Dangerous operations laboratory

If no laboratory or other room is available for conversion to a dangerous operations laboratory, then a semi-permanent structure of adequate design sited at a safe distance from regularly occupied laboratories and offices may be constructed from lightweight and fire-proof building materials (cf. unattended operations, Section 2.16). 

See Section 2.3.2 for recommendations on the provision of a Dangerous Operations Laboratory. 

Many operations involving chemical reactions are potentially dangerous, and in such cases recommended procedures must be carefully followed and obeyed. All laboratory workers should familiarise themselves with local safety requirements (in some laboratories, the wearing of safety spectacles may be compulsory), and with the position of first-aid equipment. 

Safety is important in any chemical laboratory but is not normally considered a formal part of quality assurance procedures, unless the lack of safety also imperils the quality of the work. The relevance of safety is based on it being part of good operating practice within a laboratory and this in turn needs to be optimized in order to produce good quality results. Many of the chemicals used, and some of the samples encountered in a laboratory, are dangerous and certain rules should be followed to ensure that they can be handled safely. Most countries have a list of substances which have to be controlled carefully and the maximum level to which workers can be exposed. 

Real-time, low-level monitors (with alarm) are required for Lewisite operations. In their absence, an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere must be presumed. Laboratory operations conducted in appropriately maintained and alarmed engineering controls require only periodic low-level monitoring. 

Normal safety precautions for laboratory work and for the use of electrical equipment, especially variable temperature accessories, must be observed. The thermal analysis experiment involves high temperatures and there is a danger of being burned. Consult instrument operating manual for specific cautions regarding operation. 

The laboratory operations should be safe and free from the danger of explosion. 

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