The interactive lab primer - working safely

General Principle
Hazard- it is defined as the potential of a substance to cause harm. Hazards are a property of a
substance and cannot be reduced, for example, concentrated sulfuric acid is corrosive, it cannot be
changed (although in some situations you might be able to use dilute sulfuric acid which is less
hazardous).
Risk- it is how likely a substance will be harmful under the conditions it is used. Risks can be reduced
by using smaller amounts of chemicals and taking precautions such as using fume cupboards.
Risk Assessment- An effective risk assessment will consider the hazards involved and who will be at
risk. It also addresses the steps needed to minimize risk and will include the safe means of disposal of
the substances used or made.

Basic laboratory best practice

- Always wear eye protection (safety spectacles or goggles)
- Always wear a lab coat and make sure it is buttoned up
- Always tie back long hair
- Always wear gloves when required (dependent on risk assessment and chemicals used)
- Always be aware of hazards and risks
- Always clear up spillages immediately
- Always minimise risks by working tidily and clean up after the experiment
- Use a fume cupboard if necessary
- Never work alone or unsupervised
- Never eat or drink in the laboratory
- Never touch, sniff or taste chemicals
- Never wear open-toed shoes or sandals in the laboratory
- Never pipette liquids by mouth, always use a safety filler
- Never dispose of hazardous materials down the drain, use the appropriate waste containers
provided
- Never return unused chemicals to their original containers but try to avoid taking more than you
need in the first place
Handling chemicals safely
Harmful and toxic chemicals
The difference between a harmful chemical and a toxic one is a matter of degree; chemicals which are
particularly harmful are classified as toxic. Harmful and toxic chemicals must always be handled in a
fume cupboard with the sash (sliding front) pulled down as far as is practicable to protect yourself
from splashes and explosions. It is also essential to wear protective gloves and take particular note of
any special instructions about disposal and what to do in case of spillage.
Examples of harmful and toxic materials are aniline (phenylamine), bromine (most aqueous solutions
and the pure liquid), chlorofrorm (trichloromethane), methanol and cyanide salts
Flammable chemicals
Many solvents and reagents used in the laboratory are highly flammable and so there should never be
naked flames in places where they are being used. The heating of flammable materials should be
carried out using electrically heated water baths, heating mantles or hot plates.
Examples of highly flammable solvents are diethyl ether (ethyloxyethane), petroleum ether (a mixture
of hydrocarbons, not an ether), toluene (methylbenzene), acetone (propanone) and ethyl acetate
(ethyl ethanoate).
Irritant chemicals
Chemicals may irritate the skin, eyes or respiratory system. Those which produce a vapour which
irritates the eyes or respiratory system should always be handled in fume cupboards.
Examples of irritants are solid copper sulfate (but it does not produce an irritating vapour), styrene
(phenylethene) (which does produce an irritating vapour). Acid chlorides (such as ethanoyl chloride),
or thionyl chloride are both corrosive and produce irriating vapours.
Corrosive chemicals
The most commonly encountered corrosive materials are acids and alkalis although many other types
of chemical fall into this category. It is essential to wear appropriate protective gloves when handling
corrosive material and if there is contact with the skin it should be washed off immediately with
plenty of water. It may also be necessary to seek medical attention.
Examples of corrosive materials include concentrated and even moderately dilute solutions of mineral
acids (hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric and phosphoric acids) and strong alkalis such as sodium hydroxide
and potassium hydroxide.
Oxidising agents
Oxidising agents are dangerous because they can cause fires if they contact any combustible material,
particularly if they are disposed of carelessly.
Examples of oxidising agents are solid potassium dichromate (VI), solid potassium manganate (VII),
concentrated nitric acid as well as concentrated hydrogen peroxide.
Explosive reagents
Some compounds and mixtures are explosive because they are unstable, particularly if heated or
when dry. Others present a risk of causing explosions because they react violently with water. When
handling such chemicals, it is essential to use only small amounts and protect yourself with a face
mask and a safety screen.
Examples of explosion hazards are ammonium dichromate (VI) and gun powder. The alkali metals
sodium and potassium present a risk of causing explosions because of their reaction with water.

Handling glassware and personal protection

- Carefully examine glassware for cracks and chips.
+ Never use cracked or chipped glassware. In the case of jointed glassware examine the inside of the
joint as well as the outside.
+ Always examine glassware for “star” cracks. These can be quite small but they are likely to lead to a
sudden failure of the glassware if it is heated or placed under vacuum. If you find a star crack dispose
of the glassware.
- Take great care with sharps such as micropipettes.
+ Micropipettes used in TLC should never be left on the bench. They should be stored in a small
beaker and dispose of the glass bin once they have been used.
Personal protection
Proper protective clothing must be worn at all times in the university chemistry laboratory to prevent
contact of hazardous materials and to protect your clothing from contaminating other areas after
leaving the laboratory. Please note unlike most school laboratories lab coats must always be worn and
buttoned up in university laboratories.
- Protective eye wear must be worn at all times in the laboratory.
- Hazardous material must be handled in a fume cupboard. Make sure that the fume cupboard
is switched on and only open the door as far as is necessary.
- A fully buttoned up lab coat must be worn at all times in the laboratory.
- Many procedures will require the wearing of disposable gloves.
- Shoes should fully cover the feet. Open toed shoes or sandals should never be worn in the
laboratory.
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Hazard warning symbols

Always make yourself aware of the hazards associated with the chemicals involved in a practical
before you even start. There are two chemical hazard warning systems commonly encountered in the
laboratory. The new UN-originated Globally Harmonised System (GHS) with red and black diamond
hazard pictograms and the older orange and black symbols. As the older symbols are still widely
encountered you should be familiar with both, please note, there is no 1:1 correlation between the
old symbols and the new ones because some definitions have changed. If you ever come across a
chemical you do not know the hazard for you must assume that it is very hazardous until you find out
otherwise.
GHS hazard pictograms
Some chemicals that were formerly not classified as hazardous may now carry a GHS pictogram. A
GHS hazard pictogram can be accompanied by a signal word - DANGER (very hazardous), WARNING
(hazardous) or no word (least hazardous) which provides some indication on how careful you need to
be.
GHS01- Explosive materials (unstable explosive, self-reactive substance, and
organic peroxides.)

GHS02- Flammable solids, liquids, or gases. Substance which emit flammable

gases on contact with water.
GHS03- Oxidizing solids, liquids, or gases.

GHS04- Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gasses

GHS05- Corrosive to metals.

GHS06- Acute toxicity

GHS07- Harmful, irritant, and skin sensitizing chemicals

GHS08- Damage to genetic materials: mutagens, carcinogens, respiratory sensitizers,

hazardous substance to specific organs.

GHS09- Chronic hazard to aquatic environments.