Safety measures

SAFETY MEASURES – DO’S AND DON’TS IN THE ANALYTICAL LABORATORY

The basic rules for laboratory work:

Always wear appropriate protective clothing. Typically, this involves a clean laboratory coat fastened up, appropriate footwear and ensure that long hair is tied back. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to put on gloves, e.g. when using strong acids.
Never smoke, eat or drink in the laboratory.
Never work alone in a laboratory.
Make yourself familiar with the fire regulations in your laboratory and building.
Be aware of the accident/emergency procedures in your laboratory and building.
Never mouth pipettes – use appropriate devices for transferring liquids.
Only use/take the minimum quantity of chemicals required for your work.
Use a fume cupboard for hazardous chemicals. Check that it is functioning properly before starting your work.
Clear up spillages on and around equipment and in your own workspace asthey occur.
Work in a logical manner.
Think ahead and plan your work accordingly.

First Aid Box: it should include

Bandages, lint, gauze, cotton, wool, adhesive plaster, etc.
Delicate forceps, needles, thread, safety pins, scissors.
Vaseline, salt, mustard powder, castor oil, olive oil, zinc oxide ointment, boric acid powder, chloramines T (Hydrated crystals).
Lime water (0.04N), 2% Iodine solution, 1% Boric acid, 1% acetic acid, 8% NaHCO3, 1% NaHCO3 AgNO3, chloramines-T.

Burns

Caused by dry heat (i.e) by flames, hot metal

For very small burns, treat with 8% NaHCO3 for same time, and then cover with zinc oxide ointment.
Scalds caused by boiling water: Apply acriflavine or picric acid.
Acid burns: Wash immediately with cold water and then with dilute 8% NaHCO3 followed by application of acriflavine.
Caustic alkali burns: Wash with water, then with 1% acetic acid.
Liquid Bromine burns: If bromine is spilt on hands, wash with petrol (b.p.80-1000 C), then apply olive oil.
Phosphorus burns: Wash with cool water, then with aqueous silver nitrate solution.

Eye Injuries

Cuts caused by glass tubing while they are forced through corks:

Dos and Dont’s in the laboratory

Be prepared for the lab before coming to class. Read over the lab manual before starting any experiments. Pay special attention to any safety precautions.
Always behave appropriately in the lab.
Report any accidents immediately to your teacher.
Clean up all spills immediately. Be sure to inform the teacher about the spill in case special methods are needed for clean up.
Avoid touching anything hot.
Know the location of all safety equipment in your lab as well as emergency exits. Learn how to properly use all safety equipment.
Wear sensible clothing and proper protection when heating substances.
Carefully read labels on bottles
Never smell chemicals directly
Never taste chemicals. No eating or chewing gum in the laboratory
Never attempt unauthorized experiments
Wash your hands with soap and water after each laboratory exercise

Learn proper handling techniques for all chemicals

Acids - acids are highly corrosive, causing burns to skin and clothing.
Bases - Strong bases can also cause severe burns to the skin. Bases are very dangerous if splashed into the eyes.
Mercury - mercury is highly toxic and spills are difficult to clean up. If special mercury recovery equipment is not available (sprays, wipes, etc. - available from chemistry lab suppliers) zinc dust should be used. Zinc dust reacts with mercury to form a safe mixture that is easy to handle and dispose of.
Dispose of all chemicals properly at the end of each laboratory exercise

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