Good housekeeping methods

Conducting periodic inspections is an excellent method to verify the implementation of good housekeeping measures. Inspections may be especially important in the areas identified in the release identification and assessment step where releases have previously occurred. 

Wastewater generation can be reduced by general good housekeeping procedures such as substituting dry cleanup methods for water washdowns of equipment and floors. This is especially applicable for situations where liquid or solid materials have been spilled. Flow measuring devices and pH sensors with automatic alarms to detect process upsets are two of many ways to effect reductions in water use. Prompt repair and replacement of faulty equipment can also reduce wastewater losses. 

The importance of good housekeeping must be emphasized. Any accumulation of Zr dust or powder on work benches, floors or clothes of personnel must be removed promptly. The pyrophoric properties of Zr dust or powder requires the selection of either wet or dry methods of dust collection A limited amount of moisture can make Zr powder ignition sensitive, but attempts to collect the dust dry by suction or convection flow risk dust expins which are easily initiated by static discharge or spontaneous combustion. Because nitrogen will also react with Zr,... 

The potential hazards associated with exposure to some mineral species in personal and institutional mineral collections can be minimized through a combination of good housekeeping, appropriate storage methods, good hygiene, and common sense. If all specimens are treated with respect and handled using methods appropriate for each species, the risk to humans can be minimized. Many of the mineral species that are hazardous are rare and occur in very small amounts. This reduces the potential for exposure or contact with toxic amounts. 

Housekeeping has an important role in preventing laboratory accidents. Laboratories must be kept in a neat, orderly condition. Maintenance of a clean and orderly workspace is indicative of job interest, personal pride, and safety mindedness and the training in orderliness is translated into a methodical approach to other lines of endeavor. Good housekeeping in the laboratory is the responsibility of all people working in that laboratory. 

Sometimes abrasive components in the compound are foreign objects resulting from contamination or human error. Hard foreign objects, such as wrenches, bolts, knives, etc., can cause severe wear in a very short period of time. Magnetic traps are available to catch metallic objects. However, there is not a simple method to successfully remove all foreign objects from the feed stock. Good housekeeping procedures and... 

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