LABORATORY.

For safety purposes, assume all chemicals to be poisonous either by themselves or because of
impurities. Also avoid direct contact with organic chemicals. Many are absorbed directly through
the skin.
KEEP THE LABORATORY CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.
Any chemical spilled on your skin or your clothing, should be washed immediately and thoroughly.
If a solution, a solid, or liquid chemical is spilled on the bench or on the laboratory floor, clean up
the spill immediately. Notify the laboratory instructor of the spill. hen leaving the laboratory, wipe
the bench top thoroughly. Make sure that your work area is clean and free of spilled chemicals or
scraps of paper. ash your hands with soap and water.
DISPOSE OF WASTE AND EXCESS MATERIALS IN THE PROPER MANNER.
!sed matches, paper, broken glass, or porcelain ware should be placed in the appropriate
containers but not in the sinks or cup sinks. If you have any questions concerning the waste
disposal, ask your instructor for the proper procedure.
USE THE FUME HOOD WHEN NECESSARY.
!se the fume hood when you are so directed by the laboratory instructor, or when it is indicated
to do son on the e"perimental procedure. Fume hoods remove to"ic vapors and irritating odors
from the laboratory. #he removal of these materials is essential for protecting the health and
safety of those people working in the laboratory.
LIGHT BURNERS ONLY WHEN NEEDED. $roperly e"tinguish any flame not being used. Any
open flame may ignite reagents being used by you or others near you. Many organic liquids are
highly flammable and these liquids should be heated only on hot plates or heating mantles.
NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY into the mouth of an open flask or test tube if it contains a reaction
mi"ture.
AVOID TOUCHING HOT OBJECTS.
hen heating a chemical in a container, the clamp holding the container and the burner will also
become hot. $lace the ob%ect on a piece of asbestos board or on wire gau&e, which is not directly
touching the bench top. 'lass ob%ects take a long time to cool, so allow plenty of time to cool
before touching them.
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN INSERTING GLASS INTO STOPPERS.
(e very careful when inserting glass tubing, glass rods, thermometers, funnels, or thistle tubes
into rubber stoppers or corks. $rotect your hands by holding the glass and stopper with a cloth
towel or multiple layers of paper towels. Always lubricate the glass surface with water or glycerol.
USE ONLY EQUIPMENT, WHICH IS IN GOOD CONDITION. )efective equipment is an
important source of accidents. *ome defects to watch for include+
a. chipped tips on burets, pipets, and funnels.
b. chipped or broken rims on beakers, flasks, funnels, graduated cylinders and test tubes.
c. cracks in beakers, flasks, graduated cylinders, test tubes and crucibles.
d. star,shaped breaks in the bottom of test tubes or near the bottom edges of beakers and flasks.
e. severe scratches in the bottom of beakers, flasks, and test tubes.
f. sharp edges on glass tubing and glass rods.
g. infle"ibility in rubber stoppers.
h. separations in the mercury column of thermometers.
i. non,working parts of screw clamps, buret clamps or rings.
REPORT ALL ACCIDENTS TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR PROMPTLY!
-eport to the laboratory instructor immediately all accidents that cause in%ury, no matter how
minor the in%ury might seem.
GLOVES
'love #ypes and -emoval 'loves should be selected on the basis of the material being handled
and the particular ha&ard involved. 'love manufacturers and the Material *afety )ata *heets
.M*)*s/ accompanying products in use are good sources of specific glove selection information.
PVC protects against mild corrosives and irritants.
Lat! provides light protection against irritants and limited protection against infectious agents.
Nat"#a$ R"%%# protects against mild corrosive material and electric shock.
N&'#( for working with solvents, oils, or mild corrosive material.
C&tt&( absorbs perspiration, keeps ob%ects clean, provides some limited fire retardant properties.
)t!* when handling small burning ob%ects. #hese are a good replacement for asbestos gloves.
.Asbestos containing gloves may not be purchased or used in labs since asbestos is a known
carcinogen./
hen working with e"tremely corrosive material, wear thick gloves. #ake e"tra precaution in
checking for holes, punctures, and tears. 0are should be taken when removing gloves. $eel the
glove off the hand, starting at the wrist and working toward the fingers. 1eep the working surface
of the glove from contacting skin during removal. 0ontaminated disposable gloves should be
discarded in designated containers .e.g., radioactive or bioha&ardous waste containers/.
ash hands as soon as possible after removing protective gloves.
HANDLING LIQUIDS+ OBTAINING THE CHEMICAL.
#ake an appropriate container to the reagent shelf. Avoid measuring volumes of strong acids and
alkaline solutions with your graduated cylinder held at eye level. *upport your graduated cylinder
on your bench2 add ha&ardous liquids a little at a time, inspecting after each addition.
REAGENT IN A DROPPER BOTTLE.
If the general supply bottle is equipped with a dropper, use it, but be sure that the dropper never
touches your container or the contents in it. Never put it down on the bench top, but return it
immediately the right reagent bottle.
REAGENT IN A STOPPER BOTTLE.
If the general supply bottle is equipped with a stopper, the stopper should either be held during
the transfer or placed on its flat top. )o not lay the stopper on its side on the bench top. $our
chemicals from the general supply bottle into your container. (e sure that the proper stopper is
returned to the supply bottle2 do not interchange stoppers.
MIXING.
If liquid chemicals are to be mi"ed with water, always add the concentrated chemical to water
rather than the other way around. #his keeps the new solution dilute at all times and avoids many
accidents. !sually addition should be done slowly, using small quantities. It is especially
important to add acid to water because of the heat generated.
PIPETTING.
3iquids are drawn into the pipet by applying a slight vacuum at the top, using a small rubber
suction bulb but N454- #64 M7!#6.
HEATING.
3iquids in beakers and flasks can be heated by placing them on a ring stand on wire gau&e with
the container supported by a clamp. 3iquid should never be heated in a graduated cylinder or in
other columetric glassware.
DISPOSAL. 0heck with your laboratory instructor before disposing of any chemicals down the
drain. If the liquid chemical can be disposed of in the skin, dispose of it by rinsing it down the sink
with large quantities of water. Avoid unnecessary splashing during this process by pouring the
chemical directly down the drain while the water is running vigorously.
HANDLING SOLIDS+ THE CONTAINER.
#ake an appropriate container to the reagent shelf where the general supply is kept. *olids are
somewhat more difficult to transfer than are liquids, so a wide,mouthed container such as a
beaker is preferable.
THE TRANSFER.
)uring the transfer, hold the stopper or lay it on the bench without contaminating the stopper.
*olid chemicals are most easily poured by tipping the general supply bottle and slowly rotating it
back and forth. Mere tipping of the bottle alone often causes large chunks to come out very
suddenly which leads to spills. If you use your own spatula, be sure that it is absolutely clean.
-eturn the proper stopper to the general supply bottle2 do not interchange stoppers.
MIXING.
If the solid is to be mi"ed with a liquid, add the solid to the liquid. Additions should be made in
small quantities e"cept in special circumstances.
DISPOSAL. If the laboratory instructor directs you to dispose of any solid chemicals in the skin,
flush it down the drain with copious amounts of running water. All other solids should be disposed
of in special containers provided for this purpose.
IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS........
In spite of the best efforts of all concerned, accidents sometimes occur in the laboratory. !se
good %udgment and do not panic in case of an emergency.
CHEMICAL SPILLS
3ocate spill cleanup materials. 3aboratories should be equipped with spill cleanup kits.
ear the appropriate personal protective equipment .e.g., gloves, goggles/ when cleaning up
spills.
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Apply neutrali&er .or sodium bicarbonate/ to perimeter of spill. Mi" thoroughly until fi&&ing and
evolution of gas ceases. N7#4+ It may be necessary to add water to the mi"ture to complete the
reaction. Neutrali&er has a tendency to absorb acid before fully neutrali&ing it. 0heck mi"ture with
p6 indicator paper to assure that the acid has been neutrali&ed.
#ransfer the mi"ture to a plastic bag, tie shut, fill out a waste label, and place in the fume hood.
Notify supervisor.
Ca"/t-, S'-$$/
Apply neutrali&er to perimeter of spill. Mi" thoroughly until fi&&ing and evolution of gas ceases.
0heck mi"ture with p6 indicator paper to assure that the material has been completely
neutrali&ed.
#ransfer the mi"ture to a plastic bag, tie shut, fill out a waste label, and place in the fume hood.
Notify supervisor.
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Apply activated charcoal to the perimeter of the spill. Mi" thoroughly until material is dry and no
evidence of liquid solvent remains.
#ransfer absorbed solvent to a plastic bag .if compatible/, tie shut, fill out and attach a waste
label, and place in the fume hood. Notify supervisor.
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!sing a mercury vacuum, vacuum all areas where mercury was spilled with particular attention to
corners, cracks, depressions and creases in flooring or table tops.
$lace the contaminated sponge in its plastic bag, tie shut, fill out and attach a waste label, and
place in the fume hood.
LARGE CHEMICAL SPILLS ON THE LABORATORY BENCH OR AREA.
In all cases, immediately alert your neighbors and the laboratory instructor of the spill.
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3iquid can be cleaned up by using an absorbent material which neutrali&es them, for e"ample,
sodium bicarbonate solution or powder for acids, or sodium thiosulfate solution for bromine.
-ubber or plastic gloves should be worn while using absorbent materials. A dustpan and brush
should be used to remove the absorbent material. #hen, the contaminated area should be
cleaned with soap or detergent and water2 and the area mopped dry.
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A34-# everyone in the laboratory to e"tinguish flames, disconnect spark,producing equipment,
shut down all e"periments, and evacuate the laboratory. #he laboratory instructor will handle the
clean up.
CHEMICAL SPILLS ON A PERSON.
6. OVER A LARGE AREA+ ithin seconds, quickly remove all contaminated clothing while
person is under safety shower. Flood the affected body area with cold water for at least fifteen
minutes. If pain continues or resumes, flood with more water. ash off chemicals with a mild
detergent solution. )o not apply any materials such as neutrali&ing agents or salves, to the area.
7btain medial assistance immediately.
7. OVER A SMALL AREA+ Immediately flush area thoroughly with cold water. ash with a mild
detergent solution. If there is no visible burn, scrub the area with warm water and soap.
8. IN THE EYES+ 8ou will need to assist the person who has chemicals spattered in the eyes.
Immediately drench the eyes at the nearest emergency eyewash station. Force the eye or eyes
open to get water into them. #he speed of your response to this emergency is e"tremely
important. Notify the laboratory instructor of the accident immediately.
SWALLOWING CHEMICALS.
#he laboratory instructor should determine what specific substance ingested.
#he individual should be forced to drink copious amounts of water while en route to medical
assistance. #he 6ealth 0enter or 6ospital should be notified while the individual is in transit as to
what chemicals are involved.
BURNS.
For burns by hot ob%ects, flames or chemical, flush the affected area with cold water for several
minutes. Notify the laboratory instructor of the burn and he will arrange transportation to the
infirmary if necessary.
FIRE.
'ive assistance to people first. If the person clothes are on fire, guide him9her without running to
the fire blanked station or to the safety shower and drench him. )o not hesitate because of such
insignificant things as shrinking sweater, ruined hairstyles, or soggy discomfort. hile the victims
are being cared for other available people should try to shut off or reduce the fuel supply to the
fire. 'et a fire e"tinguisher and direct its spray toward the base of the fire. If the fire is too big to
e"tinguish, have the laboratory instructor call the fire department and sound the fire alarm.hen
the fire is out, be sure all e"tinguishers used are tagged as empty and are replaced.
INJURY OR ILLNESS.
-ender assistance if necessary. For minor cuts, wash them thoroughly, apply a good antiseptic,
and a band,aid. For ma%or cuts, severe bleeding or serious illness, send someone for help and
administer first aid. 7nly a physician is trained to treat serious in%ury or illness. Notify the
instructor immediately.
T3 T#-(-.a. a(. T&%a9& OSHA A,t :6 &2 7;;<
A (ill to deal with Industry 6ealth and *afety with relevance to International *afety standards + the
!* 7*6A and N4(7*6 standards. #he three main categories are +
:. orker In%ury
;. Fatal Accident
<. 7*6A 5iolation
It covers -isk Management, orker rights and responsibilities, -efusal to work, #rade unions,
Industrial conflict, *hutdown, Accident, In%ury and9or death.
It authori&es 7*6A Inspectors, 7ther inspection bodies, 0ompliance auditing and 3iability control.
#he impact of this bill is that it requires the employer to ensure a safe workplace, where ha&ards
are controlled, and in%ury to worker is minimi&ed.
#he #rinidad and #obago 7*6A Act ;==> is now in effect. It?s mandate is to regulate and set
safety standards for all workplaces in #rinadad and #obago.
A,,-.(t/+
Accidents that can cause death or serious in%ury must be reported to the 0hief Inspector within >@
hours of the accident.
An accident in which the employee is disabled and unable to perform his normal duties should be
reported within > days.
Failure to report these accidents to the 0hief Inspector is to commit a safety and health offence
and is liable to a fine of A;=,===.==.
4mpoloyees can annonymously make safety and health complaints to the agency at+
B;<,BC>;2 B;<,:>B;2 Fa"+ B;>,BDE:2 email2 infoFttosha.com