LABORATORY SAFETY MEASURES

OUTLINE
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY LABORATORY WORK
– EQUIPMENT
– FACILITIES
– SUPPLIES/MATERIALS
– PROCEDURES HAZARDS
WASTE MANAGEMENT SAFETY RULES/PRECAUTIONS

NATURAL SCIENCES LABORATORY COMMITMENT

 Highest degree of SAFETY FOR ALL
 High level of RESPONSIBILITY TO THE ENVIRONMENT

RESPONSIBILITY
 INDIVIDUAL
 SUPERVISORY or INSTRUCTIONAL
 ORGANIZATIONAL or INSTITUTIONAL

The individual (student) has a responsibility.

 The health and safety hazard of the materials or equipment that he may be using or producing.
 The hazards which may occur from the equipment or techniques employed.
 The appropriate safety measures.

Supervisory capacity (coordinator)

 That the normal safety precautions are observed.
 That accidental injuries are prevented; accidents that occur are properly reported and recorded; and recurrence of
said accident is avoided.

The institution provides.

 The facilities, equipment, and maintenance to ensure a safe working environment; and
 An organized program to make improvements necessary for such an environment.

LABORATORY
 A facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific research, experiments, measurement and analysis
may be performed.
 The title of laboratory is also used for certain other facilities where the processes or equipment used are similar to
those in scientific laboratories.
 The name emphasizes the experimental and research-oriented nature of work.
 Conducts tests and evaluation of environmental samples, pharmaceutical products, food samples
 Conducts product quality assessment
 Supports activities for educational purposes
 Ensures the validity and reliability of results

SOME COMMON LABORATORIES

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY
 Clinical
 Environmental
 Forensic/Crime
 Food
 Soils
 Feeds
NATURAL SCIENCES LABORATORIES
Biology Laboratory
 Botany
 Zoology
 Microbiology
Chemistry Laboratory
 Inorganic Chemistry
 Organic and Biochemistry
 Physical Chemistry
 Analytical Chemistry
Physics Laboratory

LABORATORY WORK
Characteristics of good laboratory work or practice
  Activities and experiments are well planned
 Activities and experiments are documented
 Safety measures are observed
 Gives credible results (precise and accurate)

REMEMBER
 Science does not take place on the pages of textbooks or learned journals, but it is recorded there.
 The quality of any good work is only as good as the report that remembers it when the test tubes have long been
washed up.

GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE (GLP)

Defined as “a body of rules, operating procedures, and practices established by a given organization that are considered to
be mandatory with a view to ensuring quality and correctness in results produced by a laboratory”. -Principles of
Analytical Chemistry

 Organization of the laboratory

 Management
 Personnel
 Facilities
 Equipment
 Operations
 Method Validation
 Quality assurance
 Record keeping

Have been established by worldwide bodies such as:

– Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
– International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
For educational institutions, this is required by agencies such as CHED, BFP, DENR, and accrediting bodies such as
PAASCU and AACUP.

TWO COMMON ELEMENTS:

 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
 Quality Assurance Unit

SAFETY AGREEMENT
 To ensure that safe and orderly laboratory environment is maintained, EVERYONE should read and follow
laboratory rules and safety precautions.
 Students are made to sign a safety agreement to this effect.

TYPES OF HAZARDS
 Physical Hazard
(Noise, Vibration, Extreme Temperature, Illumination, Pressure)
 Chemical Hazard
A. Physical Form (Liquid, Solids, Gas)
B. Routes Of Entry (Getting into the Eyes, Inhalation, Ingestion, Dermal)
 Biological Hazard
 Ergonomical Hazard
Mismatch between worker & work ex.
Repetitive Motion, Stress at Work
 Mechanical Hazard ex. Rotating parts, Moving parts
 Electrical Hazard ex. any live electrical parts without insulation

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
 Defined as substances or materials which has been determined to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to
health and safety.
 Classified in terms of their physical and chemical properties, effects on health, exposure problems and effects to
the environment.
o Explosive materials
o Infectious items, parasites, pathogens
o Chemically unstable or corrosive
o Toxic substances
o Bio-accumulated
WASTE MANAGEMENT
The BUCS Natural Sciences Laboratory is mandated to maintain a safe, healthy and productive workplace environment.
Committed to environmental health and safety, we strive to ensure that our students, faculty and staff meet or exceed
requirements specified by law.
o RA 6541, “The National Building Code of the Philippines”
o PD 856, “Code of Sanitation of the Philippines”
o PD 1152, “The Philippine Environmental Code”
o RA 8749, “The Philippine Clean Air Act”
o RA 9275, “The Philippine Clean Water Act”
o RA 9003, “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act”
o RA 6969, “Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Control Act”

Primarily, we aim to minimize or eliminate hazardous waste generation.

Effective options to carry out this objective are

 use of alternative chemicals which do not have to be treated as hazardous waste when discarded and
 reduction of the amount of chemicals used by carrying out microscale experiments.

POLICIES AND GUIDELINES. Requires all faculty, staff, and students to comply with the institutional policies and
guidelines established by the laboratory.

HAZARDS IN THE LABORATORY

RECOGNIZING SYMBOLS AND LABELS

ACETONE
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame.
Vapors are heavier than air and may travel a considerable distance to a source of
Ignition and flash back.
Vapor-air mixtures are explosive.

Flash point: closed cup oF (-18oC)

Upper Explosive Limit: 12.8%
Lower Explosive Limit: 2.6%
Autoignition Temp: 869oF (456oC)
Flammability Class (OSHA): IA

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES: ROUTES OF EXPOSURE

Exposure to chemicals may occur by the following routes:

INHALATION. (toxic vapors, mists, gases, or dusts)

 produce poisoning by absorption through the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat and lungs
 can seriously damage these tissues by local action
 may pass rapidly into the capillaries of the lungs and be carried into respiratory system.
Signs of Inhalation Exposure. (to irritating gases or vapors)
 sudden sneezing or coughing
 watering of eyes
 staggering gait
 changes in breathing rate
Symptoms of Inhalation Exposure
 headache
 irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
 increased secretion of mucous in your nose and throat

INGESTION.
 Many of the chemicals used in the laboratory are extremely dangerous if they enter the mouth and are swallowed.
 The relative acute toxicity of a chemical can be evaluated by determining its LD50 (Lethal Dose).
 Lethal Dose is defined as the quantity of material that, when ingested or applied to the skin in a single dose, will
cause the death of 50% of the test animals.
 It is expressed in grams or milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

CONTACT WITH SKIN AND EYES.

Signs of Skin Contact
  redness (erythema)
 swelling (edema)
 dry whitened skin
 irritation and itching

The eyes are organs that are sensitive to irritants.

 few substances are harmless in contact with the eyes
 most substances are painful and irritating
 a considerable number are capable of causing burns and loss of vision

Alkaline materials, phenols, and strong acids are particularly corrosive and can cause permanent loss of vision.
The eyes are very vascular and provide for rapid absorption of many chemicals.
Skin and eye contact with chemicals should be avoided by use of appropriate protective equipment.
In the event of skin contact, the affected areas should be flushed with water and medical attention should be sought if
symptoms persist.
In the event of eye contact, the eye(s) should be flushed with water for 15 min and medical attention should be sought
whether or not symptoms persist.

INJECTION.
Exposure to toxic chemicals by injection seldom occurs in the chemical laboratory.
It can inadvertently occur through mechanical injury from glass or metal contaminated with chemicals or when chemicals
are handled in syringes.

TOXICITY OF CHEMICALS. The toxicity of a material is due to its ability to damage or interfere with the metabolism
of living tissue.

An ACUTELY TOXIC SUBSTANCE can cause damage as the result of a single or short-duration exposure.
EXAMPLES: Hydrogen cyanide, HCN Hydrogen sulfide, H2S Nitrogen dioxide, NO2

A CHRONICALLY TOXIC SUBSTANCE causes damage after repeated or long-duration exposure or that becomes
evident only after a long latency period.
Examples: Carcinogens and many metals ions (such as mercury and lead and their derivatives)

1. EMBRYOTOXINS/TERATOGENS
Embryotoxins are substances that act during pregnancy to cause adverse effects on the fetus.
Teratogens are chemicals than causes malformation of the developing fetus.
Examples: organomercurials, lead compounds, and the formerly used sedative, thalidomide, and formamide
2. REPRODUCTIVE TOXINS
Chemicals can affect both adult male and female reproductive systems.
Reproductive hazards affect people in a number of ways, including mental disorders, loss of sexual drive, impotence,
infertility, sterility, mutagenic effects on cells, teratogenic effects on the fetus, and transplacental carcinogenesis.
3. ALLERGENS
A wide variety of substances can produce skin and lung hypersensitivity.
Examples: diazomethane, chromium, nickel, bichromates, formaldehyde, isocyanates, and certain phenols
4. CORROSIVE CHEMICALS
Corrosive chemicals erode the skin and the respiratory epithelium and are particularly damaging to the eyes.
Major classes of corrosive chemicals:
 strong acids and bases
 dehydrating agents
 oxidizing agents
Some chemicals, e.g., sulfuric acid, belong to more than one class.

CORROSIVE MATERIALS
 Chemical substances that, by direct chemical action, are injurious to living tissues or corrosive to metal surfaces.
 The degree of hazard associated with a corrosive material is greatly dependent upon its physical state (solid,
liquid, gas).
 Minor corrosive injury = irritation

A. STRONG ACIDS AND STRONG BASES

All concentrated strong acids and strong bases (alkaline substances) can damage the skin and eyes.
Exposed areas should be flushed promptly with water.
Nitric, chromic, and hydrofluoric acids are especially damaging because of the types of burns they inflict.
Hydrofluoric acid, which produces slow-healing, painful burns should be used only after thorough familiarization with
recommended handling procedures.
In the use of strong acids and alkaline materials, ensure that the proper glove material is selected and safety goggles with a
face shield and any other PPE as described by the MSDS are used.
HAND PROTECTION
 Glove materials (PVA nitrile, butyl, PVC) show different degrees of resistance to chemicals
 Heavier gloves = greater chemical resistance, but less dexterity
 Thin exam gloves (esp. latex) provide almost NO chemical resistance
 See MSDS for proper glove selection

B. DEHYDRATING AGENTS
Examples: concentrated sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, phosphorus pentoxide, calcium oxide
Much heat is evolved on mixing these substances with water, mixing should always be done by adding the agent to water
to avoid violent reaction and spattering.
Because of their affinity for water, these substances cause severe burns on contact with the skin.
Affected areas should be washed promptly with large volumes of water.

C. OXIDIZING AGENTS
Oxidizing agents present fire and explosion hazards on contact with organic compounds and other oxidizable substances.
Examples: perchloric, nitric, and chromic acids (also corrosive substances)
The hazards associated with the use of perchloric acid are especially severe; it should be handled only after thorough
familiarization with recommended procedures.
 Strong oxidizing agents should be stored and used in glass or other inert containers (preferably unbreakable), and
corks and rubber stoppers should not be used.
 Reaction vessels containing significant quantities of these reagents should be heated by using fiberglass mantles
or sand baths rather than oil baths.
 Use in a chemical hood.
 Use proper gloves, goggles, and face shield, lab coat (and possibly apron).

GUIDELINES FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT (BU)

The BUCS Science Laboratories is mandated to maintain a safe, healthy and productive workplace environment.
Committed to environmental health and safety, we strive to ensure that our students, faculty and staff meet or exceed
requirements specified by law (RA 6541, “The National Building Code of the Philippines” and Presidential Decree 856,
“Code of Sanitation of the Philippines”). Primarily, we aim to minimize or eliminate hazardous waste generation.
Effective options to carry out this objective are the use of alternative chemicals which do not have to be treated as
hazardous waste when discarded and reduction of the amount of chemicals used by carrying out microscale experiments.

The guidelines made in this document will serve to assist every personnel involved in the handling and use of laboratory
chemicals that are generators of wastes. These guidelines follow those used for the storage of laboratory chemicals.
Hazards associated with chemicals are determined by consulting appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The
BUCS Laboratory and Instrumentation Office has an MSDS file for the chemicals available in the science laboratory.

WASTE MINIMIZATION

PLANNING AND PURCHASES

Chemicals that can be recovered, recycled, or reused safely provide a clear economic incentive as well as they do not
become a liability problem or a problem for the environment. It is our responsibility to make every attempt possible to
minimize the amount of generated waste produced. Planning of every experiment must include the disposal of leftover
starting materials and of the products and by- products generated. The following questions should be considered:

 Can any material be recovered for reuse?

 Will the experiment generate any chemical that can be destroyed by a laboratory procedure?
 Will the experiment produce an acutely hazardous waste?
 Can any unusual disposal problem be anticipated?
 Are chemicals being acquired in only the quantities needed? Are any of the chemicals already on site?
 Is there the possibility of replacing a hazardous reagent or solvent with one which is less hazardous or more easily
disposed of?

Chemicals should be purchased in the smallest possible volumes to reduce the amount of unused chemicals that could end
up as laboratory wastes.

RECOVERY AND RECYCLING

Every effort must be made to determine if materials can be reused, recovered, or recycled. Materials such as precious
metals, scrap metals, waste oil, and formaldehyde are candidates for recycling, aside from mercury and silver. Reusable
by-products or end products in an experiment should be properly labeled and stored for future use. Glass bottles and
polyethylene containers are available for this purpose.

TREATMENT
In-lab treatment steps should be written into every laboratory procedure for small quantities of hazardous waste. It is a
more effective way to minimize off site treatment and disposal problems.
Potential treatment methods include:
 Phase separation of organics/aqueous solutions and liquids/solids
 Acid/base neutralization
 Precipitation of toxic metals and inorganic salts
 Oxidation of inorganic cyanides and sulfides

NON-HAZARDOUS WASTES
Some chemicals that are not regulated as hazardous waste can be safely disposed of down the drain, in the hood, or in the
general trash. The MSDS for the material will help determine an appropriate method of disposal.

SINK DISPOSAL PROCEDURE

 The materials must be water soluble.

 Drain disposal will be only into a drain connected to the sanitary sewer, not into a drain that flows directly to
surface water.
 The quantities of chemicals disposed of in the drain must be limited generally to not more than a few hundred
grams or milliliters.
 Flush with at least 100 fold excess of water at the sink.
 Laboratory supervisors must monitor disposal for adherence to guidelines on type, quantity, rate, and flushing
procedures.

TRASH DISPOSAL. Non-hazardous solids can be disposed of in the general trash. The decision to use the trash must be
made after careful consideration of the consequences. Non-hazardous materials will create a hazard if solid particles are
inhaled or reach the eyes.

GLASS DISPOSAL. Empty reagent and sample bottles are rinsed and collected. These clean glass bottles should be
segregated and retained in shelves for further use. A trash bin made of sturdy cardboard box with the lid marked “broken
glass” is dedicated for glass waste in the laboratory. This includes only empty, clean and dry glass without contaminants,
including old chemical bottles, sample vials, and broken glassware. NEVER discard glass waste in the general trash bin.

HOOD DISPOSAL. Small volume solvents are allowed to evaporate slowly in fume hoods under controlled conditions.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Hazardous material is defined as a substance or material which has been determined to be capable of posing an
unreasonable risk to health and safety. They are classified in terms of their physical and chemical properties, effects on
health, exposure problems and effects to the environment.

 Explosive materials
 Infectious items, parasites, pathogens
 Chemically unstable or corrosive
 Toxic substances
 Bioaccumulation

REGULATED HAZARDOUS WASTES

LISTED WASTE

The following is a list of chemicals that are Prohibited Substances, which must NOT be disposed of in the waste bins or
down the sink.

Antimony (**10mg/l) Dichloros PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)

Arsenic (**10mg/l) Dioxins Pentachlorophenol and compounds
Aldrin Drins (aldrin, dieldrin, endrin) Petrol
Atrazine Endosulfan Selenium (**10mg/l)
Azinphos-ethyl Fenitrothion Silver (**10mg/l)
Azinphos-methyl Fenthion Simazine
Beryllium (**10mg/l) HCH (gamma hexachlorocyclo- Tetrachloroethylene
hexane)
Cadmium and compounds Hexachlorobenzene Tin (**10mg/l)
Calcium carbide Hexachlorobutadiene Tributyl-tin compounds
Carbon disulphide Lead (**10mg/l) Trichlorobenzene
Carbon tetrachloride Malathion Trichloroethane
Chloroform Mercury and compounds Trichloroethylene
Chromium (**10mg/l) Nickel (**10mg/l) Trifluralin
 Copper (**10mg/l) Organo-halogen compounds Triphenyl-tin compounds
DDT Parathion Vanadium (**10mg/l)
1,2-Dichloroethane Parathion-methyl Zinc (**10mg/l)

CHARACTERISTIC WASTE
 Ignitable
 Any liquid having a flashpoint of less than140 o F
 Ignitable compressed gas
 Oxidizers

AROMATICS ALCOHOLS ALKANES MISCELLANEOUS

Benzene Methanol Hexane Acetonitrile
Toluene Ethanol Heptane Acetone
Xylene Propanol Petroleum ether Ethyl ether
Pseudocumene Butanol Lacquer thinner Ethyl acetate

CORROSIVE
Any aqueous material withpH2 or less and greater than12.5 is a corrosive material.
Organic and mineral acids as well as certain bases.
MINERAL ACIDS ORGANIC ACIDS BASES
Nitric acid Formic acid Ammonium hydroxide
Perchloric acid Acetic acid Potassium hydroxide
Sulfuric acid Trichloroacetic acid Sodium hydroxide
Hydrochloric acid Propionic acid
Phosphoric acid

REACTIVE
Normally unstable and readily undergoes violent change without detonating
Reacts violently with water or forms explosive mixtures with water
Forms hydrogen cyanide or sulfide gas when exposed to certain chemicals
Capable of explosive decomposition when exposed to heat

ALKALI METALS CYANIDES SULFIDES WATER REACTIVES

Lithium Potassium cyanide Sodium sulfide Calcium hydride
Sodium Sodium cyanide Potassium sulfide Sodium methoxide
Potassium Silver cyanide Ammonium sulfide Sodium ethoxide
Rubidium Ferric cyanide Aluminum chloride
Cesium

TOXIC. The following chemicals are toxic and regulated in ppm concentrations

METALSORGANICS

Arsenic Benzene
Barium Carbon tetrachloride
Cadmium Chlorobenzene
Chromium Chloroform
Lead Cresol
Mercury dichloroethane
Selenium Methyl ethyl ketone
Silver Nitrobenzene
Pyridine

Examples of toxic metal containing compounds:

Barium hydroxide Nickel chloride
Cacodylic acid Osmium tetroxide Cadmium
chloride Potassium dichromate
Chromic acid Selenous acid
Copper sulfate Silver (used photography fixer) Lead
subacetate Sodium arsenate
Mercuric nitrate Sodium Cocod
HANDLING HAZARDOUS WASTES
COLLECTION AND LABELING

An important step in the chemical disposal sequence involves the temporary storage of waste at or near the point of
generation. Except when single chemicals are accumulated for recycling or recovery, waste accumulation generally
involves bulking several compatible materials into one container.

Labeling of containers of waste is important. If the contents of the bottle are not listed, the next person to use the bottle
could accidentally combine incompatible chemicals, which might cause fire and explosion. The exact words
HAZARDOUS WASTE should appear in a waste storage bottle. If something is not really waste, do not put the word
“waste” on the bottle. Label it “used” instead. Remove or totally deface old labels so there is no confusion over the
contents.

SEGREGATION
 Proper segregation of laboratory waste is essential to good chemical hygiene and a safe workplace environment.
The guidelines are really no different than those used for the storage of laboratory chemicals.
 Make sure that wastes within a bottle are compatible.
 Incompatible bottles of wastes should be stored in separate cabinets, preferably as far apart as possible.

The following types of wastes should NEVER be stored near each other: Acids and bases
 Organics and acids
 Cyanide, sulfide or arsenic compounds and acids
 Alkali or alkaline earth metals, alkyllithiums etc, and aqueous waste Powdered or reactive metals and combustible
materials
 Mercury or silver and ammonium containing compounds

If a bottle in a waste storage area where incompatibles were present, the results could be disastrous.

STORAGE. Storage of waste involves consideration of the container, compatibility of contents in a container, and the
storage area for the waste containers.

Waste should not be stored in a fume hood where reactions are being carried out. Reactions that get out of control may
cause an explosion of the waste bottle leading to catastrophic fire or mixing of incompatible chemicals. ALWAYS
REMOVE WASTE BOTTLES FROM HOODS WHERE REACTIONS ARE BEING PERFORMED.

Only glass or polyethylene containers could be used for waste. Metal cans can be easily corroded by solids and liquids
even with near neutral pH.

Flammable waste containers are stored in cabinets that are preferably explosion-resistant, not on the floor or even on a
bench. Waste bottles should not be placed in or near a sink or floor drain to avoid toxic chemical run off. There are
designated areas as CHEMICAL WASTE ACCUMULATION AREA in the laboratory rooms.

Never leave the cap off an organic waste bottle. The only time a cap should be off a waste bottle is when waste is put into
it. Pressure build up can be avoided by simply capping the bottle loosely. Neither should a funnel be left inserted in the
bottle. When done, cap the bottle.

There should be NO MORE THAN ONE BOTTLE of each kind of waste in the laboratory. When the waste bottle is full,
it should be taken to the stockroom for treatment or disposal.

WASTES TAKEN TO THE STOCKROOM

1. For wastes that are taken to the stockroom, make sure that:
 ALL waste containers MUST have a proper ‘HAZARDOUS WASTE” label with start date.
 ALL the contents are listed.
 The bottle or jar has a cap that fits tightly.
 There are no old or extraneous labels on the container.
 If liquid, there is at least 1” of room at the top of the container.
 The outside of the bottle is clean and dry.
 Incompatible wastes (ex. acids and organics) are not mixed.

Halogenated wastes are separate from “regular” organic wastes whenever possible. It is much more expensive to get rid of
halogenated waste.
The pH is known and listed on the disposal tag. (Even for organic liquids.)

2. Fill out a chemical waste disposal tag.

The tag should have the following information:
 HAZARDOUS WASTE in the label with the start date, pH for ANY waste liquid
 Written out chemical names – no abbreviations and no chemical formulas.
 Approximate percentage of each waste component.

3. Attach the form to the waste bottle and give to the laboratory.

SHARPS / BIOHAZARDS / CYTOTOXINS

Sharps, biohazards and cytotoxins should be separated from other waste. These need to be classified into NON-
INFECTIOUS, INFECTIOUS, and SHARPS. Special bins must be used for the purpose. Biohazard material can only be
stored for 24 hours without decontamination procedure or stored under refrigeration. Biological hazards should be
autoclaved before it can be disposed of with waste going to landfill.

Microbiological samples, materials, cultures and disposable equipment are autoclaved under the technical direction of the
microbiological department coordinator. The autoclaved material is accumulated separately for disposal in a sanitary
landfill.

Animal waste, carcasses and parts should be bagged and buried. The laboratory wastewater from washings goes directly
to a septic tank.

Sharps must be discarded into approved SHARPSBIN. These comprise items such as hypodermic needles and attached
disposable syringes if removal is inadvisable, small shards of broken glass, mercury-free glass from broken thermometers,
scalpel blades and other small sharp items. Only when a biological and/or chemical contamination can be removed from a
glass item, then it can be disposed of as waste glassware.

LABORATORY RULES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

LABORATORY RULES

1. You should prepare for each laboratory lesson by reading all instructions before you come to class. It is necessary
that you should understand what is to be done before starting an experiment.
2. Do not perform any unauthorized experiment.
3. All accidents should be reported to the instructor, no matter how minor.
4. Avoid wasteful use of reagent, fuel gas, water, and materials of any kind. Take only the amount of materials
needed. Do not return excess chemicals in the supply bottle unless so directed.
5. Save useful products/by-products in clean, labeled containers as directed by the instructor.
6. Avoid contamination of reagents. Never insert any object into the reagent bottle unless allowed by your instructor
to do so.
7. Do not bring reagent bottles to your working areas. They must be returned promptly to their proper places.
8. All glassware and equipment borrowed from the instrument/supply room should be returned clean and dry at the
end of the laboratory period.
9. Handle all equipment with care. Request assistance from the laboratory instructor on the proper handling and use
of equipment in case you are not familiar with this use.
10. Deposit insoluble refuse such as pieces of paper, wood, glass cork, etc. in waste cans. Never in the sink or on the
floor.
11. Solids, water, or other liquids spilled on the working table must be cleaned as soon as possible.
12. Dispose liquid wastes into the sink by flushing down the drain with plenty of water. If large amounts are to be
disposed, they should not be poured down the drain.
13. Liquid wastes that are corrosive, flammable, or strong producing toxic vapor must be flushed down the drain with
plenty of water.
14. Before leaving the laboratory, always see to it that the water and gas cocks are turned off and the working and
vicinity are clean.
15. Eating, drinking, and smoking inside the laboratory are prohibited.
16. Only laboratory manuals and notebooks are permitted in the working area. Other books, purses/bags and such
items should be placed in your desk or storage area.
17. Never work alone in the laboratory. You should only work in the laboratory under the supervision of your
instructor and within your assigned class.

LABORATORY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Wear laboratory gowns, goggles, and closed shoes every time you are performing an experiment. Always have
mask and gloves available, which will be needed in certain experiments. You will be told be your instructor to use
them in such case.
 2. Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory because there is a distinct possibility that the chemicals may
infuse under the contact lenses and cause irreparable eyes damage.
3. Long hanging necklaces, bulky jewelries, and excessive clothing should not be worn in the laboratory.
4. Everyone should be alert and proceed with caution at all times. Take care not to bump another student and remain
in your working area while performing an experiment. An unattended experiment can produce an accident.
5. Handle the apparatus while performing the experiment at arm’s length from the body. Never directly from the
face.
6. Never taste chemicals. Never touch chemicals with your hands. Taste chemicals only when so directed by the
laboratory instructor or as specified in the laboratory.
7. In smelling a substance, hold the container at a distance and waft the fumes towards your nose with cupper hand.
8. All experiments or producing heavy or toxic vapors should be performed under the fume hood.
9. Never use cracked or broken equipment.
10. If chemicals are spilled on body, particularly the eyes, wash the affected area with plenty of water.
11. During mixing between concentrated acid with water, always add acid to water. Handle concentrated acids with
care.
12. Use a towel to protect the hands when glass rods, glass tubing, or thermometers are being inserted or removed
from stoppers.
13. Everyone should recognize and heed all safety symbols and cautions incorporated into the procedures of the
laboratory experiments, and in the labels of the reagents.
14. You should know the locations and operations of all safety equipment: Safety showers, fire blankets, fire
extinguishers, first aid kits, sand buckets, waste containers, and fume hood.

What should be done in the event of a spill?

 If a chemical has splashed on you, or on another lab member, immediately wash it off with copious amount of
water for at least 15 minutes.
 Call for medical attention only after washing.

If there is a fire:
P – Pull the pin
A – Aim the base of the fire
S – Squeeze the handle
S – Sweep the hose back and forth

Chemical Fume Hoods

 Before starting an experiment, know all the physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of all the materials
with which you will be working.
 Prior to using the hood, verify that the exhaust system is operational.
 Work at least 4 - 6” from sash.
 Lower the sash to the lowest practicable position.
 Keep hood surfaces clear and baffles unobstructed to allow proper airflow.
 Airflow in a fume hood
 is easily disrupted; do not use the fume hood for storage!
 Use the sash as a shield.

Table 1. Density of Water at Different Temperatures

Temperature (oC) Density (g/cm3)

0 0.99987
4 1.00000
5 0.99999
10 0.99973
15 0.99913
20 0.99823
25 0.99707
30 0.99567
35 0.99406
40 0.99224
45 0.99025
50 0.98807
55 0.98573
60 0.98324
65 0.98059
70 0.97781
75 0.97489
80 0.97183
85 0.96865
USE OF MSDS (Hazard Communication Standards: Safety Data Sheets)

KEY CONCEPTS:
Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety Data Sheets)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)

 The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires that the chemical
manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety
Data Sheets) for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards.
 The information contained in the SDS is largely the same as the MSDS, except now the SDSs are required to be
presented in a consistent user-friendly, 16-section format.
o This brief provides guidance to help workers who handle hazardous chemicals to become familiar with
the format and understand the contents of the SDSs.
 The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental
health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.
o The information contained in the SDS must be in English (although it may be in other languages as well).
In addition, OSHA requires that SDS preparers provide specific minimum information as detailed in
Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.1200.
 The SDS preparers may also include additional information in various section(s).
 Sections 1 through 8 contain general information about the chemical, identification, hazards, composition, safe
handling practices, and emergency control measures (e.g., firefighting).
o This information should be helpful to those that need to get the information quickly.
 Sections 9 through 11 and 16 contain other technical and scientific information, such as physical and chemical
properties, stability and reactivity information, toxicological information, exposure control information, and other
information including the date of preparation or last revision.
o The SDS must also state that no applicable information was found when the preparer does not find
relevant information for any required element.
 SDS must also contain Sections 12 through 15, to be consistent with the UN Globally Harmonized System of
Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), but OSHA will not enforce the content of these sections because
they concern matters handled by other agencies.

SECTION 1: IDENTIFICATION
This section identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the essential contact
information of the supplier. The required information consists of:
 Product identifier used on the label and any other common names or synonyms by which the substance is known.
 Name, address, phone number of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party, and emergency phone
number.
 Recommended use of the chemical (e.g., a brief description of what it does, such as flame retardant) and any
restrictions on use (including recommendations given by the supplier).

SECTION 2: HAZARD(S) IDENTIFICATION

This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning information
associated with those hazards. The required information consists of:
 The hazard classification of the chemical (e.g., flammable liquid, category1).
 Signal word.
 Hazard statement(s).
 Pictograms (the pictograms or hazard symbols may be presented as graphical reproductions of the symbols in
black and white or be a description of the name of the symbol (e.g., skull and crossbones, flame).
 Precautionary statement(s).
 Description of any hazards not otherwise classified.
 For a mixture that contains an ingredient(s) with unknown toxicity, a statement describing how much (percentage)
of the mixture consists of ingredient(s) with unknown acute toxicity. Please note that this is a total percentage of
the mixture and not tied to the individual ingredient(s).

SECTION 3: COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

This section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including impurities and stabilizing
additives. This section includes information on substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed.
The required information consists of:

SUBSTANCES
  Chemical name.
 Common name and synonyms.
 Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and other unique identifiers.
 Impurities and stabilizing additives, which are themselves classified and which contribute to the classification of
the chemical.

MIXTURES
 Same information required for substances.
 The chemical name and concentration (i.e., exact percentage) of all ingredients which are classified as health
hazards and are:
o Present above their cut-off/concentration limits or
o Present a health risk below the cut-off/concentration limits.
 The concentration (exact percentages) of each ingredient must be specified except concentration ranges may be
used in the following situations:
o A trade secret claim is made,
o There is batch-to-batch variation, or
o The SDS is used for a group of substantially similar mixtures.

CHEMICALS WHERE A TRADE SECRET IS CLAIMED

 A statement that the specific chemical identity and/or exact percentage (concentration) of composition has been
withheld as a trade secret is required.

SECTION 4: FIRST-AID MEASURES

This section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who has been exposed
to the chemical. The required information consists of:
 Necessary first-aid instructions by relevant routes of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion).
 Description of the most important symptoms or effects, and any symptoms that are acute or delayed.
 Recommendations for immediate medical care and special treatment needed, when necessary.

SECTION 5: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

This section provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical. The required information consists of:
 Recommendations of suitable extinguishing equipment, and information about extinguishing equipment that is not
appropriate for a particular situation.
 Advice on specific hazards that develop from the chemical during the fire, such as any hazardous combustion
products created when the chemical burns.
 Recommendations on special protective equipment or precautions for fire-fighters.

SECTION 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, including containment and
clean-up practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties, or the environment. It may also include
recommendations distinguishing between responses for large and small spills where the spill volume has a significant
impact on the hazard. The required information may consist of recommendations for:
 Use of personal precautions (such as removal of ignition sources or providing sufficient ventilation) and
protective equipment to prevent the contamination of skin, eyes, and clothing.
 Emergency procedures, including instructions for evacuations, consulting experts when needed, and appropriate
protective clothing.
 Methods and materials used for containment (e.g., covering the drains and capping
 procedures).
 Clean-up procedures (e.g., appropriate techniques for neutralization, decontamination, cleaning or vacuuming;
adsorbent materials; and/or equipment required for containment/clean up)

SECTION 7: HANDLING ANG STORAGE

This section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals. The required
information consists of:
 Precautions for safe handling, including recommendations for handling incompatible chemicals, minimizing the
release of the chemical into the environment, and providing advice on general hygiene practices (e.g., eating,
drinking, and smoking in work areas is prohibited).
 Recommendations on the conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities. Provide advice on specific
storage requirements (e.g., ventilation requirements)

SECTION 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION

This section indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to
minimize worker exposure. The required information consists of:
 OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
(ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical
manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the safety data sheet, where available.
  Appropriate engineering controls (e.g., use local exhaust ventilation, or use only in an
 enclosed system).
 Recommendations for personal protective measures to prevent illness or injury from exposure to chemicals, such
as personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., appropriate types of eye, face, skin or respiratory protection needed
based on hazards and potential exposure).
 Any special requirements for PPE, protective clothing or respirators (e.g., type of glove material, such as PVC or
nitrile rubber gloves; and breakthrough time of the glove material).

SECTION 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

This section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture. The minimum required
information consists of:

 Appearance (physical state, color, etc.);  Solubility(ies);

 Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits;  Initial boiling point and boiling range;
 Odor;  Flash point;
 Vapor pressure;  Evaporation rate;
 Odor threshold;  Flammability (solid, gas);
 Vapor density;  Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water;
 pH;  Auto-ignition temperature;
 Relative density;  Decomposition temperature; and
 Melting point/freezing point;  Viscosity.

 The SDS may not contain every item on the above list because information may not be relevant or is not
available. When this occurs, a notation to that effect must be made for that chemical property.
 Manufacturers may also add other relevant properties, such as the dust deflagration index (Kst) for combustible
dust, used to evaluate a dust's explosive potential.

SECTION 10: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

This section describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information. This section is broken
into three parts: reactivity, chemical stability, and other. The required information consists of:

REACTIVITY
 Description of the specific test data for the chemical(s). This data can be for a class or family of the chemical if
such data adequately represent the anticipated hazard of the chemical(s), where available.

CHEMICAL STABILITY
 Indication of whether the chemical is stable or unstable under normal ambient temperature and conditions while
in storage and being handled.
 Description of any stabilizers that may be needed to maintain chemical stability.
 Indication of any safety issues that may arise should the product change in physical appearance.

OTHER
 Indication of the possibility of hazardous reactions, including a statement whether the chemical will react or
polymerize, which could release excess pressure or heat, or create other hazardous conditions. Also, a description
of the conditions under which hazardous reactions may occur.
 List of all conditions that should be avoided (e.g., static discharge, shock, vibrations, or environmental conditions
that may lead to hazardous conditions).
 List of all classes of incompatible materials (e.g., classes of chemicals or specific substances) with which the
chemical could react to produce a hazardous situation.
 List of any known or anticipated hazardous decomposition products that could be produced because of use,
storage, or heating. (Hazardous combustion products should also be included in Section 5 (Fire-Fighting
Measures) of the SDS.)

SECTION 11: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

This section identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such data are not available. The
required information consists of:
 Information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact). The SDS should
indicate if the information is unknown.
 Description of the delayed, immediate, or chronic effects from short- and long-term
 exposure.
 The numerical measures of toxicity (e.g., acute toxicity estimates such as the LD50 (median lethal dose)) - the
estimated amount [of a substance] expected to kill 50% of test animals in a single dose.
 Description of the symptoms. This description includes the symptoms associated with exposure to the chemical
including symptoms from the lowest to the most severe exposure.
  Indication of whether the chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report on Carcinogens
(latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research on Cancer
(IARC) Monographs (latest editions) or found to be a potential carcinogen by OSHA

SECTION 12: ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION (NON-MANDATORY)

This section provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical(s) if it were released to the
environment. The information may include:
 Data from toxicity tests performed on aquatic and/or terrestrial organisms, where available (e.g., acute or chronic
aquatic toxicity data for fish, algae, crustaceans, and other plants; toxicity data on birds, bees, plants).
 Whether there is a potential for the chemical to persist and degrade in the environment either through
biodegradation or other processes, such as oxidation or hydrolysis.
 Results of tests of bioaccumulation potential, making reference to the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow)
and the bioconcentration factor (BCF), where available.
 The potential for a substance to move from the soil to the groundwater (indicate results from adsorption studies or
leaching studies).
 Other adverse effects (e.g., environmental fate, ozone layer depletion potential, photochemical ozone creation
potential, endocrine disrupting potential, and/or global warming potential).

SECTION 13: DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS (NON-MANDATORY)

This section provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container,
and safe handling practices. To minimize exposure, this section should also refer the reader to Section 8 (Exposure
Controls/Personal Protection) of the SDS. The information may include:
 Description of appropriate disposal containers to use.
 Recommendations of appropriate disposal methods to employ.
 Description of the physical and chemical properties that may affect disposal activities.
 Language discouraging sewage disposal.
 Any special precautions for landfills or incineration activities

SECTION 14: TRANSPORT INFORMATION (NON-MANDATORY)

This section provides guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous chemical(s) by
road, air, rail, or sea. The information may include:
 UN number (i.e., four-figure identification number of the substance)1.
 UN proper shipping name1.
 Transport hazard class(es)1.
 Packing group number, if applicable, based on the degree of hazard2.
 Environmental hazards (e.g., identify if it is a marine pollutant according to the International Maritime Dangerous
Goods Code (IMDG Code)).
 Guidance on transport in bulk (according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/783 and the International Code for the
Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (International Bulk Chemical Code
(IBC Code)).
 Any special precautions which an employee should be aware of or needs to comply with, in connection with
transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises (indicate when information is not available).

SECTION 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION (NON-MANDATORY)

This section identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations specific for the product that is not indicated
anywhere else on the SDS. The information may include:
 Any national and/or regional regulatory information of the chemical or mixtures (including any OSHA,
Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, or Consumer Product Safety Commission
regulations)

SECTION 16: OTHER INFORMATION

 This section indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made. The SDS may also
state where the changes have been made to the previous version. You may wish to contact the supplier for an
explanation of the changes. Other useful information also may be included here.

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
 Employers must ensure that the SDSs are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in their
workplace. This may be done in many ways.
 For example, employers may keep the SDSs in a binder or on computers as long as the employees have
immediate access to the information without leaving their work area when needed and a back-up is available for
rapid access to the SDS in the case of a power outage or other emergency.
 Furthermore, employers may want to designate a person(s) responsible for obtaining and maintaining the SDSs. If
the employer does not have an SDS, the employer or designated person(s) should contact the manufacturer to
obtain one.