Laboratory safety, safe chemistry

In academia the CSP seeks to develop and implement training activities to reinforce best practices in chemical security and safety in chemistry curricula. As discussed earlier, universities have unique risks that can include lack of safe practices, presence of COCs, improper management and storage of chemicals, and lack of enforcement of safety rules. Through its training activities, the CSP hopes to prepare laboratories in developing countries to avoid the consequences of chemical mismanagement, such as bodily... 

In any laboratory course, familiarity with the fundamentals of laboratory safety is critical. Any chemistry laboratory, particularly an organic chemistry laboratory, can be a dangerous place in which to work. Understanding potential hazards will serve you well in minimizing that danger. It is ultimately your responsibility, along with your laboratory instructor s, to make sure that all laboratory work is carried out in a safe manner. 

Why should you learn about safety Well, to stay safe, of course, in the laboratory. This reason alone is enough, but there are additional advantages to knowing about safety. First, when you graduate in whatever area you are pursuing, be it in chemistry, biology, education, or some other science-related profession, YOU will need a basic education in laboratory safety because ... 

Conrad Schuerch, Safe Practice in the Chemistry Laboratory A Safety Manual, in Safety in the Chemical Laboratory, v. 3, Norman V. Steere, ed. (Easton, PA Division of Chemical Education, American Chemical Society, 1974), pp. 22-25. 

It has already been emphasized that safe laboratory procedures require thoughtful awareness on the part of both students and instractors. This is especially important in the planning and execution of special projects, where new procedures need to be developed and often modified as the work progresses. Appendix C on safety hazards and safety equipment should be read before beginning a course of experimental work in physical chemistry and reviewed carefully before beginning any special project. 

The remainder of this appendix contains discussions of several safety issues pertinent to physical chemistry and a brief description of safety equipment. Such information serves as a starting point for safe laboratory practices. The authors do not claim that this treatment includes a discussion of every conceivable hazard or establishes legal standards for safe behavior in the laboratory. The primary literature and specialized sources of safety information should be consulted. An extensive list of such sources is given at the end of this appendix. 

The web is a vast resource for hazard information and advice on safe practices in the chemical laboratory. Many UK and US. university chemistry departments have posted their safety policies and guidance for laboratory workers on the web and added links to other health and safety websites. The websites of the following organisations are also useful sources of hazard information ... 

The chemistry laboratory is a safe place to work if you are aware of important safety rules and if you are careful. You must be responsible for your own safety and for the safety of others. The safety rules given here will protect you and others from harm in the lab. While carrying out procedures in any of the ChemLabs, notice the safety symbols and caution statements. The safety symbols are explained in the chart on the next page. 

When you work in the chemistry laboratory, you are responsible for your safety and the safety of people working nearby. Often, many people are working in a small space during a lab, so it is important that everyone practice safe laboratory procedures. Table 1.2 lists some safety rules that you should follow each time you enter the lab. Chemists and all other scientists use these safety rules as well. 

It is, of course, an usual practice to have a chemical laboratory directly under the command and supervision of a senior cadre laboratory technical personnel who should be consulted, as and when required, for his expert opinion and advice. It is, however, pertinent to mention here that two vital universal truths and norms, namely first, exercise of utmost care and secondly, adoption of strict safe-working procedures, should be the prime responsibility of each and every individual working in a chemistry laboratory. No compromise, whatsoever, must be made with regard to even an iota of doubt as to the safety of a proposed experimental procedure yet to be undertaken. Liberal consultation, advice from senior research personnels, academic supervisors should be sought freely and frankly without the slightest hesitation in one s mind. 

A radioanalytical chemistry laboratory requires a Radiation Safety Manual (RSM) or Radiation Protection Plan (RPP) in addition to a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). The format is controlled by the licensing agency for the facility the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires the RSM, while the Department of Energy (DOE) requires the RPP. These plans are stand-alone documents that deal specifically with radiation safety issues and practices to set safe operating parameters in the laboratory. 

Laboratory work must be conducted with the realization that safe operation is only achieved by constant focus on safety. The point is not to be afraid, but to be aware of potential hazards and responsible for one s behavior. Hazard identification is crucial for accident prevention. Adverse effects can be avoided when both the manager and the worker make safety a priority. This section identifies the primary hazards in the radioanalytical chemistry laboratory, and ways to minimize the possibility of accidents. 

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