Handling and Storage of Chemicals

Handling Of Chemical 

i.              Most chemicals are harmful to some degree. Avoid direct contact with any chemical.

ii.            BECAREFUL WHENEVER HANDLING the chemicals. LOOK and KNOW the symbols / pictogram of each chemicals used AS IT CAN ALERT USERS ABOUT THE HAZARDS INVOLVED (Refer Appendix VI). Kindly refer Occupational Safety And Health (Classification, Labelling And Safety Data Sheet Of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013 for further information.

iii.           Wash thoroughly with soap and water whenever any chemical contacts with your skin.

iv.           Never taste or smell any chemical.

v.            Clearly label all containers of chemicals or reagents. Do not use any substances in an unlabeled container. All unlabeled containers should be referred to Senior Officers.

vi.           Always pour concentrated solutions slowly into water or into less concentrated solutions while stirring. Always wear safety goggles or face mask and laboratory coats while diluting corrosive chemicals.

vii.          Used a fume cupboard when handling toxic and hazardous chemical.

viii.         Keep inflammable solvents away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not heat inflammable solvent directly over a naked flamed or a heat plate, preferable to use steam or water baths.

ix.           Obtaining a Chemical Safety Data Sheets (CSDS) for each substance used should be the first step in identifying the hazards involved with the use of these substances.

x.            Carefully read the label / CSDS provided before using or removing a reagent or chemical from its container.

xi.           Personal protective equipment must be worn.

xii.          Ensure that only experienced staff handled unstable substances or provide close supervision to inexperienced staff

Storage Of Chemicals

i.              Keep only minimum quantities of chemicals in the laboratory.

ii.            Chemicals which are temperature sensitive should be kept in a controlled environment.

iii.           If chemical are stored on shelves of work, the chemical containers must not be more than 1 liter or 1 kg, should not be kept above a height of 1.5 meters.

iv.           Segregation of chemicals are necessary to keep incompatible chemicals apart.

v.            Prominent signage stating “Restricted Area” should be placed outside the storage area of hazardous chemicals.

vi.           Only qualified, trained and competent staff should be allowed to carry out or handle hazardous chemicals.

vii.          Do not store flammable liquids in the close proximity of ignition sources such as Bunsen burners, filament lamps, portable electric heaters etc as any sparks may initiate an explosion.

viii.         Do not store inflammable liquids with other incompatible liquids and/or classes of dangerous goods such as explosives, corrosive, poisons, organic, peroxides, spontaneously combustible or radioactive substances. Refer Appendix VII (i), (ii), (iii)& (iv) This also applies to waste flammable liquids.

ix.           “No smoking”, “No Ignition Sources” similar signage should be displayed at the entrance to the area.

x.            Adequate ventilation should be provided in the storage area.

xi.           Ensure the right conditions for storage of chemicals

xii.          Do not store too many peroxides in the one place

xiii.         Monitor closely the expiry dates of goods.

xiv.        No smoking, eating or drinking is allowed in the store room.

xv.          Safe storage of chemical on shelves and racks include:

a.Glass containers > 1L or 1 kg shall not be stored higher than 1.5 m from the floor

b.Shelving material shall be compatible with the chemicals stored, or suitably protected from them

c.Shelve should be properly designed

d.Incompatible chemicals are not stored together, horizontally or vertically

e.Solid chemicals are stored on upper shelves above liquid chemicals.