Handling Chemicals
To work with chemical safety, it is important to do a risk assessment prior to beginning work with the chemical. The risk should be reevaluated if you change to your procedures.
There are four hazardous properties to chemicals:
- FLAMMABLE
- CORROSIVE
- REACTIVE
- TOXIC
The MSDS for the chemical will help you evaluate these hazards. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will minimize the risks.
Prudent practices and good housekeeping is directly connected to the level of safety in a laboratory.
- Never block aisles, exits or safety equipment
- Do not store chemicals on the floor
- Shelves and counters should be clean and not overcrowded
- Label and date all chemicals
- Pour liquids with the label facing up to prevent damage to the label
- Never use abbreviation or scientific formulas when labeling chemicals
- Always transport chemical in a secondary container
- Work with the smallest amounts possible
- Confine loose hair and clothing
- Wear closed-toed shoes when working with hazardous chemicals
- No eating or drinking in the lab
- Never smell or taste chemicals
- No mouth pipeting
- Minimize direct contact with PPE