Corrosives.. 28F) First Aid ....... 29G) Personal Protective Equipment... 30

4-4-2-4. Reactives.... 30A) General Characteristics... 30B) Use and Storage of Reactives... 32C) Health Hazards Associated with Reactives.. 33

4-4-2-5. Compressed Gas Cylinders..34General Characteristics: ... 34Purchase Policy... 35Use and Storage.... 36

4-4-3. CHEMICAL PROCUREMENT.. 36


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4-4-4. CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTION.. 37

4-4-5. CHEMICAL STORAGE: ... 374-4-5-1. Laboratory Storage: ... 374-4-5-2. Storage Cabinets... 394-4-5-3. Flammable Storage Cabinets... 394-4-5-4. Acid Storage Cabinets... 40

4-4-6. WASTE DISPOSAL...40

4-4-7. RECORDS... 40

5. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES... 415-1. Accidents: ..... 415-2. Fires: ..... 415-3. Spills: .... 415-4. Evacuation: ... 41

6. EMPLOYEE INFORMATION AND TRAINING.. 426-1. Information... 426-2. Training: .... 42

7. MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS... 42

8-APPENDIX... 44


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1- PURPOSEThe purpose of the Chemical Safety Guide is to establish:

1. Procedures,2. Equipment,3. Personal protective equipment and4. work practices

That will protect employees from health hazards presented by hazardouschemicals used in their particular workplace.

2- SCOPEThis guide applies to all Department employees who are engaged inlaboratory work that may expose them to hazardous chemicals.

3- SOME DEFINATIONS3-1. Chemical Hygiene Officer ( Committee for Safety and Occupational Health ):

Employee who is:1. Designated by the employer, and2. Are qualified by training or experience,

To provide technical guidance in the development and implementation of the provisions of the Chemical Safety Guide.3-2. Hazardous Chemical :

Chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acuteand chronic health effect may occur in exposed employees.This includes chemicals that are:1. Carcinogens2. Toxic3. Highly toxic agents4. Reproductive toxins5. Irritants6. Corrosives7. Sensitizers8. and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous

membranes.3-3. High acute toxicity chemical :

Chemical that may be:1. Fatal or 2. Cause damage to target organs

As a result of a single exposure or exposures of short duration.


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3-4. Laboratory :Workplace where relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals

are used on a non-production basis.3-5. Laboratory Scale :Work with substances in which the containers used for:1. Reactions,2. Transfers, and3. Other handling of substances

Are designed to be easily manipulated by one person.3-6. Reproductive Toxin:

Chemicals that affect human reproductive capabilities includingchromosomal damage (mutations) and effects on fetuses (teratogenesis).3-7. Select Carcinogen :

Substance that listed under the category1. "known to be a carcinogen or 2. (carcinogenic to humans) or 3. "reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens" and

Causes statistically significant tumor incidence in experimental animals3-8. Laboratory Workers :

1. Responsible for planning and conducting all operations inaccordance with the departmental Chemical Safety Guide.

2. Develops good personal chemical hygiene habits.

4. CONTROL MEASURES AND EQUIPMENT

4-1. FIRST: LABORATORY

4-1-1. Laboratory Protocol1. Everyone in the lab is responsible for his or her own safety and for

the safety of others . 2. Before starting any work in the lab, make it a point to become

familiar with the procedures and equipment that are to be used . 3. Work only with chemical products when you know their

flammability, reactivity, toxicity, safe handling, storage, and emergency procedures.


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If you don't understand or are unclear about something, ask! The followingguidelines are recommended for working safely in a lab.

4-1-2. Laboratory Design :Each laboratory should have:

(1) An appropriate general ventilation system with air intakes andexhausts so as to avoid the intake of contaminated air.

(2) Adequate, well-ventilated storage areas.(3) Laboratory hoods and sinks.(4) Access to safety equipment including eye-wash fountains, safety

showers, and fire extinguishers. Respiratory protection, a fire alarmand telephone for emergency use should be available nearby.

(5) Arrangements for waste storage and disposal.

4-1-2-1. Ventilation :Laboratory ventilation should:

(1) Provide a source of air for breathing and for input to local ventilationdevices,

(2) Not be relied on for protection from toxic substances released into thelaboratory, and

(3) Provide four to 12 room changes per hour.

4-1-2-2. Laboratory-type hoods should be:(1) Used for work with hazardous chemicals, especially toxic chemicals

that have low air concentration limits, or that have high vapor pressures,

(2) Provide 2.5 linear feet of space per person for every 2 workers thatspend most of their time working directly with hazardous chemicals,

(3) Provide a hood face velocity of 80-120 fpm,(4) Not be used as storage areas for chemicals, apparatus or other materials,(5) Not to be used to evaporate solvents (except small quantities of volatile

materials)


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Figure 1: Laboratory hood

* Work inside the hood should be conducted at least six inches from thefront edge of the hood.

* Hood sashes should be lowered at all times except when necessary toraise them to adjust the apparatus inside the hood (Figure 1).

* The hood fan should be kept "on" whenever a chemical is inside thehood, whether or not any work is being done in the hood.

* Do not allow solid objects to enter the hood's exhaust duct. Hood ductsand fans should be inspected semi-annually by maintenance personnelat frequent intervals to be sure they are clean and clear of obstructions.

* Fume hoods should be maintained in satisfactory operating condition atall times. Performance levels should be monitored annually or whenever a change in local ventilation devices is made. Any hood withinadequate performance should be repaired immediately.

* Canopy hoods should be provided as needed. Each canopy should havea separate duct.

* Exhaust air from vacuum pumps and glove boxes should be vented

directly into the building exhaust system.* Cold rooms should have provisions for rapid escape in the event of electrical failure.

4-1-2-3. Safety Equipment :All laboratories should be equipped with:

1. Eyewash fountains (Figure 2) and2. Safety showers.

These should be:


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Located so that they can be reached from any pointin the laboratory.

Access to eyewash fountains and safety showersshould not be restricted or blocked in any way.3. Fire extinguishers

Figure 2: Eyewash fountain

4-2. SECOND: STANDARD PERSONAL OPERATINGPROCEDURES

4-2-1. General Safety Rules :1. Never work alone in a laboratory or chemical storage area. If

you must work alone, make someone aware of your locationand have them call or check on you periodically .

2. Minimize all chemical exposures.

3.

Appropriate eye protection should be worn at all times.4. Skin contact with chemicals should be avoided.5. Do not smell or taste chemicals.6. Use protective safety equipment to reduce potential exposure

to hazardous chemicals.7. Do not run in the laboratory.8. Avoid distracting or startling other workers. Horseplay should

be avoided.


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9. Prior approval should be obtained from thesupervisor/instructor whenever a new laboratory procedure,

test or experiment is carried out; or there is a change in anexisting procedure, test or experiment.

4-2-2. All laboratory workers should know:(1) The hazards of a chemical as stated in the MSDS and other appropriate

references.(2) The location and proper use of emergency equipment(3) How and where to properly store chemicals when not in use.(4) The proper method for transporting chemicals within the department.(5) The appropriate procedures for emergencies, including evacuation

routes, spill cleanup procedures and proper waste disposal.

4-2-3. Personal Hygiene Guidelines : Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or apply cosmetics in the

laboratory (Figure 3).

Figure 3: No eat, drink, smoke in this area poster

Avoid inhalation of chemicals. Never sniff chemicals directly;always waft the odors to your nose using your hand.

Do not pipet by mouth. Use a pipet bulb or other appropriatedevice.

Wash promptly after a chemical has contacted the skin.


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Wash hands and other areas of exposed skin before leaving thelaboratory.

Do not store or handle food or beverages in laboratory areas(including refrigerators used for chemical storage).

Do not wear lab coats, gloves, or other personal protectiveclothing out of the lab and into non-lab areas. This clothingmay have become contaminated and you could spread thecontamination .

Contact lenses should not be worn in a lab because they cantrap contaminants behind them and reduce or eliminate theeffectiveness of flushing with water from an eyewash. Contact

lenses may also increase the amount of chemicals trapped onthe surface of the eye and decrease removal of the chemical bytearing and cause severe damage to the eye . If it is necessary towear contact lenses in a lab, wear protective goggles at all times

4-2-4. Protective Clothing and Equipment :1. Eye protection (Figure 4) must be worn at all times. That

provide protection against: chemical splashes, vapors, dusts, and

mists impact the specific wavelength of thatlaser, If using a laser. If it is necessary to wear contact lenses in a lab,

wear protective goggles at all times. Remember, prescription glasses do not provide

adequate protection in a laboratory setting.Prescription safety glasses can be purchasedfrom most opticians .

2. When working with hazardous chemicals, wear gloves (Figure4-Appendix III) made of material known to be resistant to

permeation by that chemical. Inspect gloves before each use, for cracks, tears, and

holes Wash them before removal. Replace them periodically. If direct chemical contact occurs, replace gloves

regularly throughout the day. Butyl, neoprene, and nitrile gloves are resistant to most

chemicals, e.g., alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, most


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inorganic acids, and most caustics. Disposable latex andvinyl gloves protect against some chemicals, most

aqueous solutions, and microorganisms and reduce risk of product contamination . Note: There is increasing evidencethat some people develop a serious allergic reaction tolatex.

Leather and some knit gloves will protect against cuts,abrasions, and scratches, but not against chemicals .

Temperature-resistant gloves protect against cryogenicliquids, flames, and high temperatures .

Figure 5

3. A laboratory coat or apron (Figure 4) should be worn whenworking with hazardous chemicals.

4. Full foot coverage is required at all times.5. Confine long hair and loose clothing.


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Figure 4:

4-2-5. Personal Housekeeping :Keep work area clean and uncluttered . Properly label and store all chemicals and equipment. All chemicals

(including solutions and chemicals transferred from their originalcontainers) should be labeled with their names, concentrations andhazards.

Clean up work area on completion of work or at the end of the day.Do not block access to emergency equipment or exits.All chemicals and wastes should be placed in their proper storage area at

the end of the day.All working surfaces and floors should be cleaned regularly. Keep all aisles and walkways in the lab clear to provide a safe walking

surface and an unobstructed exit .

4-3. THIRD EQUIPMENT

4-3-1. Glassware :1. Do not use broken, chipped, starred or cracked glassware.


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2. Clean all glassware after use.3. Do not pick up broken glassware with bare hands. Use gloves

or sweep it up. Deposit broken glass in a special "BrokenGlass box for disposal.4. Handle hot glassware with proper size and type of tongs or hot

mitts.

4-3-2. Syringes:Syringes are intended for dispensing reactive and/or hazardous

chemicals that cannot be safely handled in any other manner. So, Syringes and needles should be store in a central, secure

location. Following use, syringes are to be placed intact in a puncture-

resistant, leak-proof container specified for sharps disposal.

4-3-3. Vacuum/Pressure Equipment :1. Use a safety shield whenever an implosion might occur.2. Shield or wrap Dewar flasks or other evacuated glass apparatus

in case implosion occurs.3. Relieve vacuum in all parts of system before opening apparatus.

Relieve vacuum slowly. Avoid sudden pressure changes that

could cause breakage or spattering of contents. Do not relievevacuum on heated apparatus until apparatus has cooled.4. Use steam or heating mantles to heat vacuum distillation flasks.5. Do not apply pressure to glassware.

4-3-4. Compressed Gases :1. Prior to delivery to the site of use, all compressed gas cylinders

will be kept in a locked tank storage facility where cylinderswill be secured upright.

2. Store and transport compressed gas cylinders with the safetycaps on.

3. Transport large cylinders on a hand truck to which the cylinder is secured.

4. Cylinders should be securely clamped to a firm support with anappropriate cylinder clamp or chains.

5. Always use a reducing valve.6. Never lubricate, modify or tamper with a cylinder valve.7. Do not heat cylinders or store near a heat source.


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4-3-5. Centrifuges1. Securely anchor tabletops centrifuges and place in a location

where the vibration will not cause bottles to fall off the bench . 2. Keep the centrifuge lid closed while operating and do not leave

the centrifuge until you are certain it is running safely withoutvibration .

3. If the centrifuge starts vibrating, stop and check the load balances .

4. Regularly clean rotors and buckets with a non-corrosivecleaning solution .

5. Use sealed safety cups while centrifuging hazardous materials .

4-3-6. Ultraviolet Lamps1. Wear ultraviolet absorbing protective safety glasses while

working with ultraviolet light . 2. Protect your skin from potential burns due to ultraviolet light . 3. Shield any experiment in which ultraviolet light is used to

prevent escape of the direct beam or scattered radiation .

4-3-7. Lasers1. Always wear goggles that protect against the specific

wavelength of the laser . 2. Never look directly at the beam . 3. Do not allow any reflective materials in or along the beam . 4. Post warning signs in all laser areas. If possible, use a flashing

light at the lab entrance to indicate when a laser is in use ..

4-3-8. Separatory Funnels

1.

Use extreme caution if the temperature of the materials iselevated . 2. When a volatile solvent is used, swirl the unstoppered

separatory funnel first to allow some solvent to vaporize and torelease pressure

3. Close the funnel and invert it with the stopper held in place,then immediately open the stopcock to release pressure .


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4. Do not vent the separatory funnel near a flame or any other ignition source and do not point it at a co-worker or equipment.

It is best to vent the separatory funnel into a fumehood . 5. Close the stopcock, swirl the funnel, then immediately open the

stopcock with the funnel in an inverted position to vent thevapors again .

4-3-9. Cooling Baths and Cold TrapsAlways use caution when working with cryogenic coolants . Use temperature resistant gloves and a face shield while slowly

immersing an object to be cooled .

Do not pour cold liquid onto the edge of a glass Dewar flask whenfilling because the flask may break and implode .

Never lower your head into a dry ice chest; no oxygen is present . Wear temperature resistant gloves while handling dry ice. If no

protection is used, severe burns can result .

4-3-10. Vacuum Pumps1. If possible, vent vacuum pump exhaust into a fume hood . 2. Guard all belt-driven vacuum pumps to prevent hands or loose

clothing from getting caught in the belt pulley . 3. Place a trap between the vacuum pump and the apparatus . 4. Lubricate pump regularly if possible. Check belt conditions

4-3-11. ElectricalExamine all electrical cords periodically for signs of wear and

damage. If damaged electrical cords are discovered, unplug theequipment and send it off for repair .

Properly ground all electrical equipment . If sparks are noticed while plugging or unplugging equipment or if

the cord feels hot, do not use the equipment until it can beserviced by an electrician .

Do not run electrical cords along the floor where they will be atripping hazard and be subject to wear. If a cord must be runalong the floor, protect it with a cord cover .

Do not run electrical cords above the ceiling. The cord must bevisible at all times to ensure it is in good condition .


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Do not plug too many items into a single outlet. Cords that enableyou to plug more than one item in at a time should not be used.

Multi-plug strips can be used if they are protected with a circuit breaker and if they are not overused . Do not use extension cords for permanent wiring. If you must use

extension cords throughout the lab, then it is time to haveadditional outlets installed .

4-4. FOURTH: CHEMICAL

4-4-1. CHEMICAL-SPECIFIC SAFETY PROCEDURES4-4-1-1. Reproductive Toxins :Reproductive toxins should be handled only in a hood, using appropriate

protective apparel (especiallysuitable gloves) to prevent skin contact.Reproductive toxins should be properly labeled and stored in well-

ventilated areas in unbreakablesecondary containers, if possible. Notify supervisor/instructor of all incidents of exposure or spills.

4-4-1-2. High Acute Toxicity Chemicals (Supplemental rules to befollowed in addition to those mentioned above):

1. Use and store these chemicals in areas of restricted access thatare posted with special warning signs. These areas shouldinclude a hood (with a face velocity of at least 60 linear feet/minute) or other containment device for procedures thatmay generate aerosols or vapors containing the substance.

2. Use gloves, long sleeves and other protective apparel as neededto avoid skin contact. Always wash hands after working withthese chemicals.

3. Maintain records of the amounts of these materials on hand,

amounts used and the names of the workers involved.4. Assure that at least two people are present at all times if acompound in use is highly toxic or of unknown toxicity.

5. Be prepared for accidents and spills. Store breakable containersof these substances in chemically resistant trays. Cover work and storage surfaces with removable, absorbent, plastic backed

paper.


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6. If a major spill occurs outside the hood, evacuate the area;assure that cleanup personnel wear suitable protective apparel

and equipment.7. Thoroughly decontaminate or incinerate contaminated clothingor shoes. If possibly, chemically decontaminate by chemicalconversion.

8. Store contaminated waste in closed, suitably labeled, secondarycontainers (for liquids, plastic bottles half-filled withvermiculite).

4-4-1-3. Select Carcinogens (Further supplemental rules to be followed, inaddition to all these mentioned above, some examples of potent carcinogenwere listed in appendix I):

1. Conduct all transfers and work with these substances in adesignated area--a restricted access hood, glove box or portionof a lab designated for use of highly toxic substances, for whichall people with access are aware of the substance being usedand necessary precautions. The designated area should beconspicuously marked with warning and restricted access signs.Prepare a plan for use and disposal of these materials and obtainapproval of the appropriate lab supervisor or instructor.

2. All containers of these substances should be properly labeledwith identity and warning labels.3. Store containers of these chemicals in ventilated, limited access

areas in appropriately labeled, unbreakable, chemicallyresistant, secondary containers.

4. If using toxicologically significant quantities of a selectcarcinogen on a regular basis (3 times per week or more),consult a physician concerning desirability of regular medicalsurveillance.

5. Use a wet mop instead of dry sweeping if the toxic substancewas a dry powder.

6. When using a positive pressure glove box, thoroughly check for leaks before each use. Trap exit gases or filter them through aHEPA filter and then release into the hood.

7. Use chemical decontamination whenever possible; ensure thatcontainers of contaminated waste (including washings fromcontaminated flasks) are transferred from the controlled area insecondary container under the supervision of the laboratorysupervisor/instructor.


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8. Decontaminate any equipment, including glassware, in the hood before removing them from the controlled area. Decontaminate

the controlled area before resuming normal work there.9. On leaving the area, remove protective apparel and wash hands,forearms, face and neck.

4-4-1-4. Flammables :1. Never heat flammable liquids with an open flame or hot plate.

Use a heating mantle, steam bath or hot water bath.2. Never use or store flammable chemicals near any source of

ignition, spark or open flame.3. Handle solvents in an exhaust hood or a well-ventilated area.4. Ground containers when transferring from one container to

another if the potential for sparking exists.5. Do not store large quantities of flammable reagents in the

laboratory..6. Store flammable liquids in appropriate safety cabinets and/or

safety cans.

4-4-2. Procedures for Specific Classes of Hazardous MaterialsThis section offers some specific guidelines for working with

common hazards laboratory chemicals that, for varying reasons, are acutelytoxic in the sense that they may cause considerable harm to human life andhealth pending short-term exposures .

This section will address five fundamental classes of laboratorychemicals: flammables, corrosives, oxidizers, reactives, and compressedgases. These classes of chemicals may include chemicals that are alsocovered in the previous section regarding their property of toxicity .

4-4-2-1. Flammable Solvents

A) Terms and Definitions : Flammable liquids are indeed the most common chemicals found in a

laboratory. The primary hazard associated with flammable liquids is, of course, their ability to readily ignite and burn .

One should note that it is the vapor of a flammable liquid, not the liquiditself that ignites and causes a fire .

1. The rate at which a liquid vaporizes is a function of its vapor pressure. In general, liquids with high vapor pressuresevaporate at a higher rate compared to liquids of lower vapor


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pressure. It should be noted that the vapor pressure increasesrapidly as the temperature is raised as does the evaporation rate.

A reduced-pressure environment also accelerates the rate of evaporation . 2. The flash point of a liquid is the lowest temperature at which a

liquid gives off vapor at such a rate as to form an air:vapor mixture that will ignite, but will not sustain ignition. Manycommonly used flammable solvents have flashpointssignificantly lower than room temperature :

Compound Flash Point (C ) diethyl ether - 45.0

acetone - 17.8 isopropyl alcohol 11.7

3. The limits of flammability or explosively define the range of fuel : air mixtures that will sustain combustion. The lower limit of this range is called the Lower Explosive Limit or LEL,and the higher limit of this range is called the Upper ExplosiveLimit or UEL . Materials with very broad flammability ranges (e.g., acetylene, LEL= 3%, UEL = 65%) are particularly treacherous due to the fact that

virtually any fuel:air combination may form an explosiveatmosphere . 4. The vapor density of a flammable material is the density (mass

to volume ratio) of the corresponding vapor relative to air under specific temperature and pressure conditions.Flammable vapors with densities greater than unity (and thusheavier than air) are potentially lethal because they willaccumulate at floor level and flow, with remarkable ease, inmuch the same manner that a liquid would. The obvious threatis that these mobile vapors may eventually reach an ignitionsource, such as an electrical outlet or a Bunsen burner atanother students bench .


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B) Examples of Flammable LiquidsAcetone ethyl ether toluene methyl formate

C) Use and Storage of Flammables Flammable liquids that are not in active use must be stored in safe

containers inside fire resistant storage cabinets designed for flammables, or inside storage rooms.

Minimize the amount of flammable liquids stored in the lab Use flammables only in areas free of ignition sources. Remember,

smoking is not permitted inside any University building . The transfer of material to or from a metal container is generally

accompanied by an accumulation of static charge on the container.This fact must be kept in mind when transferring flammableliquids, since the discharge of this static charge could generate aspark, thereby igniting the liquid. To make these transfers safer,flammable liquid dispensing and receiving containers must be

bonded together before pouring. Large containers such as drumsmust also be grounded when used as dispensing or receivingvessels. All grounding and bonding connections must be metal tometal. (The aforementioned bonding and grounding wires may befound in most lab safety catalogs .(.

Never heat flammables with an open flame. Instead, use steam baths, water baths, oil baths, hot air baths, sand baths or heatingmantles .

Never store flammable chemicals in a standard householdrefrigerator. There are several ignition sources located inside astandard refrigerator that can set off a fire or violent explosion.Flammables can only be stored cold in a lab safe or explosion-

proof refrigerator. Another alternative is to use an ice bath to chillthe chemicals. Remember, there is no safety benefit in storing aflammable chemical in a refrigerator if the flashpoint of thatchemical is below the temperature of the refrigerator .

D) Health Hazards Associated with FlammablesIn general, the vapors of many flammables are irritating to mucousmembranes of the respiratory system and eyes, and in high concentrationsare narcotic. The following symptoms are typical for the respective routes of entry .


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A cute Health Effects : Inhalation - headache, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, narcosis (stupor and

Unresponsiveness)

Ingestion - slight gastro-intestinal irritation, dizziness, fatigueSkin Contact - dry, cracked, and chapped skin

Eye Contact - stinging, watering eyes, and inflammation of the eyelids

Chronic Health Effects : The chronic health effects will vary depending on the specific

chemical, the duration of the exposure, and the extent of the exposure.

However, damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart and/or central nervoussystem may occur. Cancer and reproductive effects are also possible .

Flammable Groups Exhibiting Similar Health Effects : Hydrocarbons - aliphatic hydrocarbons are narcotic but their systemictoxicity is relatively low. Aromatic hydrocarbons are all potent narcoticagents and overexposure to the vapors can lead to loss of muscular coordination, collapse, and unconsciousness. Benzene is toxic to bonemarrow and can cause leukemia .

Alcohols - vapors only moderately narcotic . Ethers - exhibit strong narcotic properties but for the most part are onlymoderately toxic .

Esters - vapors may result in irritation to the eyes, nose, and upper respiratory tract .

Ketones - systemic toxicity is generally not high .

E) First Aid Procedures for Exposures to Flammable Materials

Inhalation Exposures - remove person from the contaminated area if it issafe to do so. Get medical attention and do not leave person unattended . Ingestion Exposures - remove the person, if possible, from the source of contamination. Get medical attention .

Dermal Exposures - remove person from source of contamination. Removeclothing, jewelry, and shoes from the affected areas. Flush the affected areawith water for at least 15 minutes and obtain medical attention .


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Eye Contact - remove person from the source of contamination. Flush theeyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Obtain medical attention .

F) Personal Protective EquipmentAlways use a fume hood while working with flammable liquids. Nitrile andneoprene gloves are effective against most flammables. Wear a non-flammable lab coat to provide a barrier to your skin and goggles if splashingis likely to occur (also see glove information).

4-4-2-2. OxidizersA) General Characteristics

1. Oxidizers or oxidizing agents present fire and explosionhazards on contact with combustible materials. Depending onthe class, an oxidizing material may increase the burning rate of combustibles with which it comes in contact; cause thespontaneous ignition of combustibles with which it comes incontact; or undergo an explosive reaction when exposed to heat,shock, or friction .

2. Oxidizers are generally corrosive .

B) Examples of Common Oxidizers peroxides nitrates nitrites perchlorateschlorates chlorites hypochlorites dichromates

C) Use and Storage of OxidizersIn general, store oxidizers away from flammables, organic

compounds, and combustible materials . Strong oxidizing agents like chromic acid should be stored in

glass or some other inert container, preferably unbreakable.Corks and rubber stoppers should not be used .

Reaction vessels containing appreciable amounts of oxidizingmaterial should never be heated in oil baths, but rather on aheating mantle or sand bath .

D) Use and Storage of Perchloric Acid1. Perchloric acid is an oxidizing agent of particular concern. The

oxidizing power of perchloric acid increases with an increase inconcentration and with an increase in temperature. Cold, 70%

perchloric acid is a strong, non-oxidizing corrosive. A 72%


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perchloric acid solution at elevated temperatures is a strongoxidizing agent. An 85% perchloric acid solution is a strong

oxidizer at room temperature . 2. Do not attempt to heat perchloric acid if you do not have access

to a properly functioning perchloric acid fume hood. Perchloricacid can only be heated in a hood specially equipped with awashdown system to remove any perchloric acid residue. Thehood should be washed down after each use and it is preferredto dedicate the hood to perchloric acid use only .

3. Whenever possible, substitute a less hazardous chemical for perchloric acid .

4. Perchloric acid can be stored in a perchloric acid fume hood.Keep only the minimum amount necessary for your work.Another acceptable storage site for perchloric acid is on a metalshelf or in a metal cabinet away from organic or flammablematerials. A bottle of perchloric acid should also be stored in aglass secondary container to contain leakage .

5. Do not allow perchloric acid to come in contact with any strongdehydrating agents such as sulfuric acid. The dehydration of

perchloric acid is a severe fire and explosion hazard .

6. Do not order or use anhydrous perchloric acid. It is unstable atroom temperature and can decompose spontaneously with asevere explosion. Anhydrous perchloric acid will explode uponcontact with wood .

E) Health Hazards Associated with OxidizersOxidizers are covered here primarily due to their potential to add to

the severity of a fire or to initiate a fire. But there are some generalizationsthat can be made regarding the health hazards of an oxidizing material. Ingeneral, oxidizers are corrosive and many are highly toxic .

Acute Health Effects : Some oxidizers such as nitric and sulfuric acid vapors, chlorine, and

hydrogen peroxide act as irritant gases. All irritant gases can causeinflammation in the surface layer of tissues when in direct contact. They canalso cause irritation of the upper airways, conjunctiva, and throat .


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Some oxidizers, such as fluorine, can cause severe burns of the skin andmucus membranes. Chlorine trifluoride is extremely toxic and can cause

severe burns to tissue . Nitrogen trioxide is very damaging to tissue, especially the respiratory

tract. The symptoms from an exposure to nitrogen trioxide may be delayedfor hours, but fatal pulmonary edema may result .

Osmium tetroxide, another oxidant commonly employed in thelaboratory, is also dangerous due to its high degree of acute toxicity. It is asevere irritant of both the eyes and the respiratory tract. Inhalation can causeheadache, coughing, dizziness, lung damage, difficulty breathing and may befatal. Osmium tetroxide is regarded by many in the field as having "poor

warning properties." This is due to the fact that it is difficult to detect in theatmosphere (by smell or other means). The OHSA-defined PermissibleExposure Limit for osmium tetroxide is 0.0002 ppm, while its odor threshold is 2 ppm -this means that one could conceivably be exposed toosmium tetroxide at concentrations 10,000 times the PEL without knowingit. For this reason, it is recommended that laboratories using osmiumtetroxide have necessary safeguards in place before the container is evenopened .

Chronic Health Effects : Nitrobenzene and chromium compounds can cause hematological andneurological changes. Compounds of chromium and manganese can causeliver and kidney disease. Chromium (VI) compounds have been associatedwith lung cancer .

F) First AidIn general, if a person has inhaled, ingested, or come into direct

contact with these materials, the person must be removed from the source of contamination as quickly as possible when it is safe to do so. Medical helpmust be summoned. In the case of an exposure directly to the skin or eyes itis imperative that the exposed person be taken to an emergency shower or eyewash immediately. Flush the affected area for a minimum of 15 minutes,then get medical attention .

G) Personal Protective EquipmentIn many cases, the glove of choice will be neoprene, polyvinyl

chloride (PVC), or nitrile. Be sure to consult a glove compatibility chart toensure the glove material is appropriate for the particular chemical you are


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working with (see information on glove suitability and availability). Gogglesmust be worn if the potential for splashing exists or if exposure to vapor or

gas is likely . Always use these materials in a chemical fume hood as most pose a

hazard via inhalation. Cylinders of compressed gases should be kept inventilated cabinets .

4-4-2-3. CorrosivesA) General Characteristics Corrosives are most commonly acids and alkalis, but many other

materials can be severely damaging to living tissue . Corrosives can cause visible destruction or irreversible alterations

at the site of contact. Inhalation of the vapor or mist can causesevere bronchial irritation. Corrosives are particularly damaging tothe skin and eyes .

Certain substances considered non-corrosive in their natural drystate are corrosive when wet such as when in contact with moistskin or mucus membranes. An example of these materials arelithium chloride, halogen fluorides, and allyl iodide .

Sulfuric acid is a very strong dehydrating agent and nitric acid is astrong oxidizing agent. Dehydrating agents can cause severe burnsto the eyes due to their affinity for water .

B) Examples of Corrosivessulfuric acid ammonium bifluoridechromic acid brominestannic chloride ammonium hydroxide

C) Use and Storage of Corrosives

1.

Always store acids separately from bases. Also, store acids inacid storage cabinets (Figure 6) away from flammables sincemany acids are also strong oxidizers .


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Figure 6

2. Do not work with corrosives unless an emergency shower andcontinuous flow eyewash are available .

3. Add acid to water, but never add water to acid. This is to prevent splashing from the acid due to the generation of excessive heat as the two substances mix .

4. Never store corrosives above eye level. Store on a low shelf or cabinet .

5. It is a good practice to store corrosives in a tray or bucket tocontain any leakage .

6. When possible, purchase corrosives in containers that arecoated with a protective plastic film that will minimize thedanger to personnel if the container is dropped .

7. Store corrosives in a wooden cabinet or one that has acorrosion-resistant lining. Corrosives stored in an ordinarymetal cabinet will quickly damage it. If the cabinet supports thathold up the shelves become corroded, the result could beserious

8. Acids should be stored in acid storage cabinets speciallydesigned to hold them and Nitric acid should be stored in aseparate cabinet or compartment


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D) Use and Storage of Hydrofluoric Acid Hydrofluoric acid is extremely hazardous and deserves special

mention . Hydrofluoric acid can cause severe burns andinhalation of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride can be fatal. Initialskin contact with hydrofluoric acid may not produce anysymptoms .

Only persons fully trained in the hazards of hydrofluoric acidshould use it .

Always use hydrofluoric acid in a properly functioning fumehood. Be sure to wear personal protective clothing !

If you suspect that you have come in direct contact withhydrofluoric acid: wash the area with water for at least 15minutes, remove clothing, then promptly seek medicalattention. If hydrogen fluoride vapors are inhaled, move the

person immediately to an uncontaminated atmosphere (if safe todo so), keep the person warm, and seek prompt medicalattention .

Never store hydrofluoric acid in a glass container because it isincompatible with glass .

Store hydrofluoric acid separately in an acid storage cabinet(Figure 6) and keep only that amount necessary in the lab .

Creams for treatment of hydrofluoric acid exposure arecommercially available .

E) Health Hazards Associated with CorrosivesAll corrosives possess the property of being severely damaging to

living tissues and also attack other materials such as metal . Skin contact with alkali metal hydroxides, e.g., sodium hydroxide and

potassium hydroxide, is more dangerous than with strong acids. Contactwith alkali metal hydroxides normally causes deeper tissue damage becausethere is less pain than with an acid exposure. The exposed person may notwash it off thoroughly enough or seek prompt medical attention .

All hydrogen halides are acids that are serious respiratory irritants andalso cause severe burns. Hydrofluoric acid is particularly dangerous. At lowconcentrations, hydrofluoric acid does not immediately show any signs or symptoms upon contact with skin. It may take several hours for thehydrofluoric acid to penetrate the skin before you would notice a burning


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sensation. However, by this time permanent damage, such as second andthird degree burns with scarring, can result .

A cute Health Effects : Inhalation - irritation of mucus membranes, difficulty in breathing, fits of coughing, pulmonary edema

Ingestion - irritation and burning sensation of lips, mouth, and throat; pain inswallowing; swelling of the throat; painful abdominal cramps; vomiting;shock; risk of perforation of the stomachSkin Contact - burning, redness and swelling, painful blisters, profounddamage to tissues, and with alkalis; a slippery, soapy feeling

Eye Contact - stinging, watering of eyes, swelling of eyelids, intense pain,ulceration of eyes, loss of eyes or eyesight

Chronic Health Effects : Symptoms associated with a chronic exposure vary greatly depending

on the chemical . For example, the chronic effect of hydrochloric acid is damage to the

teeth; the chronic effects of hydrofluoric acid are decreased bone density,fluorosis, and anemia; the chronic effects of sodium hydroxide are unknown .

F) First Aid Inhalation - remove person from source of contamination if safe to do so.Get medical attention. Keep person warm and quiet and do not leaveunattended .

Ingestion - remove person from source of contamination. Get medicalattention and inform emergency responders of the name of the chemicalswallowed . Skin Contact - remove person from source of contamination and take

immediately to an emergency shower or source of water. Remove clothing,shoes, socks, and jewelry from affected areas as quickly as possible, cuttingthem off if necessary. Be careful not to get any chemical on your skin or toinhale the vapors. Flush the affected area with water for a minimum of 15minutes. Get medical attention .

Eye Contact - remove person from source of contamination and takeimmediately to an eyewash or source of water. Rinse the eyes for aminimum of 15 minutes. Have the person look up and down and from side to


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side. Get medical attention. Do not let the person rub their eyes or keep themtightly shut .

G) Personal Protective EquipmentAlways wear the proper gloves when working with acids. Neoprene andnitrile gloves are effective against most acids and bases. Polyvinyl chloride(PVC) is also effective for most acids (see glove compatibility information).A rubber coated apron and goggles should also be worn. If splashing islikely to occur, wear a face shield over the goggles. Always use corrosives ina chemical fume hood .

4-4-2-4. ReactivesA) General CharacteristicsPolymerization Reactions - Polymerization is a chemical reaction in whichtwo or more molecules of a substance combine to form repeating structuralunits of the original molecule. This can result in an extremely high or uncontrolled release of heat. An example of a chemical which can undergo a

polymerization reaction is styrene .

Water Reactive Materials1. When water reactive materials come in contact with water, one

or more of the following can occur: liberation of heat whichmay cause ignition of the chemical itself if it is flammable, or ignition of flammables that are stored nearby; release of aflammable, toxic, or strong oxidizing gas; release of metaloxide fumes; and formation of corrosive acids .

2. Water reactive chemicals can be particularly hazardous tofirefighting personnel responding to a fire in a lab, becausewater is the most commonly used fire extinguishing medium.

Examples of water reactive materials : alkali metals: silanes lithium, sodium, potassium alkylaluminumsmagnesium zincaluminumPyrophorics - Pyrophoric materials can ignite spontaneously in the presenceof air.


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Examples of pyrophoric materials : diethylzinc

triethylaluminummany organometallic compounds

Peroxide-Forming Materials - Peroxides are very unstable and somechemicals that can form them are commonly used in laboratories. Thismakes peroxide-forming materials some of the most hazardous substancesfound in a lab. Peroxide-forming materials are chemicals that react with air,moisture, or impurities to form peroxides . The tendency to form peroxides by most of these materials is greatly

increased by evaporation or distillation. Organic peroxides are extremelysensitive to shock, sparks, heat, friction, impact, and light. Many peroxidesformed from materials used in laboratories are more shock sensitive thanTNT. Just the friction from unscrewing the cap of a container of an ether thathas peroxides in it can provide enough energy to cause a severe explosion .

Examples of peroxide-forming materials (the first group listed is the most hazardous :( diisopropyl ether divinylacetylene

sodium amide potassium amidedioxane diethyl ether tetrahydrofuran vinyl ethers

butadiene vinylpyridineacrylonitrile styrene

Other Shock-Sensitive Materials - These materials are explosive andsensitive to heat and shock .

Examples of shock-sensitive materials : chemicals containing nitro groupsfulminateshydrogen peroxide (30%)ammonium perchlorate

benzoyl peroxide (when dry )Compounds containing the functional groups: acetylide, azide, diazo,halamine, nitroso, and ozonide .


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B) Use and Storage of ReactivesA good way to reduce the potential risks is to minimize the amount

of material used in the experiment. Use only the amount of material necessary to achieve the desired results . Always substitute a less hazardous chemical for a highly reactive

chemical whenever possible. If it is necessary to use a highly reactivechemical, order only the amount that is necessary for the work .

Water Reactive MaterialsStore water-reactive chemicals in an isolated part of the lab. A cabinet far removed from any water sources, such as sinks, emergency showers, and

chillers, is an appropriate location. Clearly label the cabinet "Water-ReactiveChemicals No Water ."

PyrophoricsStore pyrophorics in an isolated part of the lab and in a clearly markedcabinet. Be sure to routinely check the integrity of the container and have thematerial disposed of through the OEHS if the container is corroded or otherwise damaged .

Peroxide-Forming Materials1. Do not open the chemical container if peroxide formation issuspected. The act of opening the container could be sufficientto cause a severe explosion. Visually inspect liquid peroxide-forming materials for crystals or unusual viscosity beforeopening. Pay special attention to the area around the cap.Peroxides usually form upon evaporation, so they will mostlikely be formed on the threads under the cap .

2. Date all peroxide forming materials with the date received, andthe expected shelf life. Chemicals such as diisopropyl ether,divinyl acetylene, sodium amide, and vinylidene chlorideshould be discarded after three months. Chemicals such asdioxane, diethyl ether, and tetrahydrofuran should be submittedto OEHS for disposal after one year .

3. Store all peroxide-forming materials away from heat, sunlight,and sources of ignition. Sunlight accelerates the formation of

peroxides .


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4. Secure the lids and caps on these containers to discourage theevaporation and concentration of these chemicals .

5. Never store peroxide-forming materials in glass containers withscrew cap lids or glass stoppers. Friction and grinding must beavoided. Also, never store these chemicals in a clear glass bottlewhere they would be exposed to light .

6. Contamination of an ether by peroxides or hydroperoxides can be detected simply by mixing the ether with 10% (wt/wt)aqueous potassium iodide solution - a yellow color change dueto the oxidation of iodide to iodine confirms the presence of

peroxides. Small amounts of peroxides can be removed from

contaminated ethers via distillation from lithium aluminumhydride (LiAlH-4-), which both reduces the peroxide andremoves contaminating water and alcohols. However, if yoususpect that peroxides may be present, it would be wise to callthe OEHS for disposal. If you notice crystal formation in thecontainer or around the cap, do not attempt to open or move thecontainer. Call the OEHS for proper disposal .

7. Never distill an ether unless it is known to be free of peroxides .

Other Shock Sensitive MaterialsStore these materials separately from other chemicals and in a clearlylabeled cabinet .

Never allow picric acid to dry out, as it is extremely explosive. Always store picric acid in a wetted state .

C) Health Hazards Associated with ReactivesReactive chemicals are grouped as a category primarily because of the safetyhazards associated with their use and storage and not because of similar acute or chronic health effects. For health hazard information on specificreactive materials consult the MSDS, the manufacturer, or OEHS. However,there are some hazards common to the use of reactive materials. Injuries canoccur due to heat or flames, inhalation of fumes, vapors, and reaction

products, and flying debris .


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First AidIf someone is seriously injured the most important step to take is to contact

emergency responders as quickly as possible. This is best accomplished bydirectly calling them at 1000. Explain the situation and describe the locationclearly and accurately. If someone is severely bleeding, apply a steriledressing, clean cloth, or handkerchief to the wound. Then put protectivegloves on and place the palm of your hand directly over the wound andapply pressure and keep the person calm. Continue to apply pressure untilhelp arrives . If a person's clothes are on fire, he or she should drop immediately to thefloor and roll. If a fire blanket is available, put it over the individual. Anemergency shower, if one is immediately available, can also be used todouse flames . If a person goes into shock, have the individual lie down on their back if safeto do so and raise the feet about one foot above the floor .

Personal Protective EquipmentWear appropriate personal protective clothing while working with highlyreactive materials. This might include: impact resistant safety glasses or goggles, a face shield, gloves, a lab coat (to minimize injuries from flyingglass or an explosive flash), and a shield. Conduct work within a chemicalfume hood as much as possible and pull down the sash as far as is practical.While the experiment does not require you to reach into the fume hood, keepthe sash closed . Barriers can offer protection of personnel against explosions and should beused . Many safety catalogs offer commercial shields which are commonly

polycarbonate and are weighted at the bottom for stability. It may benecessary to secure the shields firmly to the work surface .

4-4-2-5. Compressed Gas CylindersGeneral Characteristics : Cylinders of compressed gases can pose a chemical as well as a

physical hazard . If the valve were to break off a cylinder, the amount of force

present could propel the cylinder through a brick wall. For example, a cylinder of compressed breathing air used by SCUBAdivers has the explosive force of 1 1/2 pounds of TNT .


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Purchase Policy

Purchase of gases in non-returnable cylinders is restricted by policy at TheUniversity.

Use and Storage Whenever possible, use flammable and reactive gases in a fume

hood or other ventilated enclosure. As noted in Chapter C.2.,concerning storage cabinets, certain categories of toxic gasesmust always be stored and used in ventilated enclosures .

Always use the appropriate regulator on a cylinder. If a

regulator will not fit a cylinder's valve, replace the cylinder, notthe regulator. Do not attempt to adapt or modify a regulator tofit a cylinder it was not designed for. Regulators are designed tofit only specific cylinder valves to avoid improper use .

Inspect regulators, pressure relief devices, valves, cylinder connections, and hose lines frequently for damage

Never use a cylinder that cannot be positively identified. Color coding is not a reliable way of identifying a cylinder becausethe colors can vary from supplier to supplier .

Do not use oil or grease on any cylinder component of anoxidizing gas because a fire or explosion can result .

Never transfer gases from one cylinder to another. The gas may be incompatible with the residual gas remaining in the cylinder or may be incompatible with the cylinder material .

Never completely empty cylinders during lab operations; rather,leave approximately 25 PSI of pressure. This will prevent anyresidual gas in the cylinder from becoming contaminated.However, if the cylinder is non-returnable, call OEHS

Hazardous Materials Division chemists for instructions. If inert,you will be asked to vent the remainder of the gas; if not inert,you may need to react it off. In either of these cases, OEHS will

be able to discard the cylinder (after valve removal) at no costto The University. If venting or reacting is unsafe, OEHS canstill dispose of most cylinders .

Place all cylinders so that the main valve is always accessible . Close the main cylinder valve whenever the cylinder is not in

use .


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Remove regulators from unused cylinders and always put thesafety cap in place to protect the valve .

Always secure cylinders, whether empty or full, to preventthem from falling over and damaging the valve (or falling onyour foot). Secure cylinders by chaining or strapping them to awall, lab bench, or other fixed support .

Oxygen should be stored in an area that is at least 20 feet awayfrom any flammable or combustible materials or separated fromthem by a non-combustible barrier at least 5 feet high andhaving a fire-resistance rating of at least 1/2 hour .

To transport a cylinder, put on the safety cap and strap thecylinder to a handtruck in an upright position. Never roll acylinder .

Always clearly mark empty cylinders and store them separately . Be careful while handling compressed gas cylinders and never

drop or strike a cylinder against anything . Use only wrenches or other tools supplied by the cylinder

supplier to open a valve. Open cylinder valves slowly . Only compatible gases should be stored together in a gas

cylinder cabinet . Flammable gases must be stored in properly labelled, secured

areas away from possible ignition sources and kept separatefrom oxidizing gases .

Do not store compressed gas cylinders in areas where thetemperature can exceed 125F

4-4-3. CHEMICAL PROCUREMENT,

1.

Before a chemical is ordered, the person who will use it shouldknow the proper handling, storage and disposal procedures for the chemical.

2. No container should be accepted without an adequateidentifying label.

3. All substances should be received in the Stockroom.


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4-4-4. CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTION :Chemicals should be put in a tray and transported via the dumbwaiter

or placed in trays on a cart and transported via the elevator.

4-4-5. CHEMICAL STORAGE :1. Hazardous chemicals should be stored in an area with proper

ventilation.2. Chemicals that are highly toxic should be in unbreakable

secondary containers.3. Stored chemicals should be examined annually for

deterioration, container integrity and possible replacement.4. Do not store incompatible reagents together.

The chemical storeroom should:(1) Not be used as preparation or repackaging areas.(2) Be open during normal working hours.(3) Be controlled by a designated individual.(4) Have a designated and properly labeled area for the storage of wasteawaiting disposal.

4-4-5-1. Laboratory Storage :

1. The amount of chemicals stored in laboratory areas should besmall as possible.2. Chemicals should not be stored on bench tops or hoods in order

to avoid inadvertent spills or breakage.3. Exposure of chemicals to heat or direct sunlight should be

avoided.4. Unneeded items should be discarded or returned to chemical

storeroom.5. Read the label carefully before storing a chemical.6. All chemicals must be stored according to the Chemical Storage

Segregation Scheme in Appendix II.7. Store all chemicals by their hazard class and not in alphabetical

order (Figure 7). Storing chemicals by alphabetical order willoften result in the placement of incompatible chemicals beingnext to one another. Only within the segregation groups canchemicals be stored in alphabetical order. If a chemical exhibitsmore than one hazard, segregate by using the characteristic thatexhibits the primary hazard .


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Figure 7

8. Do not store chemicals near heat sources such as ovens or steam pipes. Also, do not store chemicals in direct sunlight .

9. Date chemicals when received and first opened. This will assistyou in using the oldest chemicals first, which will also decreasethe amount of chemicals for disposal. If a particular chemicalcan become unsafe while in storage, e.g., diethyl ether, then anexpiration date should also be included. Keep in mind thatexpiration dates set by the manufacturer do not necessarilyimply that the chemical is safe to use up to that date .

10. Do not use lab benches as permanent storage for chemicals. Inthese locations, the chemicals can easily be knocked over,incompatible chemicals can be stored alongside one another,and the chemicals are unprotected in the event of a fire. Eachchemical must have a proper designated storage location and bereturned there after use .

11. Inspect your chemicals routinely for any signs of deteriorationand for the integrity of the label. State law requires that allchemicals must be clearly labeled. Another benefit of labelingis to prevent chemicals from becoming "unknowns .


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12. Do not store any chemicals in glass containers on the floor . 13. Do not use fume hoods as a permanent storage location for

chemicals, with the exception of particularly odorous chemicalsthat may require ventilation. The more containers, boxes,equipment, and other items that are stored in a fumehood, thegreater the likelihood of having chemical vapors being drawn

back into the room. Some chemical fume hoods have ventilatedstorage cabinets underneath for storage of frequently usedchemicals that require ventilation .

14. Promptly contact the OEHS for the disposal of any old,outdated, or unused chemicals .

15. Chemicals that require refrigeration must be sealed with tight-fitting caps and kept in lab safe refrigerators. Lab saferefrigerators/freezers must be used for cold storage of flammables .

16. Do not store chemicals above eye level. If the container breaks,the contents can fall onto your face and upper body .

17. Do not store excessive amounts of chemicals in the lab. Buyingchemicals in large quantities creates a serious fire hazard andlimits work space. The disposal costs far exceed any cost

savings from large quantity purchasing

4-4-5-2. Storage CabinetsSpecific types of storage cabinets must be specified in laboratories in order to separate incompatible chemicals from one another and to safely store allchemicals. All chemicals must be stored in a secure container, preferablywithin enclosed cabinets .

4-4-5-3. Flammable Storage CabinetsFlammables not in active use must be stored in safe containers inside fireresistant storage cabinets specially designed to hold them. Flammablestorage cabinets must be specified for all labs that use flammable chemicals . Flammable storage cabinets are designed to protect the contents from theheat and flames of external fire rather than to confine burning liquids within.They can perform their protective function only if used and maintained

properly. Cabinets are generally designed with double-walled construction


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and doors which are two inches above the base (the cabinet is liquid-proof up to that point .(

4-4-5-4. Acid Storage CabinetsAcids should be kept in acid storage cabinets specially designed to holdthem. Such cabinets have the same construction features of a flammablestorage cabinet, but are coated with an epoxy enamel to guard againstchemical attack, and use polyethylene trays to collect small spills and

provide additional protection from corrosion for the shelves. Periodicallycheck shelves and supports for corrosion. Nitric acid should always bestored by itself or in a separate acid cabinet compartment .

4-4-6. WASTE DISPOSAL1. Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories for specific

disposal procedures.2. The chemistry department will periodically contract with a

chemical disposal company to dispose of unwanted and wastechemicals.

3. Waste for "commercial" disposal should be put into a suitablecontainer (preferably glass, if possible). A departmental wastelabel should be filled out and attached to the container. Thewaste container and duplicate copy of the label should be left inthe stockroom for the CHO.

4. Before a worker's employment ends, chemicals for which that person was responsible should be discarded or returned to thechemical storeroom.

4-4-7. RECORDSThe national research center Committee for Safety and Occupational

Health shall maintain:

An accurate record of any measurements taken to monitor employee exposures andAny medical consultations/examinations including tests or Written opinions required by this guide. He will assure that suchrecords are kept, transferred and made available.


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5. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES5-1. Accidents:

1. Eye contact: promptly flush eyes with water for 15 minutes andseek medical attention.2. Skin contact: promptly remove any contaminated clothing and

flush area with water for 15 minutes.3. Seek medical attention if necessary.4. If medical attention is needed, notify national defense (1000) to

call the rescue squad.5. Report all accidents/injuries to your supervisor.

5-2. Fires:

1. For small fires, try to suffocate the fire or use a fireextinguisher.2. In cases of large fires, evacuate the area and activate the manual

pull alarm. Call national defense (1000) to report the fire.Evacuate the building.

5-3. Spills :1. Promptly clean up all chemical spills and properly dispose of

spilled chemical and cleanup material. Supplies for a chemicalspill include an inert absorbent such as kitty litter or vermiculite

or a 50/50 mixture of the two, a plastic (non-sparking) scoop, plastic bags for the spilled material, heavy gloves, goggles, andsodium bicarbonate to neutralize acids. Kits are commerciallyavailable which include acid, base, flammable, or universal

pillows or booms .

2. For large chemical spills of volatile or toxic material,immediately evacuate the area. Call national defense (1000) toreport the spill.

5-4. Evacuation:1. When the building fire alarm sounds, turn off all sources of

heat, electricity and gas, and stabilize any reaction processes.Evacuate the building immediately.

2. Evacuate by the stairwell, not the elevator.3. Laboratory worker should become familiar with evacuation

routes before an emergency occurs.Supervisors/instructors/research advisers should arrange a placeto meet with students in case of emergency evacuation. After


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evacuation, supervisors/instructors/research advisers shouldmeet at the designated place and make sure all students are

accounted for.6. EMPLOYEE INFORMATION AND TRAINING6-1. Information :

Each laboratory supervisor, instructor or research adviser isresponsible for ensuring that the following information is communicated andmade available to their employees:(1) Signs and symptoms associated with exposures to hazardous chemicals

used in the laboratory.(2) Location and availability of known reference materials on the hazards,

safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals. Referencematerials may include, but not be limited to, material safety data sheetsreceived from chemical suppliers.

6-2. Training :Each laboratory supervisor, instructor or research adviser is

responsible for ensuring that laboratory employees receive adequate training.This training should include the following:(1) Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical (such as employee exposure monitoring,

continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardouschemicals when being released, etc.).(2) Physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area.(3) Measures employees can take to protect themselves from such hazards,including specific procedures that have been implemented to protectlaboratory employees from exposure to hazard chemicals. These includeappropriate work practices, emergency response procedures and personal

protective equipment to be used.(4) Applicable details

Information and training shall be provided at the time of anemployees initial assignment to a work area where hazardous chemicals are

present and prior to assignments involving new exposure situations. Theindividual laboratory supervisor, instructor or research adviser maydetermine the frequency of refresher information and training.

7. MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS Laboratory employees who work with hazardous chemicals should be given

an opportunity to receive medical attention, including any follow-up


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examination that the examining physician determines to be necessary,under the following circumstances:

(1) Whenever an employee develops signs or symptoms associated with ahazardous chemical to which the employee may have been exposed inthe laboratory, the employee shall be provided an opportunity toreceive an appropriate medical examination.

(2) Where exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely abovethe action level regulated substance for which there are exposuremonitoring and medical surveillance requirement, medical surveillanceshall be established for the affected employee as prescribed by the

particular standard.(3) Whenever an event takes place in the work area such as a spill, leak,

explosion or other occurrence resulting in the likelihood of a hazardousexposure, the affected employee shall be provided an opportunity for amedical consultation. Such consultation shall be for the purpose of determining the need for a medical examination.

All medical examinations and consultations shall be performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician and shall be provided withoutcost to the employee, without loss of pay and at a reasonable time and place.

The employer should provide the following information to the physician:

(1) Identity of the hazardous chemical(s) to which the employee may have been exposed.(2) Description of the conditions under which the exposure occurred

including quantitative exposure data, if available.(3) Description of the signs and symptoms of exposure that the employee is

experiencing, if any. For medical consultations required, the employer shall obtain a written opinion from the examining physician whichshould include the following:

(1) Any recommendation for further medical follow-up.(2) Results of the medical examination and any associated tests.(3) Any medical condition which may be revealed in the course of the

examination which may place the employee at increased risk as a resultof exposure to a hazardous chemical found in the workplace.

(4) A statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of theresults of the consultation or medical examination and any medicalcondition that may require further examination or treatment.

The written opinion shall not reveal specific findings of diagnosesunrelated to occupational exposure.


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AppendixesAppendix (I): Some examples of potent carcinogens


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Appendix (II): Segregation


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Appendix (III): Gloves

GlovesThe following gloves are stocked at the Research Storeroom in the

basement of Welch Hall (WEL). Next to each glove listed is a shortdescription of its use.

Latex "surgeons" or "exam" gloves - a general use lab glove, provides minimal chemical resistance .

Nytek - a white nitrile latex glove that is solvent resistant . It provideschemical resistance as well as tactile sensitivity .

Butyl - provides protection against ketones, esters, and other hydrocarbon solvents .

N-DEX nitrile - chemical resistant primarily for acids, bases,aldehydes, and alcohols and provides better puncture and abrasionresistance than PVC/vinyl or polyethylene gloves.

Zetex - silica fabric withstands temperatures from -100F to 1100F (-148C to 2012C) . These gloves resist abrasion, most acids (except hydrofluoric acid), alkalis, and solvents .

Neoprene/Latex - blue neoprene over yellow latex offers superior chemical resistance in heavy duty

applications . Resistant to acids, detergents, salts, caustics, animal fats, and alcohols . Also offers anexcellent grip on wet or dry surfaces.The gloves listed above show poor resistance to the following chemicals :

benzene carbon disulfidecarbon tetrachloride chloroformmethylene chloride n-pentanetoluene 1,1,1-trichloroethanetrichloroethylene xyleneFor these chemicals, a glove material such as VITON shows excellent resistance .

guideline for chemical safety

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