Review questions materials handling

For a relatively uncomplicated process, review the process from raw materials to finished product. At each handling or processing step, you formulate and answer what-if questions to evaluate the effects of component failures or procedural errors on the process. 

Reactive Chemistry Reviews The process chemistry is reviewed for evidence of exotherms, shock sensitivity, and other instability, with emphasis on possible exothermic reactions. The purpose of this review is to prevent unexpected and uncontrolled chemical reactions. Reviewers should be knowledgeable people in the field of reactive chemicals and include people from loss prevention, manufacturing, and research. The CCPS Essential Practices for Managing Chemical Reactivity Hazards provides a useful protocol for identifying chemical reactivity hazards (Johnson et ah, 2003). A series of questions about the chemical handling operations and the materials are used to determine if there are possible reactivity hazards. Figure 23-18 summarizes the CCPS protocol for identifying reaction hazards. 

If the ocean sciences are to move forward and adopt the regular use of reference materials, the advantages of using such materials (and the pit-falls of not using them) need to be more broadly disseminated. Proposal and journal article reviewers should question the analytical quality control of measurements made without the benefit of reference materials. Outreach focused on how to use reference materials in the ocean sciences will further increase the awareness of the individual investigators and provide a focus for proper handling and application of a laboratory s internal reference materials. 

What If/Checklist. The most frequently used method of process hazard review, the what if/checklist, is effective in reviews of relatively uncomplicated processes from raw materials to final product. The team formulates and answers What if questions at each handling or processing step to evaluate the effects of component failures or procedural errors. They use a checklist to ensure that all important subjects are addressed. This method should be used as the first step in all process hazard reviews. 

Safety in carrying out the preparations is essential to experimenters and their co-workers. The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals to be used must be reviewed for hazards and safe handling procedures. When in doubt about any matter in the MSDS, please consult the manufacturer or supplier. Also, seek the advice of an experienced chemist on any questions that you may have concerning safety. Be sure to follow the recommendations for personal protective equipment and always operate in a well-ventilated hood with proper shielding. 

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