GM GR Hse 002 - en - 1

Group Safety Guide and Manual
GM-GR-HSE-002
Hygiene - Health, Safety and

Environment in Laboratories
Industrial Safety
Confidentialité niveau 1. A usage interne au Groupe TOTAL. Page 1/56

Group Guide and Manual
Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

GM-GR-HSE-002
SG/SEI Safety N° Rev.: 01
Date : August 22, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Purpose .................................................................................................................................. 4
2. Scope of application .............................................................................................................. 4
3. Distribution and effective date terms ................................................................................... 4
4. Reference documents ........................................................................................................... 4
5. Follow-up of the document’s formulation, validation and revision procedures................ 4
6. HSE laboratory policy............................................................................................................ 6
7. Installation and design of laboratories................................................................................. 7
A. Layout ...................................................................................................................................... 7
B. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning................................................................................... 8
C. Fire protection .......................................................................................................................... 9
D. Utilities ..................................................................................................................................... 9
E. Laboratory gases ..................................................................................................................... 9
F. Gas detection - Explosive atmosphere ................................................................................... 10
G. Electrical equipment............................................................................................................... 10
H. Storage of chemical products and oil samples storeroom ...................................................... 11
I. Laboratories and implementation of the ATEX Directive (1999/92/EC) .................................. 12
J. Effluents................................................................................................................................. 14
8. Laboratory operating rules ................................................................................................. 14
A. Prohibited actions .................................................................................................................. 14
B. Training - Enabling ................................................................................................................. 14
C. Special provisions for specific categories of personnel .......................................................... 15
D. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in laboratories ............................................................ 16
E. Risks associated with handling very hazardous products ....................................................... 19
F. Risks in the laboratory and means of prevention / protection ................................................. 19
1. Risks associated with equipment 19
2. Risks associated with specific operations 20
3. Risks associated with static electricity, radiation and microbiological analysis 23
4. Dangers associated with products 23
5. New products 26
G. Shipment - Receipt of samples .............................................................................................. 27
H. Waste .................................................................................................................................... 30
9. Preparation for emergency situations ................................................................................ 30
10. Others ................................................................................................................................... 31
11. Appendix I ............................................................................................................................ 32
12. Appendix II ........................................................................................................................... 34
13. Appendix III .......................................................................................................................... 37
14. Appendix IV .......................................................................................................................... 38
Document for internal use in TOTAL Group. Confidentiality level 1 (DICP classification of the DIR-GR-SUR-010) Page 2/56

GM-GR-HSE-002
15. Appendix V ........................................................................................................................... 46

16. Appendix VI .......................................................................................................................... 56

GM-GR-HSE-002
1. Purpose
The aim of this Guide is to provide recommendations to ensure compliance with healthy and safe
working conditions in laboratories.
These recommendations concern the design of the installations and the laboratory activities. They
are only applicable if they do not conflict with local regulatory requirements 1. It is the laboratory
manager’s responsibility to ensure this compatibility.
This Guide does not claim to be exhaustive in terms of the recommendations to be applied. It will
notably be used as an aid (« check list ») to evaluate the provisions implemented by the laboratory
in the fields of Hygiene - Health, Safety and Protection of the Environment.
It is intended to include in this Guide the Best Practices observed during the abovementioned
evaluations.
2. Scope of application
This Guide of Best Practices applies to all Entities of the TOTAL Group, whatever the country.
3. Distribution and effective date terms

This Guide of Best Practices is available in the Group’s REFLEX documentary database.
Application date : July 18, 2012
4. Reference documents
• (CLP) EC Regulation n°1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on
Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures
• (REACH) EC Regulation n°1907/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
• TOTAL Group Safety Guide GM-GR-SEC-010 « Handling flammable liquids - Risks
related to static electricity »
• TOTAL Group Directive DIR-GR-ENV-003 « Waste management »
• TOTAL Group Guide GM-GR-HIS-012 « REACH / CLP Reference »
• Triolet J., Capois J., Gautret de la Moricière G., Lê Quang X., Petit J.-M., Protois J.-C. et
Rocher M., La conception des laboratoires de chimie, Cahiers de notes documentaires -
Hygiène et sécurité du travail - n°188, Document ND 2173-188-02, INRS, 2002
• Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, Fourth revised
edition, United Nations, 2011
5. Follow-up of the document’s formulation, validation and revision

procedures
1
In France, reference is especially made to the Code du Travail « Aménagement des locaux et
lieux de travail » for all the regulations that must be applied by the manager in charge of a site.
Most of the recommendations of this Guide are based on European and / or French standards or
regulations.

GM-GR-HSE-002
OBJECT OF THE
VERSION DATE AUTHOR CHECKED BY APPROVED BY
MODIFICATION
CTG Work Group
August 22, Creation of the
01 « HSE in P. HOORELBEKE G.H. WOODWARD
2013 document
Laboratories »
Members of « HSE in Laboratories » CTG working group who have contributed to this document
ALONSO AGUADO Jose Javier TOTAL Group
ASTORINO Luciano Refining - Chemicals
BUDYNEK Jean-Michel Marketing - Services
DELSARTE Jean-Lou Refining - Chemicals
LE GUILLOU Cyrille Exploration - Production
LEOTOING François Gas - Power
PAWELSKI Laurent Exploration - Production
PUEL Cécile Marketing - Services
REMINIAC Myriam Refining - Chemicals
VAN ELMBT Réginald Refining - Chemicals
WEINBERG Marc Refining - Chemicals
OLIVIER Catherine Refining - Chemicals

GM-GR-HSE-002
6. HSE laboratory policy

Management of Hygiene - Health, Safety and Protection of the Environment in the laboratory is
placed under the responsibility of the laboratory manager, within the context of the policies
established by TOTAL, and made available through the « HSE in Laboratories » CTG working
group.
Most of the systems that are implemented are directly linked to a HSE management system that is
evaluated on a regular basis. Compliance with the HSE management system requirements must
obviously result in the implementation of means of protection and « Best Practices ».
Concerning the means of protection, the priority has to be given to collective protection (ventilation,
water screen protection systems, anti-noise screens, guard rails, retention bunds, ...) which are
combined, whenever necessary, to personal protective equipment - PPE (protective clothing,
safety shoes, helmet, glove, mask, glasses, hearing protection).
Best Practices include :
Installation and design of laboratories
Laboratory operating rules
Preparation for emergency situations
Scheduled audits / inspection
Organisation of continuous personnel training and information
Appropriate medical monitoring
Analysis of critical tasks
...
The following topics are covered in this Guide :
Installation and design of laboratories (Chapter 7)
Laboratory operating rules (Chapter 8)
Preparation for emergency situations (Chapter 9)
Scheduled audits / inspection (Appendix II)

GM-GR-HSE-002
7. Installation and design of laboratories
A. Layout
The space between the laboratory benches must be sufficiently wide (≥ 0.8 m).
Windows of buildings must be made from glass specifically designed to prevent dangerous
fragments of glass flying off, in the event of a potential impact, or be supplied with
appropriate alternative protection.
Emergency exits must be labelled and marked.
Specific warnings in place when handling very dangerous substances (Toxic T+) such as
hydrofluoric acid, H 2 S, ... Warning signs (pictograms) are a prevention measure that must
be implemented and integrated into each « Management of Change » process.
Laboratories must be equipped with safety showers and eye-wash stations. Depending on
the risk, fire blankets should also be present in laboratories. Some substances, such as
sulphuric acid, require the presence of safety baths. Protection means implementation has
to be studied during the design phase of laboratories and integrated into each «
Management of Change » process.
Lighting must be adequate and sufficient (at least 100 lux in corridors, and, depending on
the nature of the task - whether there is the need to see fine details or not - from 300 to 500
lux at workstations). Light fluctuation phenomena must not be noticeable and must not
cause any stroboscopic effect. Rooms where persons are working should have, as far as
possible, sufficient natural light.
Used water drains on the floor or on the benches should not give off any odour. It is
recommended to make sure that there is water present in U-bends, which can also be filled
with a mixture of water and glycerine, as this evaporates more slowly. The use of ball-
equipped traps ensures that odours do not rise when “dry”. The use of drains on non-used
benches should be avoided.
More generally, it is important to perform a risk analysis for the activity, in order to define
the required specific protection measures, such as fire or explosion resistance, ...
Office areas are to be separate from laboratories. They must be accessible via a separate
door.
Materials used for the floors, benches, ventilation, fume cupboards, cabinets, ... of
laboratories have to be compatible with the used chemical products.
It is advised to seek the opinion of the occupational doctor for all new facilities.

GM-GR-HSE-002
B. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning

General ventilation
This ensures good air quality with a permanent supply of « new » fresh air. When it is not possible
to keep windows open, or when the replacement ratio must be high, mechanical ventilation is used.
For offices and meeting rooms, the fresh air flow rate will be at least 25 m3/h per occupier. For
chemical rooms and the like, that are considered as « rooms with specific pollution », the air
replacement ratio will range between 6 and 12 per hour, except if a risk analysis requires a
different air replacement ratio. There are exceptions, for air-conditioned rooms or for rooms which
must be maintained at a constant temperature. In case of air conditioning through an open water
cooled circuit, attention must be paid to the risk of « Legionella » contamination.
The laboratory must be at a pressure slightly lower than that of the adjacent offices and corridors
(in the order of 10 to 20 Pa) in order to confine any emanation released as a result of accidental
spillage or leakage of reagents or solvents. It is important that visual means - at the entrance of the
laboratory - are provided to control this lower pressure. To this end, ensuring that all doors and
windows are closed is essential.
In some circumstances, the air that is sucked up may become contaminated accidentally (in case
of a malfunction of units adjacent to the laboratory). An analysis should allow the best solution to
be found to prevent this risk, notably through the installation of detectors, which must be
maintained, as all other laboratory equipments.
For the comfort of the workers, a relative humidity above 40 % is maintained, which also reduces
the risks associated with static electricity.
Note
The air-flow system inside buildings must be taken into consideration when installing gas and fire
detectors as well as for the layout of specific devices (flash point measurement, HFRR, ...).
Local ventilation
General ventilation dilutes pollutants, but may leave a residual pollution level at the emission point.
Therefore, each time the emission of dangerous products is likely to occur, local ventilation must
be used, such as an extraction hood, laboratory fume cupboard, glove box, ...
Fume cupboards are standardised « enclosures », ventilated in depression conditions, which suck
in the air from the laboratory and release it into the external atmosphere via a fan. The air released
must not be recycled. External emissions must take place at a sufficient height, making it
impossible for them to be sucked in by air intakes or nearby windows. Emissions of some
pollutants into the atmosphere may be regulated. In such cases, a purifying apparatus is installed
in the air-flow system.
Appendix IV details the French regulatory requirements in terms of laboratory ventilation and
provides the recommendations for the use and the regular check / control of laboratory fume
cupboards and other ventilation devices.

GM-GR-HSE-002
C. Fire protection
Fire detectors
The fire detectors must be appropriate for the specific conditions: detection by ionisation (this type
of detector is, however, no longer authorised for new facilities), flame detector (UV or IR), smoke
detector.
The detectors must be connected to an alarm system that is capable of warning the staff on duty
(security guard of the site for example). The connection between detection and an automatic
extinguishing system must be carefully considered on a case by case basis (possibility of triggering
based on a false alarm, effects of extinguishing means on sensitive equipment, ...).
Extinguishers
Powder, CO 2 or water spray extinguishers (location to be agreed, with the Safety Department of
the site, based on the risks) must be inspected annually. They must be replaced immediately after
use or if they have exceeded their use-by date.
D. Utilities
Materials used for piping must be compatible with the gases or liquids to be transported. Piping
must be visible and accessible, with their markings being clear and legible. This marking must
include the flow direction and the type (name) of the fluid. The marking may be colour-coded.
E. Laboratory gases
Gas cylinders must be stored outside the laboratory, in a well ventilated area, in a vertical position,
in a rack equipped with chains.
If the gas cylinders (or the racks) are connected, with hoses, to the facility, there must be an « anti-
whip » device in place.
Gas cylinders must not be kept in the laboratory. If technically required (e.g. for calibration), an
easily accessible, dedicated area must be made available for this purpose (e.g. a fire proof,
ventilated cabinet), with adequate detection.
The flammable or toxic gas distribution circuit must be equipped with a stop valve (outside the
laboratory, if possible, in a sheltered place which is easily accessible). Check valves and pressure
safety valves must be clearly identified and accessible.
Special case of oxygen cylinders and lines
Oxygen is a combustive substance, which may trigger a fire or explosion, if it comes into contact
with flammable substances.
When construction is taking place, degreased equipment must be used. Never lubricate the
valves on oxygen cylinders and never apply grease to connectors.

GM-GR-HSE-002
F. Gas detection - Explosive atmosphere

Hazardous atmosphere detectors must be used according to the type of activity. They must be
selected and installed in such a way that the resulting alarm is triggered with the shortest
response-time possible. Their installation location must take into consideration the nature of the
gas to be detected (lighter or heavier than air) and the room ventilation. These detectors must be
regularly tested and maintained.
The detectors must be connected to an alarm system that is capable of warning the operator and
the staff on duty (e.g. security guard for the site).
Given previous incidents of poisoning by carbon monoxide, specific CO detector(s) is(are)
to be provided in areas where this gas could be present (for example, in « Engine testing »
laboratories).
Even though CO is lighter than air, its density is very similar and it is easily dispersed in air. The
position of the sensor should therefore be « neutral ». It might however be wise to put it at breast
height, close to the usual location of the operator.
In case of a risk of anoxia (e.g. if liquid nitrogen is present in a non-ventilated laboratory), a specific
risk analysis should be carried out to determine if there is a need for oxygen detector(s) or not.
G. Electrical equipment
Regulation on electrical protection must be strictly applied. Electrical cabinets and boxes must be
kept locked. Electrical equipment must be plugged in as close to the socket as possible, avoiding
the use of extension leads or trailing cables. Everything must be done to avoid any contact with live
electrical cables.
Periodic electrical checks and work on electrical equipment must only be carried out by enabled
personnel (application of the local legislation). It is recommended to thoroughly assess the whole
electrical installation every five years.
An emergency stop device (« push button ») which will cut the power to all permanent equipment
and all sockets - with the exception of the exhaust fans - may be installed close to the door of the
laboratory.
Refrigerators must be of a type that has been approved for laboratories. There is generally no
interior lighting; the thermostat and the switch are located outside. The modifications should be
original. It is not recommended to carry out nor have these modifications performed after purchase.
If a refrigerator needs to be installed in an explosive area, all its electrical equipment must be
located outside of this area (e.g. refrigerated oil samples storeroom). Laboratory refrigerators must
not be used to store food.
It is recommended to protect electrical equipment with a 30 mA circuit breaker.

GM-GR-HSE-002
H. Storage of chemical products and oil samples storeroom

The storage (in significant quantities) of chemical products and light hydrocarbon 2 samples must
take into consideration the local regulatory requirements and be carried out in places that comply
with common design rules :
Fire-resistant walls
Chemical resistant retention tanks / bunds and compliant to the local legislation
Doors opening from inside, equipped with « anti-panic » devices
Efficient ventilation that can be regulated at two extraction speeds (high and low)
Extinguishers or automatic extinguishing systems
Explosion-proof electrical equipment
Chemicals storage must comply with the separation rules for antagonistic reagents:
Oxidizing agents (nitrates, peroxides, halogens, …) and reducing agents (hydrocarbons,

metallic powders, ...)
Strong acids (hydrochloric, nitric, sulphuric, … acids) and strong bases (sodium hydroxide,
potassium hydroxide, hydrazine, …)
CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or toxic for Reproduction) and flammable products have to be
stored separately.
Pyrophoric materials - products that spontaneously ignite when they come in contact with air or
water (e.g. alkyl-metals) - must be stored separately. Automatic extinguishing systems must be
designed for this type of product.
2
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, Fourth revised edition,
United Nations, 2011
A flammable liquid is a liquid with a flashpoint below or equal to 93°C. Flammable liquids are
classified into four categories, based on the flashpoint and the initial boiling point, as described in
the following table:
Flammable liquids
Category Criteria
1 Flashpoint < 23°C and initial boiling point ≤ 35°C
2 Flashpoint < 23°C and initial boiling point > 35°C
3 Flashpoint ≥ 23°C and ≤ 60°C
4 Flashpoint > 60°C and ≤ 93°C

GM-GR-HSE-002
The use by-dates stated by the manufacturer must be taken into account.
The measures to be taken (storage temperature, special measures, and precautions for use) are
generally available in the safety data sheets or the product notices that the laboratory must keep
and make available to the operators.
The laboratory must have an up-to-date list of all poisons (cyanides, arsenic, ...) and must keep
them in a locked cupboard. The key will be kept by the laboratory manager or by one of his
appointed assistants. If these products are not absolutely necessary, then they should be
removed from the laboratory.
REACH 3, the new European regulation for chemical products, requires tightening the entry
procedure for chemical products on to the site. This new situation requires that purchasing and
managing procedures for laboratory products are as close as possible to the general handling
procedures for products on the industrial sites. Specifically, all products used by the lab must be
registered 4, which might not be so obvious for products used in small quantities (for instance,
tetraethyl lead which is used for testing fuels with an octane index over 100).
Reference will be made to the TOTAL Group Guide GM-GR-HIS-012 « REACH / CLP
Reference » which describes the key elements that must be taken into account in the
REACH regulatory compliance effort as well as certain elements of the CLP (Classification,
Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals) regulation. This guidance is presented in
questionnaire format.
It is frequently necessary to have a refrigerated oil samples storeroom (around 4°C) to store
samples of light hydrocarbons. Several industrial sites have used old shipping containers for this
purpose (20‘ or 40‘), with an inside lining made of stainless steel, after having made modifications
(two « anti-panic » doors, fitting of a non-slip floor and metal shelves, extinguishers, explosion-
meters, explosion-proof lighting, « chiller » and explosion-proof evaporator, ...). These
modifications must have received the approval of the Safety Department of the industrial sites.
During transfer operations, it is important to take precautions against the associated risks of static
electricity (refer to TOTAL Group Safety Guide GM-GR-SEC-010 « Handling flammable liquids -
Risks related to static electricity »).
I. Laboratories and implementation of the ATEX Directive (1999/92/EC)

As a reminder, the table below states the definition of the different ATEX zones (gas / vapour)
according to the aforementioned Directive.
3
REACH is the European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use. It deals with the
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances.
4
31 May 2013 was the deadline for registration of substances manufactured or imported at 100-
1000 tonnes per year.
31 May 2018 will be the deadline for registration of substances manufactured or imported at 1-100
tonnes per year.
The registration of substances manufactured or imported at < 1 tonne per year is not mandatory.
Some substances, as crude oil, do not have to be registered.

GM-GR-HSE-002
Zone
(gas / Characteristics
vapour)
Zone 0 A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of

flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is permanently
Z0 present or for long periods or frequently.
Zone 1 A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or

flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is likely to occur
Z1 occasionally in normal operation.
A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of

Zone 2 flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur
Z2 in normal operation but, if it nevertheless does occur, will persist for a short
period only.
All laboratories must have a document related to protection against explosion, including a justified
zone plan, approved by a competent body.
In principle, laboratories where products likely to create an explosive atmosphere (with exception
of LPG analyses) are used are considered as zone 2. However, for laboratories equipped with
protection systems using extraction/dilution at the source or through general extraction/dilution, the
concept of zone is no longer relevant due to the action of the forced ventilation on the explosive
composition of the atmosphere. These rooms are called « protected volumes ».
In any case, for « protected volumes », there should be compensatory actions when ventilation
failures occur :
Monitoring
Monitoring through explosivity detectors
Monitoring of the functioning of the ventilation (for the laboratory in general)
« Servo control » on failure or explosivity detection (examples of “servo controls”)
Powering off of electrical equipment not certified for use in zone 2
Increase, from normal to high, of the ventilation flow rate (in case of normal / emergency
devices)
Control of the shut down of (hydrocarbons or gas) utilities
Application of the procedures foreseen by written instructions
Standard equipment may only be used in a protected zone if the risk of explosion is prevented
through the simultaneous use of specific protection measures, such as continuous dilution or
extraction at the source, and compensating measures detailed above.

GM-GR-HSE-002
Ventilation and extraction equipment must be certified as being non-sparking and all equipment
related to safety in those « protected volumes » must be adapted for use in zone 2 (blowers, power
switches, pressure sensors, gas detectors, emergency stops, ...).
J. Effluents
Gaseous effluents
Gaseous effluents from fume cupboards, ... have to be connected to a collecting network.
This network must be equipped with a system designed for gaseous effluents treatment, allowing
complying with the local regulation.
Aqueous releases
Three systems exist for aqueous releases :
Waste water system. This system is equipped with a « basin », located upwards of the
waste water treatment unit and that can be isolated in case of emergency.
Storm drainage system.
Sanitary water system.
Sewers must be tight and equipped with a flame arrestor system.
8. Laboratory operating rules
A. Prohibited actions
In is forbidden to :
Smoke
Eat or drink
except in designated areas, separated from the working rooms.
The use of mobile telephones is strictly regulated on each site.
B. Training - Enabling
Irrespective of whether it has a Quality Assurance system, the laboratory must have, apply and
monitor a training / enabling procedure for its operators. The implementation of this process is an
ideal opportunity to remind staff of the general and specific rules concerning hygiene-health, safety
and protection of the environment. Any external staff working in the laboratory must satisfy the
safety enabling requirements, according to the rules used on the site.

GM-GR-HSE-002
The training / enabling step for operators must be used to develop their critical sense and to
encourage them to constantly ask questions :
What are the risks ?
What is the worst case scenario ?
What must/should I do ?
What preventive measures should I take ?
Never undertake hazardous handling alone, outside normal working hours
Never leave potentially dangerous equipment unattended while it is in operation
Never use a pipette with your mouth
Avoid unnecessary storage of substances in the laboratory that are liable to ignite,
degrade or decompose, in particular when subject to sunlight
Clean up or have cleaned up any accidental spillage as soon as it occurs.

Depending on the risk associated to the substance, notify the Safety Department
and put on appropriate personal protective equipment
It is important to report all incidents, accidents or “near misses” so they can be avoided in
future.
C. Special provisions for specific categories of personnel

These provisions are based on French regulations. It is the responsibility of the laboratory
managers (of the industrial sites) outside France to verify the applicability of these measures, as
well as to implement measures adapted to local conditions.
Pregnant women must contact the occupational doctor at the beginning of their pregnancy
to arrange a first physical examination in order to re-evaluate how compatible their job is for
their stage of pregnancy and to protect them from occupational hazards.
Employees on fixed term contract and temporary staff from recruitment agencies are not
required to undertake tasks that include exposure to some products (e.g., article D. 4154-1
of French « Code du Travail ») :

GM-GR-HSE-002
Incomplete list, taking into consideration the environment of the control laboratories in the
industrial sites :
Hydrofluoric acid
Chlorine gas
Manganese dioxide
Benzidine and homologues
O-Toluidine
Chloromethane
Tetrachloroethane
Carbon sulphide
...
D. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in laboratories

Working in laboratories exposes the operators to many physical and chemical contacts, as detailed
above, that may occur during experiments in which the reduction of risks at source and the
implementation of collective protection are not sufficient to protect the workers. In such conditions,
wearing PPE is essential. PPE is the last protection during experiments.
These equipments must be worn at all times while the person is present in the laboratory,
except in offices and meeting rooms. Consequently, PPE must be carefully selected, if possible
with the help of the personnel concerned, and be comfortable to wear, which is fundamental for its
correct use. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to wear PPE in offices, meeting rooms and social
areas.
If protective clothing becomes dirty, it must be replaced quickly.
Changing room may be foreseen.
In countries where the employer is not bound by legislation to provide personal protective
equipment free of charge, it is still encouraged that managers apply these recommendations.
The following is mandatory :
• The wearing of safety glasses

• The wearing of protective clothing
• Dependent on the risk, the wearing of safety shoes
• The wearing of gloves, appropriate for the risk
All personal protective equipment must comply with current legislation in place.
Furthermore, when handling products, the « minimum » personal protective equipment to be used
is that which is stated on the corresponding Safety Data Sheet.

GM-GR-HSE-002
In general, attention should be paid to use-by dates and to the integrity of personal protective
equipments.
Rules concerning the wearing of personal protective equipment by site visitors are to be set by
each individual site.
Safety glasses
They protect from direct damage to the eyes (chemical or thermal burns, lacerations, contusions)
and from indirect damage (thermal radiation). They must offer lateral protection. They can however
not guarantee total tightness, and if splashing from products is likely to occur during an experiment,
the wearing of goggles or a complete face shield is recommended.
It has to be mentioned that wearing contact lenses decreases eye irrigation and may get in the
way, should splashing occur, if quick washing of the eyes is needed. Safety glasses, including
optical adjustment, may be available for the operators, if needed.
Protective clothing
Buttoned up, long sleeved lab coat or overall.

The protective clothing chosen must be easily removable in the event of them becoming dirty or
contaminated and it must be fire resistant (they must neither propagate the fire, nor stretch out of
shape under heat). Protective clothing must be removed and collected as soon as they become
contaminated with a hazardous substance to avoid it passing through to the worker’s regular
clothes. They must be washed using a process that takes into account their specific use.
If large quantities of hazardous products are being handled, special impermeable clothing is to be
worn.
Anti-static clothing should be used based on the risk analysis related to the tasks.
Safety shoes
Safety shoes can be light, but must be closed, with non-slip, anti-static soles and reinforced toes,
for all handling of heavy samples or objects.
Hand protection
The word « handling » involves many topics in a laboratory : hot liquids, liquid nitrogen or liquefied
gases that may cause cold burns, toxic and corrosive chemicals that may penetrate the skin,
poisons, glassware, machines, flames and electric heaters, …These are only a small part of the
potential hazards.

GM-GR-HSE-002
Protective gloves must be appropriate for the use and the risk, provide sufficient tightness, and still
allow the hands to be sensitive enough to perform the task :
Leather gloves for handling and sampling hot materials
High temperature resistant gloves for very hot products (e.g. ashes)
Cut-resistant gloves, when handling glassware
Nitrile gloves for handling hydrocarbons, solvents, chemical products, ... Nitrile gloves are
not multipurpose. Their compatibility with the used products has to be controlled.
PVC gloves for handing aggressive products
The protection given by gloves is only temporary. Chemicals can migrate through the constitutive
membrane of the glove (permeation phenomenon). Gloves may additionally undergo chemical or
mechanical degradation. They must therefore be changed frequently. Single-use gloves must be
removed immediately after contact with products. Contaminated gloves have to be treated as
dangerous waste and require specific elimination procedure.
When removing gloves, care must be taken to avoid soiling the uncovered hand.
Head protection
The wearing of a safety helmet is recommended for specific jobs, such as working at height or in
storage areas, where there is a risk of falling objects. Safety helmets must also be worn on pilot
plants.
Related to the risks analysis, long, flowing hair may not be allowed or has to be tied, if required.
Hearing protection
Ear protection is mandatory in areas where the noise level exceeds 85 dB (European regulation).
Ear plugs, personal moulded ear pieces or « noise-control » helmets are available.
Respiratory protection
Normal tasks have to be carried out in total safety, without using personal respiratory protection.
However, it may be necessary to use respiratory protective equipment for specific operations which
may result in the emission of toxic products (e.g. sampling and analysis of H 2 S containing
products), vapours or dusts. Filtering masks can only be used when ventilation is provided by a
flow of fresh air and if there is no risk of under oxygenation (O 2 > 20% vol). If it is not the case, IBA
must be used (in accordance with the training, enabling and utilisation rules).

GM-GR-HSE-002
For example :
Equipment Example of use
Self-contained breathing Intervention with Safety Department of the site. Enabling

apparatus is mandatory
Insulated breathing Intervention with toxic products. Enabling and presence
apparatus (IBA) of a second person are mandatory.
P3 type dust mask or half
Exposure to fine dust
mask
Evacuation mask H 2 S. Only to be used in case of evacuation
Maintenance of the PPE
Personal Protective Equipment can remain fully efficient only if they are perfectly maintained, and
kept in good operating condition. People must use it with care and consider it as a major element
in their own safety.
PPE that may be used by several people must be systematically disinfected after use.
E. Risks associated with handling very hazardous products

Specific, unique and formalised procedures are to be followed when handling particularly
hazardous products, such as hydrofluoric acid, which concerns laboratories in industrial sites
(Refineries) operating an alkylation unit.
F. Risks in the laboratory and means of prevention / protection

1. Risks associated with equipment
Equipment Risks Prevention and protection
Glassware • See Appendix V • See Appendix V

• Electrification or
electrocution through
Electrical direct or indirect contact • Compliance with local regulations in
equipment • Ignition, explosion place
caused by sparks or
very hot part
• The use of an open
• Remove the flame and flammable
flame device (Bunsen
materials
Open flame burner, flash point, etc)
• Gas / fire detectors
device can cause a fire if
flammable products are • Provide a specific system for shutting
off gas supply
present nearby

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Equipment Risks Prevention and protection

• If the cylinders are upright, keep
them chained to a wall or any other
secure place
• Define a means of collective or
• Fall of cylinder
personal protection when using a
Gas cylinders • Poisoning in case of
cylinder containing toxic gas
leakage from valve
• In case of a leakage of toxic gas in a
laboratory, if the cylinder cannot be
re-closed, quickly evacuate staff and
call the Safety Department of the site
Pressurised • Compliance with regulations in place
equipment • Ensure periodic inspection
• Bursting of equipment
(induction programme is in place and, before
with very violent
period, gums, use, check the inspection status of
projections
calorific value, the equipment (date and
...) compliance)
• Centre and balance the loads
• Ensure the locking mechanism
prevents start-up when the cover is
• Bursting of rotor
open
• Injury in case of contact
Centrifuge • Ensure periodic inspection
with rotating part
(BSW, ...) programme is in place and, before
• Explosion in a
use, check the inspection status of
flammable atmosphere
the equipment (date and
compliance)
• Follow the operating procedures
• Follow the operating instructions
Hand and • Wear appropriate personal protective
• Burns, cuts, crushing of
mechanical equipment
fingers, entanglement
tools • Use tools that are in good condition
and appropriate for the task
2. Risks associated with specific operations
Task Risks Prevention and protection

• Careful reading of the operating
procedure and enabling to carry
• Unexpected, out the experiment
Handling chemicals dangerous reaction • Knowledge of the properties of
the used products (SDS)
• Identification of PPE

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• Use a pump for large containers
• Wear appropriate PPE
• Spillage of liquid • Remove all heat sources when
• Poisoning from transferring flammable materials
Transfer of liquid vapours • Close containers / bottles after
• Static electricity use
• Earth containers / bottles, if
necessary, equipotential
• Implosion of
apparatus and
• Use appropriate equipment such
Operating under projection of materials
as glassware suitable for use
vacuum • Suction of a liquid and
under vacuum
unexpected mixing of
liquids
• Check the operating instructions
• Unexpected reaction
and the products used
accompanied by
Mixing products / • The rate of addition must be
hazardous
adding products tailored to the reaction produced
phenomenon
(slow if the reaction is strong)
(projection, explosion)
• Adequate and consistent labelling
• Do not exceed the maximum
authorised temperature
• Do not exceed the maximum
• Loss of control of authorised pressure
reaction, vaporisation • Correct design of protective
Exothermic reaction of substances, equipment (based on the selected
explosion scenario)
• In the operating instructions,
include measures to be taken in
case of an emergency
• Use a heating element with a
temperature that is just enough to
ensure boiling of the solvent
• Place all apparatus in a fume
Solvent extraction • Fire, explosion
cupboard
• Have a fire-extinguisher nearby
• Link between the heating and the
water flow

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• Failure of boiler and
• Inspect the equipment to check
ignition
for potential crack or leak, or
• Breakdown of cooling,
systematically replace the
leading to atmospheric
distillation flasks after x tests, or
Atmospheric pollution
use quartz distillation flasks
distillation • Explosion due to
• Comply with procedures
uncontrolled release
describing the release to the
to the atmosphere
atmosphere at the end of the
• Breakage of distillation
distillation operation
flask
• Bursting of the
container if the gas is • Place apparatus in a fume
Reactions that unable to escape, cupboard
produce a gaseous explosion if the gas is • Install a gas detector
release flammable • Wear breathing apparatus, if
• Release of toxic necessary
vapours
• Due to the sensitivity
• Place the analysis device so that
of this analysis, the
the ventilation laminar flow is not
operator is tempted to
Flash point analysis disrupted or provide localised
shut down the
appropriate extraction (low flow,
ventilation system for
fume hood or extraction arm type)
a short while
• Release of toxic and / • Install the apparatus in a fume

Evaporation / drying or flammable gases cupboard
• Release of toxic • Ventilate the cleaning area

Cleaning glassware
vapours, burns to the • Empty glassware completely and
(See Appendix V) skin or eyes degas before cleaning
• Transport glass containers in
baskets or in a trolley, taking care
Moving containers to avoid impacts
• Breakage of the
containing • Do not move a container that is
container, pollution of
chemicals or under vacuum
the atmosphere
hydrocarbons. • Do not use a personal vehicle to
• Release of toxic
Transport of transport samples
vapours
apparatus • Use a retention bund
• Do not take toxic or flammable
substances with you into a lift

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• Place all broken glassware into
specific bins
• Cuts, exothermicity, • Dispose of chemicals, without
Removal of waste burns, release of gas mixing products likely to cause a
violent reaction
• Sort waste at source
• Issue a specific work procedure
Handling of very • Ensure all personnel is trained
hazardous • Poisoning, chemical
• Foresee specific warning signals
substances, such as burn
• Ensure there is an emergency
HF plan associated with handling HF
3. Risks associated with static electricity, radiation and

microbiological analysis
Static electricity may lead to fire or explosion risks.
Static electrical charges may be generated during pumping of hydrocarbons, gas leaks and
by operators not wearing anti-static safety shoes.
In areas where large quantities of solvents are stored, or where transferring operations take
place, the use of an equipment allowing measuring the ohmic resistance of the operator
(shoes tester) can be provided. The human body can behave like a capacitor and generate
discharges which, in some cases, may not be detected by the operator, but are likely to
generate ignition of hydrocarbons in the air.
If the relative humidity falls below 30 %, the risk of accumulation of electrostatic charges
increases considerably.
Equipments have to be earthed during flammable product transfer by gravity.
Specific precautions must be taken when using some ionizing radiations in the laboratory
(e.g., X-ray analysis, analysis using NMR or a laser). Work procedures should be followed
very closely.
The laboratories concerned should take precautions in terms of microbiological risk, in

particular with regard to the destruction of culture media prior to disposal.
4. Dangers associated with products

European CLP regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) (regulation (EC) n°
1272/2008) introduced in Europe the General Harmonized System (GHS), internationally
developed by the United Nations.
The CLP regulation replaces the previous rules used for classifying, labelling and packaging
dangerous substances (Directive 67/548/EEC) and mixtures (Directive 1999/45/EEC).
The final date for the classification of substances was the 1st December 2010. For mixtures,
the final date is the 1st June 2015.
The new classification system will then progressively replace the previous one until 2015 for
mixtures (previously called “preparations”), and is already in force for substances.

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The new pictograms are shown below. Old pictograms, still used for the mixtures, are shown
in Appendix VI.
It should also be mentioned that there has also been a significant change made to the
classification rules. The labelling of a substance or a specific product can be different under
the CLP regulation compared with the previous European regulation.
Risk of explosion : explosive, self-reactive substance and mixture, organic

peroxide.
These products may explode in contact with a flame, sparks, static
electricity, ...
Risk of fire : Flammable gas, flammable liquid, flammable solid, self-reactive

substance and mixture, pyrophoric liquid, pyrophoric solid, self-heating
substance and mixture, substance and mixture, which in contact with water,
emit flammable gases, organic peroxide.
These products may ignite in contact with a naked flame, under the effect of
heat or in contact with air.
Oxidizing gas, oxidizing liquid, oxidizing solid.

Substances and mixtures that, in contact with other substances, especially
those that are flammable, produce a highly exothermic reaction.
Gas under pressure.

Some gases may explode when heated. Liquefied gases may cause
cryogenic burns.

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Risk of corrosion : Corrosive to metals, skin corrosion / irritation, serious eye

damage / eye irritation.
Risk of acute toxicity : these products are fast acting poisons. They can act
via various routes (by ingestion, by inhalation and by penetration of the
skin).
Respiratory sensitizer, germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, toxic to

reproduction, aspiration hazard.
Acute toxicity, skin corrosion / irritation, serious eye damage / eye irritation,
skin sensitizer, hazard to the ozone layer.
Hazardous to the aquatic environment.

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In addition to the classification of products, hazardous materials must be classified for transport, in
accordance with ADR regulations.
Transport pictograms
Flammable gases (2)

Explosive substances divisions Explosive substances divisions
Flammable aerosols (2)
1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6
Flammable liquids (3)
Flammable solids Substances which, in contact

Substances liable to
with water, emit flammable
Self-reactive substances spontaneous combustion
gases
Organic peroxides Oxidising substances Compressed gas
Environmentally hazardous
Corrosive substances Toxic substances
substances
5. New products
All new products received by the laboratory can only be received if accompanied by a Safety
Data Sheet in the language of the user (refer to the Branch or site purchasing procedures).

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For each substance, the European REACH regulation requires that the manufacturer states
the authorised uses and, if necessary, provides risk management measures. It is
recommended to check that the supplier can provide a Safety Data Sheet in the REACH5
format, that its intended use in the laboratory is one of its agreed uses, and that the use of
the substance complies with the prescriptions on the Safety Data Sheet, particularly
those included in the exposure scenario corresponding to the actual use of the product in the
laboratory.
G. Shipment - Receipt of samples

Laboratories have often to send and receive samples or test products, in variable quantities,
ranging from a few millilitres to 200 litres drums.
Products classified as dangerous are listed by their UN (United Nations) codes and must be
shipped according to ADR regulations (The European Agreement concerning the International
Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) if they are to be shipped by road, or IATA regulations
(International Air Transport Association) if they are to go by air or IMDG regulations (International
Maritime Dangerous Goods) if they are to go by sea. Textbooks related to these regulations must
be used as reference for each dangerous product. Before packing a sample, it is necessary to
check, in the appropriate textbook, if, according to its UN code, the product has to be considered
as « dangerous » (this will depend on the nature and the quantity of the product to be sent) and the
corresponding packaging group.
Drums of 30, 60 and 200 litres meet the toughest standard (X) of packaging group I and do
not require double packaging.
Even if they are exempted from declaration (limited quantity for road transport), it is
recommended to implement double packaging for all small samples up to 5 litres. However,
labelling remains mandatory.
External packaging can be made up of metal 5 to 25 liters « drums », approved UN « Y »,

meeting standards for packaging groups II and III. Before being placed in the metal drums
and secured with fire retardant packing material (absorbent), samples packaged in glass
bottles have to be placed in a plastic bag.
Samples packaged in metal boxes, fitted with a plug and being more resistant to impacts,
do not require being placed in a plastic bag.
The drums are then closed using metal circular lids. In order to avoid any unwanted
opening, this lid is secured in place by a plastic clip.
Transport of samples in private vehicles is to be avoided.
All samples declared as dangerous must « travel » with their Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
5
REACH is the European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use. It deals with the
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances.

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Labelling is carried out in accordance with regulations in force :
Nature of the product (accurately and not just the reference of the unit where it was
sampled)
Addresses of the sender and the recipient
Phone number in case of emergency
Safety pictograms as defined by the applicable regulations
Directional arrows, pointing towards the top, for air transport
Hazard and Precautionary statements (GHS)
It is also necessary to mention the chemical or physical treatments that the product has undergo
and which could change its characteristics.
Examples :
Products added with H 2 S scavenger could « release » H 2 S at high temperatures
Heavy fuel exposed to excessive cracking, likely to be « extremely flammable »
For air transport, additional labelling is required (hazard codes for the substance). A specific sticker
is also added to packages which can « travel » only by air cargo. For handling the substance, the
packaging must have the labelling which appears on the Safety Data Sheet.
Below are photos of two examples of acceptable packaging for the safe shipping of samples :

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H. Waste
Reference will be made to the TOTAL Group Directive DIR-GR-ENV-003 « Waste
management » which establishes the principles and minimum requirements applicable to
the production and management of wastes issuing from the Group’s activities.
Depending on its nature, waste is processed in different ways : re-used, upgraded, destroyed, sent
to landfill, ...
It is therefore imperative to sort waste based on its type, its level of pollution and the treatment it
will undergo. This sorting must be done as upstream as possible - to prevent from any increase of
pollution - according to legislation.
Disposal is generally managed at a site level, by Environmental and Maintenance Departments,
and their rules must be followed.
The laboratory will manage by itself the following specific cases :
Toxic waste and poisons
Microbiological culture medium
Petroleum product samples
For laboratories, special care must be taken when disposing of chlorinated solvents, which must
not be mixed with petroleum products.
Chemical products will be collected and carefully disposed so they are not introduced into the site
waste water treatment, giving wrong results in the legal analyses of the controlled water effluents.
« Incompatible » materials must not be mixed.
In any case, it is essential to define, with the « internal customers » of the laboratory, the
adequate amount of products to be sampled, according to standards and laboratory
organizational requirements.
Each sample (or fraction of sample) not used or not stored is a waste!
9. Preparation for emergency situations

First aid worker or not, all personnel must know and be able to take the necessary measures in
case of an emergency situation (fire, explosion, poisoning, spill, injuries, ...), namely :
Protect and warn
All staff must also know the meaning of the warning signals and alarms and where the « assembly
points » are located.
It is recommended to have, in the laboratory, a sufficient number of first aid workers, trained on a
regular basis.

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10. Others
« Safety for laboratory activities » training is available in the RC Branch training program.

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11. Appendix I
List of key points
Design
Layout of rooms and equipments
Ventilation
Gas and fire detection
Safety equipments : showers, eye-wash fountains, fire blankets, extinguishers
Storage of gas, solvents and products
Oil samples storeroom
Adequate refrigerators
Preventive maintenance
Heating
Ventilation
Air conditioning
Fume cupboards
Analytical equipment

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Functioning
Integration of the laboratory in the site Safety Management System
« Health and Safety » audits
Training - Enabling
Storage of minimum quantities of hazardous products in the laboratory
Labelling of samples and chemicals
Wearing of PPE
Prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking, except in designated areas, separated from the
working rooms
Selective sorting of waste
Scheduled inspections
Management of change
Return of experience
Preparation for emergency situations
Knowledge and basic actions
Promote first aid and first aid workers
Internal and external emergency plans

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12. Appendix II
« Typical » questionnaire for a laboratory audit
Layout - Basic rules
Are there hazard warning panels / signs at the entrances ?
Are the working areas separate from the offices, meeting rooms and social areas ?
Are the laboratories (working areas) separated from the offices and meeting rooms ?
Are there « No Smoking » indications present and clearly visible ?
Is there an adequate number of emergency exits based on the surface area of the
laboratory ?
What personal protective equipments are available : gloves, safety glasses, face shields,
long sleeved coats, respiratory masks, … ?
Is there a written and available laboratory Hygiene / Safety manual, including :
Standard operating procedures
Safety Data Sheets of all products used or handled
Laboratory emergency and evacuation plan
Are the work areas clean ?
Are the equipments in good condition for use, with a preventive maintenance schedule in
place ?
Are there specific warning signals for use of very dangerous products (e.g. HF) ?
Electricity
Are some circuits overloaded due to multiple connections ?
Are electrical equipments earthed or equipped with double insulation ?
Are heating equipments equipped with independent over-heating control devices ?
In general, is there adequate lighting ? In the extraction hoods and fume cupboards, are the
lights protected from vapours ?
Are electrical cabinets easily accessible ?

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Products
Are the gas cylinders stored securely, in a vertical position ? Have gas cylinders not in use
had their « cap » put back on ? Are oxidizing and reducing gases stored separately ?
Are flammable substances stored in specific cupboards ?
Are the flammable substances limited to the minimum stock ?
Are there flammable substances stored or stacked along exit routes ?
Are there fire blankets available ? How much ?
Are the refrigerators used to store flammable substances adequate for this purpose ?
Is food kept in laboratory refrigerators ?
Are all bottles and containers correctly labelled, including secondary packaging or
containers ?
Are there excessive quantities of chemicals stored ?
Are chemicals stored in secure places, in cupboards or on steady, solid shelters, with
retention bund ? Is any chemical stored on the floor ?
Are any chemical stored in office areas ?
Are liquid hydrocarbon samples stored in limited quantities ?
Are sampling cylinders checked and tested ?
Is there a procedure in place specifying the type of cylinder to use for every type of
sampling ?
Does the laboratory have a separate system in place for recovering liquid hydrocarbons ?
Is chemical waste clearly labelled and separated, before collection or disposal ? Is it

removed frequently ?
Experiments / Ventilation
For each ventilation equipment, is there an « installation file » (with reference values) and a
file with details of all inspections carried out (including periodic checks) ?
Are all experiments that produce toxic or dangerous fumes carried out under an extraction
hood or in a fume cupboard ?
Are all experiments that may cause an explosion carried out behind a protective barrier or
in a fume cupboard ?
Does ventilation ensure a minimum air replacement ratio of 6 to 12 times (100 % fresh air)
per hour ?

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Is the pressure in the laboratory kept lower than the corridors in the building ?
Are fume cupboards installed in « low traffic » areas ?
Is there a program of preventive maintenance and periodic check in place for ventilation
systems ?
Are fume cupboards equipped with an alarm in case of low flow ?
Are the equipments used for the experiments, that may generate fumes or vapours,
installed inside the fume cupboard, at a distance higher than 20 cm from the front panel ?
If there is no extraction hood present, is there a local fume extraction line available ?
Is unnecessary equipment stored under extraction hoods or in fume cupboards ?
Is any heating equipment an ignition source for vapours ?
First aid / Collective protective equipment
Are there panels or posters regarding safety measures, and do people read them ?
Are safety showers located in areas that will avoid splashing electrical circuits and
equipments ? Are the safety showers tested regularly ?
Is the number of available safety showers appropriate and are they easily accessible ?
Are there eye-wash stations available ?
Are the eye-wash stations tested at least every month ?
Are the evacuation routes clearly indicated, with adequate marking ?
Are there ABC class powder extinguishers available in the laboratory, close to all doors and
emergency exits ?
Are the fire extinguishers available in the laboratory designed for the type of fires that may
occur ?
Is the number of hydrants installed in the laboratory sufficient ?
Are the fire-protection equipments tested regularly ?
Are the assembly points clearly identified ?

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13. Appendix III
List of most commonly observed discrepancies during a laboratory audit
Non-wearing of personal protective equipments
Absence of CO detector(s) in areas where this gas may be present (e.g., in « Engines »
laboratory)
Fume cupboards : not functioning efficiently, mobile front in open position
Inadequate local ventilation
Poisons stored in laboratory, without real need
Incomplete HF procedure
Electrical installation to be revised
Tightness of waste water circuits
Improvement to be made in sorting waste
Inadequate lighting

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14. Appendix IV
Laboratory ventilation
This appendix summarises the main requirements, from French regulations and European
standards, regarding ventilation of the workplaces, and specifically laboratories (typically of
industrial sites).
In particular, recommendations for the acceptance and periodic checking of ventilation are
provided.
Laboratories located outside France must refer to national regulations. However, most of the
recommendations can be used as a guide of Best Practices.
1. Regulations (1)
The first goal of regulation concerning ventilation installations is to maintain an air quality that
preserves the health of workers.
In regulatory terms, laboratories are considered as being « areas of specific pollution », due to the
presence of products that are hazardous or toxic to health.
In the other cases, the areas are « areas of non-specific pollution ». In these cases, the minimum
fresh air flow per occupant is based on the nature of the activity : e.g. 25 m3/h in offices and 60
m3/h in workshops (where physical work takes place).
1.1. General points

Notably, the French employment law specifies that, for « areas of specific pollution » :
- The ventilation must supply fresh air at a flow rate that may not be lower than that specified
for « areas of « non-specific pollution ».
- The concentrations in the atmosphere must be lower than 10 % of the OEL (Occupational
Exposure Limit, 8 hours or 15 minutes) and a respiratory protection has to be worn.
Filtering masks can only be used when ventilation is provided by a flow of fresh air and if
there is no risk of under oxygenation (O 2 > 20% vol). If it is not the case, IBA must be used
(in accordance with the training, enabling and use rules).
- In case of flammable substances, the concentrations in the atmosphere must be as low as
possible and definitely lower than 10 % of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) if people is
working in this atmosphere.
- An automatic warning device must signal each failure in the facilities.
1.2. Maintenance and control of the installations

Legislation clearly specifies that the site manager is responsible for ensuring that the facilities are
functioning properly and that they are regularly checked, and must clearly set out measures to be
taken in case of failure or malfunction of the installations.

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This means having an up to date installation file (2) for each ventilation system. This file is made of :
- An « instruction manual », which includes the description of the facilities and mainly the «
reference values » concerning the installation characteristics, which are to be compared to
the values recorded during periodic inspections. For laboratories, this file will notably
include the following information :
- The pollutants used
- The extracted air flow, for each « ventilation system »
- Static pressures or air speeds associated with these flows
- The overall extracted air flow
- The effectiveness of the ventilation systems, based on the standards in force, or
measured
- Properties of monitoring and control devices
- A « user guide » recording all operations concerning the installations (maintenance, periodic
inspections, ...), and a description of the measures to be taken in case of failure.
Periodic checks must be carried out, and, in case of laboratories, the following checks are to be
performed at least once a year :
- Overall extracted air flow
- Static pressures or air speeds
- System inspection
Please ensure that all compensation ventilation system(s) are included in the equipment
control and maintenance plan, if necessary.
It should be noted that the labour inspector can request that the site manager takes additional
independent measures, and performs independent periodic inspections. The site manager has
then to ask to a notified body, accredited by the Ministry of Labour (a list can be found in the INRS
website for France). The list of measures that may be required by the labour inspector can be
found in the French Decree of October 9, 1987. This Decree also includes a description of the
different accreditation categories (A, B, C or D).
In case of a ventilation system with air recycling, additional requirements are also prescribed,
which are not included in this document.
2. Standardisation
2.1. Fume Cupboards

Fume cupboards are standardised « enclosures », capturing pollutants and ventilated in
depression conditions, that release the pollutants into the external atmosphere via a fan. It is
essential that it is connected to a « compensation » ventilation system, to ensure that fresh air
entering the system corresponds to the extracted air flow. The laboratory must be at a pressure
slightly lower than the adjacent rooms (10 to 20 Pa). Normal operation of a fume cupboard requires
the partial or even total closure of the front screen. Good practice includes reminding workers of
this via a panel located close to the fume cupboard.

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Finally, it must be ensured that the noise level generated by this type of equipment does not cause
hearing discomfort of the workers.
Currently, a set of six European standards, published for the first time between 2003 and 2007, are
in force on this subject :
- EN 14175-1 : Fume cupboards. Vocabulary
- EN 14175-2 : Fume cupboards. Safety and performance requirements (very few
requirements, and, notably no specified ventilation requirement)
- EN 14175-3 : Fume cupboards. Type test methods (tests to be carried out by
manufacturer)
- EN 14175-4 : Fume cupboards. On-site test methods
- XP CEN/TS 14175-5 : Fume cupboards. Recommendations for installation and
maintenance (general guidelines concerning the space and
distances between fume cupboards)
- EN 14175-6 : Fume cupboards. Variable air volume fume cupboards (description of tests
to control these fume cupboards)
In addition to the European Standard, there is an additional French standard to the ISO 14175-2 -
the NF X 15-206 - published in September 2010 (replacing XP X 15-206 of January 2005) :
Sorbonnes de laboratoire. Seuil pour l’essai de confinement.
It should be pointed out that all these standards, except the French NF X 15-206, do not impose
any measurement limit. The EN ISO 14175-4 standard provides a list of tests which can be chosen
by the purchaser.
Before the publication of these six European standards, the standard in force in France was XP X
15-203, which is now cancelled. This standard set a threshold value of 0.1 ppm for SF 6 in the
containment test, and a threshold value of 0.4 m/s for the air speed through the mobile front of the
cupboard (with an opening of the mobile front of 400 mm in both cases).
Even today these limits are still mentioned, which leads to confusion due to the fact that :
- The threshold value for the containment test defined in the standard currently in force, NF X
15-206, is also 0.1 ppm of SF 6 , but with an opening of the mobile front of 500 mm (§4.4.2.1
of EN 14175-3).
- It is not always understood that the Standard XP X 15-203 is obsolete.
- For « classic » fume cupboards (not « low speed » type, see §3.2.1), a threshold value of
0.4 m/s for the entering air speed is still recommended, but it is not a non-compliance
criteria.
2.2. Other types of equipment (extraction hoods, arms, ...)

No standard were found for ventilation equipment other than fume cupboards.

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3. Recommendations for the sites
3.1. Installation / Acceptance

An installation file has to be created, for each new equipment, in order to, on the one hand, verify
that it meets the specifications and, on the other hand, to get reference values (see §1.2.) which
are to be later compared to the “routine tests” (see §3.2.1.).
3.1.1. Fume cupboards

In standard EN 14175-4, there is a difference between :
- The equipments that have undergone a “type test” in accordance with the EN 14175-3
standard (carried out by the manufacturer), for which “acceptance” tests are to be carried
out;
- The older equipments for which, « qualification » tests are to be carried out.
The aim of these tests is the on-site assessment of the ventilation performance of the fume
cupboards (and, consequently, of their effectiveness), which will be used as the reference values.
In these two cases (“acceptance” and “qualification”), tests are carried out with an empty fume
cupboard.
EN 14175-4 provides a list of “acceptance” and ”qualification” tests that may be carried out. The
person responsible for the equipment has to specify which tests are to be performed, in agreement
with the manufacturer.
For fume cupboards, it is recommended (3) to carry out the following tests :
Test Threshold value Acceptance Qualification
Visual inspection X X
Visual indication of air flow with

X X
smoke
(a) (b) (c)
≥ 0.4 m/s at
Air speed at front X X
each point
SF 6 containment test ≤ 0.1 ppm SF 6 X X

(d)
Extracted air flow X X
(e)
Air speed in the room X X
Effectiveness of air renewal in fume (f)

X
cupboard
(c)
Acoustic pressure < 55 dB(A) X X
(a) With opening of the mobile front at 500 mm, or at its maximum value (end-stop) if this is lower
than 500 mm
(b) Except for “low speed” fume cupboards (see § 3.2.1)
(c) This is a recommended threshold value and not a compliance criterion
(d) One of the methods consists of measuring the average air speed at front, which is already
listed
(e) Only to be carried out if the visual indication of air flow with smoke showed disturbances in the
air flow pattern
(f) Particularly relevant in case of “low speed / flow” fume cupboards (see § 3.2.1)

GM-GR-HSE-002
In addition, periodic controls have to be performed to verify that the laboratory is at a pressure
slightly lower than the adjacent rooms (10 to 20 Pa).
3.1.2. Other ventilation devices

Due to the absence of normative references for ventilation equipments such as extraction hoods,
arms, ventilated cabinets, extractor fans, ... we recommend that the following acceptance and
qualification tests are carried out, in accordance with regulations and consistent with those used for
fume cupboards.
Test Threshold value Acceptance Qualification
Visual inspection X X
Visual indication of air flow with

X X
smoke
(a)
Air speed at opening (one point
in the centre of the cone or
extraction tube, or, for extraction X X
hoods, several points based on the
dimensions)
(b) > 10*volume

Extracted air flow X X
(ventilated cabinets)
(c)
Air speed in the room X X
(a) Allows the « effectiveness » distance to be calculated

(b) One of the methods consists of measuring the average air speed at front, which is already
listed
(c) Only to be carried out if the visual indication of air flow with smoke showed disturbances in the
air flow pattern
3.2. Periodic controls

These tests are carried out, on site, on the ventilation equipment, as used in practice. This has to
be described. The results will be compared to the reference values. After the acceptance tests, a
first control will be performed.
3.2.1. Fume cupboards

The standard EN 14175-4 describes a number of “routine tests” (i.e. periodic checks) that the
manager will choose to carry out, based on the recommendations made by the manufacturer and
on regulatory requirements :
- Measurement of air speed at front (French employment law requirement : annual check)
- Measurement of extracted volumic air flow (French employment law requirement : annual
check)
- Measurement of pressure drop
- Visual indication of air flow
- Testing of the alarm system
- Visual inspections (protection against projections, correct mechanical assembly, ...)

GM-GR-HSE-002
It is recommended (3), under normal conditions of use, to carry out the following controls, at the
suggested frequency :
Control Frequency Consistent if

(a)
Presence of ventilation 1/day OK
Functioning of alarms (flow) 1/week OK
Functioning of alarms (end-stop) 1/week OK
Identical to reference value (i.e. smoke

Visual indication of air flow with smoke 1/six months
extracted)
(c)
> 0.4 m/s
If, for each measurement point, the
Air speed in the opening
(b)
1/year difference between the measured and
the reference values is higher than 30
%, this is the indication of a significant
degradation
Check functioning of the air flow indicator 1/year OK
Inspections / actions :
- Screen movement mechanism
- End-stops verification
- Extraction plenum cleaning
- Exhaust piping visual inspection
1/year OK
- Fan inspection (blades, direction
of rotation, etc.)
- Distribution equipment inspection
- Fixed walls, screen, horizontality
of the guillotine, etc.
(a) A small piece of paper stuck inside the fume cupboard can act as a visual indicator
(b) With opening of the mobile front at 500 mm, or at its maximum value (end-stop) if this is lower
than 500 mm
(c) This is a recommended threshold value, but not mandatory
Important remark
New « low speed » fume cupboards started to appear on the market a few years ago. They are
characterized by air intake speeds which are lower than 0.4 m/s. On these fume cupboards, an
additional system blows air at the bottom of the guillotine when it is open.
Without a definitive opinion about this type of equipment, the aforementioned limit of 0.4 m/s will
not be used. For information, the Research Department recommends a limit of 0.2 m/s for this type
of fume cupboard in its routine tests.

GM-GR-HSE-002
3.2.2. Other ventilation devices

Without a specific standard for other ventilation equipments, such as extraction hoods, arms,
ventilated cabinets, extractor fans, ... we recommend the following controls, in accordance with
regulations and consistent those carried out on fume cupboards.
Extraction hoods

(a)
Identical to reference value (i.e. smoke

Visual indication of air flow with smoke 1/six months
extracted)
If, for each measurement point, the
difference between the measured and
(b)
Air speed in the opening 1/year the reference values is higher than 30
%, this is the indication of a significant
degradation
- Fan inspection (blades, direction 1/year OK
of rotation, etc)
- Distribution equipment
inspection
(b) Allows the effectiveness distance to be calculated
Extraction arm, ventilated cabinet, extractor fan, etc.

(a)
Visual indication of air flow with smoke, Identical to reference value (i.e. smoke
1/six months
at the location of use extracted)
Flow > 10*volume (ventilated cabinets)
(b)
Air speed (one point in the centre of If the difference between the measured
1/year and the reference values is higher than
the cone or extraction tube)
30 %, this is the indication of a
significant degradation
- Fan inspection (blades, direction 1/year OK
of rotation, etc)
- Distribution equipment
inspection
(b) Allows the effectiveness distance to be calculated

GM-GR-HSE-002
3.3. Filing / Maintenance

It is a regulatory requirement to keep a record of all interventions, maintenance operations,
reference values and periodic controls results, and, more generally, of each event related to the
equipment. It is recommended to use, for this purpose, a dedicated software similar to this used by
the laboratories to manage the calibration of the analysis equipments.
References
(1) French employment law. The specified articles are available on the INRS TJ5 checklist
“Aération et assainissement des lieux de travail”.
(2) INRS practical guide to ventilation, reference ED6008, “Le dossier d’installation de
ventilation”
(3) INRS practical guide to ventilation, reference ED795, “Sorbonnes de laboratoire”

GM-GR-HSE-002
15. Appendix V
Best practice for handling and using glassware
This appendix is the final report of a 2011 Working Group, made up of members from the different
Research Centres at Gonfreville, Solaize and Feluy (CReG, CReS and CReF).
This report has been validated by the CTG « HSE in Laboratories » Working Group.
1. Handling glassware in laboratories - Risks and prevention

Glassware breakage may be due to the fragility of the material, the mechanical impact, the
thermal shock or the internal pressure.
It can lead to injuries and have material and environmental consequences.
1.1 Before handling

• Work in a tidy laboratory.
Housekeeping campaigns, Scheduled General Inspections and Health and Safety Audits.
• Damaged glassware = Glassware to be sorted out.
Inspect the state of the glassware before each use and immediately replace any item that
is chipped, cracked or has visible damage that could fragilize it. Repair any glassware if it
is possible.
• Collect all items to be thrown away in a bin, ensuring that selective sorting requirements are
met.
If the pieces to be thrown are soiled, they must be eliminated as soiled pieces.
• Have sufficient reserves of glassware available to avoid using inappropriate or precipitately
repaired equipment.
• Verify the risk analysis for the test, and if necessary, make it.
• Wear personal protective equipment required by the risks analysis and in case of
manipulation of broken glassware : safety glasses and appropriate clean cut-resistant
gloves.
The use of MAPA Ultrane Plus 557 gloves or equivalent is recommended (Abrasion
resistance index 4 - Blade cut resistance index : 3 - Tear resistance index : 4 - Puncture
resistance index : 3). These gloves do not protect against chemical products.
• Select appropriate glassware for the task and volume.
There are different types of glassware available, standard and borosilicate glass.
White or standard glass only has a low resistance to mechanical impact and thermal shock.
In the laboratory it is used to make pipettes, burettes, watch glasses and sample bottles.

GM-GR-HSE-002
Borosilicate glass is the glass that is most commonly used in laboratories. They are Pyrex
and Duran type glass. They can be used at high temperature (up to 500°C), are resistant to
thermal shocks, and are more resistant to mechanical impacts. However, they are attacked
by concentrated hydrofluoric and phosphoric acid, which fragilizes them.
If possible, it is preferable to use other materials than glass (refer to paragraph 6 of
Appendix V) and the use of single-use containers is encouraged.
Be aware that glassware that is been repeatedly heated (heating-cooling cycles) can
fragilize over time.
• Put absorbent paper under glassware that will be used (do not put glassware directly on the
laboratory bench).
1.2 During handling

• Handle glassware with care.
In case of items such as beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, flasks, etc. they must always be held
by placing the fingers around the main body of the container. Never hold these items by
their edges.
• Working under vacuum, inducing stress on the equipment : adapted glassware (thick wall,
spherical shape) is preferred. Place the equipment in a fume cupboard (with mobile front
down).
• Never force a pipette into a bulb.
During this manipulation, it is recommended to wear cut-resistant gloves (refer to
paragraph 1.1 of Appendix V).
1.3 Heating glassware

• When heating glass containers such as flasks, beakers and Erlenmeyer flasks on a flame,
use, between the flame and the container, a material to distribute the heat (e.g. a metal
grid).
• When heating a test-tube, move it through the flame. Ensure proper distribution of the
heat in the whole liquid volume and avoid any « hot spot » at the bottom of the test-tube.
During the heating operation, hold the test-tube with an appropriate clamp.
• Slowly immerse flasks in hot or cold baths in order to avoid thermal shock.
1.4 Assembling and dismantling

• Check the connector seals before use, and replace them frequently.
• In case of inappropriate or wrong assembling, a mechanical or magnetic mixer can cause
glassware breakage.
Some products can cause blockage of lapped connectors. This can be avoided by
applying a thin layer of appropriate lubricant to (e.g. silicon grease), by using a Teflon
sleeve or a plastic cap.

GM-GR-HSE-002
• Before introducing a glass tube into a rubber or a cork cap, the edges of the tube have to
be put in a flame in order to remove the potential ridges. Lubricate the end of the tube and
slowly introduce it with a rotating movement. The hands have to be protected with
appropriate cut-resistant gloves (refer to paragraph 1.1 of Appendix V).
This operation is to be avoided as much as possible by selecting specially designed
glassware (e.g. lapped glassware).
Connection problems (Existing connections and « solutions » to avoid breakage)

• Classic connections (photo n°1)
These connections are found in many laboratories (between a flask and a distillation
column, for example).
A solution to avoid this type of connection from sticking is to either lubricate it (e.g. using
silicone grease) or by placing a Teflon sleeve between the two sections (photo n°2), if
the experiment does not allow the grease to be used.
This sleeve is a small white ring that is installed on the male connector, and which is
then inserted into the second item of glassware.
Photo n°1 Photo n°2
• “Sphero” connections (photos n°3 and 4).

These connections are the most commonly used on pilot plants. They are held together
using clamps.
A rubber seal can be added between the two sections. The use of plastic or rubber
covered clamps is recommended to avoid damaging the glassware.

GM-GR-HSE-002
Photo n°3
Photo n°4
• Screwed connections (photo n°5)

This type of connection is used, for example, to seal an opening, in a section of a pilot
plant, through which a measurement probe can be introduced (pH, conductivity, ...)
This type of connection must be snugly screwed and cut-resistant gloves must be worn
in case of blockage (refer to paragraph 1.1 of Appendix V).
If seals are used, these must be changed regularly in order to avoid overtightening to
guarantee tightness.

GM-GR-HSE-002
Photo n°5
• Taps (photo n°6)

These taps are found in various places, on laboratory glassware and some pilot plants.
They can be made from standard glass or Teflon (photo n°6, the tap is made from
Teflon).
The use of Teflon is preferred as glass taps block regularly. In this casecut-resistant
gloves (refer to paragraph 1.1 of Appendix V) must be worn before trying to free this type
of tap, as the glass section above it is very thin and therefore extremely fragile.
Photo n°6

GM-GR-HSE-002
• SVL type connections

These connections are used in laboratories in order to connect two glass equipments, to
connect a piping to a glass equipment or to « close » an equipment (photos n°7 et 8).
Photo n°7 Photo n°8
An example is illustrated on the photos n°9 and 10 (« cap » with a hole and
corresponding seal). These two parts can be screwed on the glass part (photo n°11).
This allows connecting a piping to an equipment.
Photo n°9 Photo n°10 Photo n°11
Another example is given on the photos n°12 (« cap » without hole and corresponding
seal). This allows « closing » an equipment (photo n°13).
Photo n°12

GM-GR-HSE-002
Photo n°13
Using the part illustrated on photo n°14, equipped with two seals illustrated on photo
n°10, allows connecting two equipments (photo n°15).
Photo n°14
Photo n°15

GM-GR-HSE-002
2. Cleaning and drying

Recommendations for cleaning and drying glassware are as follows:
Type of glassware Cleaning method Drying method
In a dishwasher
Clean with gasoline and acetone (wash

bottle or directly from the drum,
depending on the volume)
Dry on flask racks, on the
bench
Use toluene if the glassware is very dirty
Standard glassware Dry glassware in a fume

Use DECON or RBS (diluted detergent for cupboard or under an
cleaning of distillation columns) - DECON extraction hood : mobile front
or RBS solution directly distilled in the down to protect against
Examples : beakers
column, then distillation of water to rinse projections (plus protection
(from 50 ml to 5 litres),
and dry « naturally » from product)
Erlenmeyer flasks,
test-tubes, graduated
flasks, funnels, lapped Compressed air, close to the
Use an ultrasonic bath (filled with a
caps, crystallizers, drying area
DECON or RBS solution) to clean small
desiccators, etc.
items
Compressed air quickly
introduced in a flask to dry
Handling by a subcontractor it could cause it to break :
use air at a low pressure
Drained into slops container before being
stored in metal baskets located under the
fume cupboards
Flasks given to subcontractor are placed

in wooden boxes with foam inside for
protection

GM-GR-HSE-002
Type of glassware Cleaning method Drying method
More intensive cleaning, depending on

the method indicated in the standard
Specific glassware In most cases, cleaning involves initially

rinsing with solvent (heptane, acetone),
then leaving in a diluted DECON solution
Examples : oxidation (alkaline detergent), before finally placing
tubes, diffusers, in an ultrasonic bath to remove any
foaming test-tubes oxidation residue
Dry in a glassware stove

Rinse with water
(100°C)
Glassware should be left overnight in a

Compressed air may also be
plastic container containing a diluted
used
DECON (or RBS) solution, before being
rinsed with “industrial” water, followed by
distilled water
Glassware cleaned with a
solvent may not be directly
dried in an inappropriate
An ultrasonic bath may also be used to
stove. Control, before
remove any remaining residue
introducing the glassware in
the stove, that any trace of
solvent has been removed
Example : viscometer Immersion in large jars containing

tubes heptane then left to drain naturally on
drying racks (in a fume cupboard)
Example : beakers Beakers cleaned with white spirit, using a

brush then a heptane wash bottle, wiped
with a cloth and then left to drain naturally
on drying racks (in a fume cupboard)
3. Transportation
• If possible, avoid transporting glassware from one laboratory to another.
• Transport glass containers in baskets, buckets or in a trolley, avoiding any impacts.
4. Storage
• Store equipments carefully.
If the equipments are placed on shelves, they must be equipped with a flange to protect
items from falling off.
• The heaviest items have to be stored on the lowest shelves.

GM-GR-HSE-002
• Glass tubes have to be stored horizontally, in such a way that they do not exceed of the
shelf.
5. In case of glassware breakage

In case of glassware breakage, parts that can be repaired are to be collected and placed in a
specific container (refer to paragraph 1.1 of Appendix V). Parts that cannot be repaired are to
be thrown away into a solid bin, dedicated to broken glass, and separate from normal waste
bins to avoid injuries to maintenance staff.
6. Alternatives to glassware
• Polyethylene and polypropylene containers have to be chosen, if they are compatible with
the products being handled and the experiment being carried out.
• Use special glass, resistant to thermal shocks (e.g. Pyrex, Duran).
• Automatic micropipettes are preferred to pipettes with a bulb.
• « Coated » glassware can also be recommended (« coating » on the outer face). This
exists for flasks and rotary evaporators. Limitations of use for this type of glassware
include chemical incompatibility with some solvents, as well as temperature.
7. Glassware protection against overpressure or vacuum

• Glassware has to be correctly designed for the foreseen application.
• During flushing of a glassware equipment, an option to avoid overpressure in this
equipment is to install, upwards, on the fluid line, a correctly designed calibrated flow
orifice, followed by a pressure safety valve calculated to evacuate the corresponding flow.

GM-GR-HSE-002
16. Appendix VI
Old pictograms, still used for the mixtures, are shown below.

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Group Safety Guide and Manual

Hygiene - Health, Safety and

Confidentialité niveau 1. A usage interne au Groupe TOTAL. Page 1/56

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

15. Appendix V ........................................................................................................................... 46

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

3. Distribution and effective date terms

5. Follow-up of the document’s formulation, validation and revision

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

6. HSE laboratory policy

Installation and design of laboratories

Laboratory operating rules

Preparation for emergency situations

Scheduled audits / inspection

Organisation of continuous personnel training and information

Appropriate medical monitoring

Analysis of critical tasks

The following topics are covered in this Guide :

Installation and design of laboratories (Chapter 7)

Laboratory operating rules (Chapter 8)

Preparation for emergency situations (Chapter 9)

Scheduled audits / inspection (Appendix II)

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

7. Installation and design of laboratories

Emergency exits must be labelled and marked.

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

B. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

F. Gas detection - Explosive atmosphere

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

H. Storage of chemical products and oil samples storeroom

Doors opening from inside, equipped with « anti-panic » devices

Extinguishers or automatic extinguishing systems

Explosion-proof electrical equipment

Oxidizing agents (nitrates, peroxides, halogens, …) and reducing agents (hydrocarbons,

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

I. Laboratories and implementation of the ATEX Directive (1999/92/EC)

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

Zone 0 A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of

Zone 1 A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or

A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of

Monitoring through explosivity detectors

Monitoring of the functioning of the ventilation (for the laboratory in general)

« Servo control » on failure or explosivity detection (examples of “servo controls”)

Powering off of electrical equipment not certified for use in zone 2

Control of the shut down of (hydrocarbons or gas) utilities

Application of the procedures foreseen by written instructions

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

Three systems exist for aqueous releases :

Storm drainage system.

Sanitary water system.

Sewers must be tight and equipped with a flame arrestor system.

8. Laboratory operating rules

except in designated areas, separated from the working rooms.

The use of mobile telephones is strictly regulated on each site.

Hygiene - Health, Safety and Environment in Laboratories

What are the risks ?

What is the worst case scenario ?

What preventive measures should I take ?

Never undertake hazardous handling alone, outside normal working hours