Safety in the HPLC laboratory

Three health risks are inherent in HPLC, these being caused by  

The fact that particles of 5 jam and less, as used in HPLC, may pass into the lungs (they are not retained by the bronchial tubes but pass straight through) is less well known and the potential long-term risk to health has not yet been adequately researched. Amorphous silica, as used for stationary phases, is not hazardous but inhalation should be avoided anyway. As a safety precaution, any operation involving possible escape of stationary phase dust (opening phials, weighing etc.) must be carried out in a fume cupboard. 

Short- and long-term risks of exposure to solvents and vapours are generally known but too little attention is paid to them. It is good working practice to provide all feed and waste containers with perforated plastic lids, the hole being 

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