Laboratory work: accident procedures

Many of the chemicals and much of the equipment used in laboratories are potentially hazardous. It is essential that these hazards are clearly identified and appropriate working procedures defined together with adequate training of staff and readily available facilities to deal with the effects of any possible accident. These aspects of laboratory work are covered in the UK by COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations and by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the USA. 

It is important that the laboratory record reflect the exact stage of each procedure as it is carried out. This is essential when the experimentalist carries out several preparations simultaneously. It is even more important as a means of communication between chemists working on various phases of a single project. After interruptions or emergencies, the record helps in determining how to proceed with the work. The notes should help in detecting causes of unusual observations, as well as causes of accidents or fires. In other words, there are important safety considerations. It cannot be emphasized enough that detailed and accurate notes are essential for patent applications and patent priority claims. 

Human activities are associated with the use and disposal of a variety of chemicals and chemical products. This is the situation for a householder, a laboratory student, and also the industry worker. Many materials have properties that make them hazardous. They can create physical (fire, explosion) or health hazards (toxicity, chemical bums). However, there are many ways to work with chemicals which can both reduce the probability of an accident and reduce the consequences should an accident occur. Risk minimization depends on safe practices, appropriate engineering controls for chemical containment, the proper use of personnel protective equipment, use of the least amount of material necessary, and substitution of a less-hazardous chemical for a more hazardous one. Before beginning any chemical processing or operation, ask What would happen if. .. The answer to this question requires understanding of the hazards associated with chemicals, the equipment, and the procedure involved. The hazardous properties of the material and its intended use will dictate the precautions to be taken. 

In short, it may be summarized that an unplanned event causing damage or injury to oneself, otherwise termed as an accident , in a chemical laboratory can be avoided to a bear-minimum-level, if not cent-per-cent, by adopting all safety norms and procedures besides working with a cool mind and a smile on the face. 

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