Fromthe Purdue CHP model

SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS
Know the physical and health hazards associated with the chemical(s) you are using. Consider the physical state (gas, liquid, or solid) of the material(s). Consider the process in which you are using the chemical(s), the facilities you have for storage of the materials, and the facilities and equipment you may need to handle an emergency. Know the procedures necessary for safe disposal of the chemicals.

Questions you should consider:

1. Is the material flammable, explosive, corrosive, or reactive?
2. Is the material toxic, and if so, how can I be exposed to the material (inhalation, skin or eye contact, accidental ingestion, accidental puncture)?
3. What kind of ventilation do I need to protect myself? What kind of personal protective equipment (i.e. gloves, respirator, goggles) do I need to protect myself?
4. Will the process generate other toxic compounds, or could it result in a fire, explosion, etc.?
5. Are my storage facilities appropriate for the type of materials I will be using? Can I properly segregate incompatible materials?
6. What possible accidents can occur and what steps can I take to minimize the likelihood and impact of an accident?
7. What are the proper procedures for disposal of the chemical(s)? Once you evaluate the potential hazards associated with the chemical(s) and the process, you can design your process and work procedures to minimize or eliminate the hazards.

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
Know the hazards associated with the materials you are using. Carefully read the label before using a chemical. Review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any special handling information. In some cases it may be necessary to do additional research.

Be prepared for hazardous material emergencies and know what action to take in the event of an emergency. Be certain that necessary supplies and equipment are available for handling small spills of hazardous materials.

Know the location of safety equipment: emergency shower, eye wash, fire extinguisher, fire alarm pull station.

Do not work alone in the laboratory if you are working with hazardous materials.

Limit access to areas where chemicals are used or stored by posting signs and/or locking doors when areas are unattended. Do not permit children in the laboratory.

Purchase the minimum amount of hazardous materials necessary to accomplish your work and dispense only the minimum amount necessary for immediate use.
Use hazardous chemicals only as directed and for their intended purpose.

Never smell or taste a hazardous chemical.

Vent apparatus which may discharge toxic chemicals (vacuum pumps, distillation columns, etc.) into local exhaust devices.

Inspect gloves and all other personal protective equipment before use. On equipment such as hoods and biosafety cabinets, be familiar with the certification date or "to be tested again" date given on the test sticker.

Perchloric acid must be used only in specially-designed perchloric acid fume hoods that have built-in wash down systems to remove shock-sensitive deposits. Before purchasing this acid, laboratory supervisors must arrange for use of an approved perchloric acid hood.

Do not allow release of toxic substances in cold rooms and warm rooms, since these have contained recirculated atmospheres.

Do not store cryogens or dry ice in non-ventilated rooms such as cold rooms. Inspect equipment or apparatus for damage before adding a hazardous chemical or beginning a hazardous procedure. Do not use damaged equipment.

Glass vacuum lines, pressure lines and Dewar flasks should be taped or caged.

Ensure that ventilation is adequate for the materials used. Refer to the MSDS for information on ventilation requirements, or contact REM.

Avoid direct contact with any chemical. Keep chemicals off hands, face and clothing, including shoes.

Avoid practical jokes or other behavior which might confuse, startle or distract another worker.

Confine long hair and loose clothing. Wear shoes at all times in the laboratory, but do not wear sandals or perforated shoes.

Keep the work area clean and uncluttered with chemicals and equipment. Clean up the work area on completion of an operation or at the end of each work day.

Use required personal protective equipment. See the "Personal Protective Equipment" section of this booklet. Remove laboratory coats immediately on significant contamination.

Label all secondary containers with appropriate hazard information. Make sure that labels on primary and secondary containers do not become damaged. Replace them when necessary.

Use good hygiene. Keep your hands and face clean. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling any chemical.
Smoking, drinking, eating, and the application of cosmetics is forbidden in areas where hazardous chemicals are in use.

Do not store food or drink for human consumption, or utensils or equipment for preparing food or drink, in the same cabinet, drawer, refrigerator or freezer with chemicals or equipment used with chemicals.

Never use mouth suction to fill a pipette.

Electrically ground and bond containers using approved methods before transferring or dispensing a flammable liquid from a large container.

Promptly clean up spills, using appropriate protective apparel, equipment and procedures. (Know the established procedures.)

Ensure that adequate storage facilities and containers are provided for hazardous materials.

Ensure that hazardous materials are properly segregated into compatible categories.

For unattended operations, leave lights on, place an appropriate sign on the door, and provide for containment of toxic substances in the event of a utility service failure (e.g., loss of cooling water). Plans to conduct unattended operations should be reviewed with the supervisor, or principal investigator.

For specific information regarding chemical handling, contact your supervisor, instructor, or REM.