General Chemicals and Lab Safety

Engr. Muhammad Umar

CH-161
Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute Of Engineering Sciences & Technology
What are chemical substances: 2

• A chemical substance is a material with a specific chemical composition.

• Water is an example of a chemical substance - it always has the same number of hydrogen and
oxygen (e.g. H2O). Some everyday chemicals include cleaning materials, cosmetics, plastics,
paint, dyestuffs, sugar, solvents, etc.
• A chemical substance can exist as a solid, liquid or gas and still be the same substance. For
example, water and steam are different forms of the same substance.

Chemical Hazard

Any chemical that can cause

illness, injury, or an emergency.
Chemical Hazards 3
Chemical Hazards 4

• Corrosive
A corrosive substance is one that will destroy and damage other substances with
which it comes into contact. It may attack a great variety of materials including
metals.
 Common corrosive
chemicals
• Acids:
• Sulphuric Acid
• Hydrochloric Acid
• Bases:
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Calcium Hydroxide
Chemical Hazards 5

• Explosive
• Explosive, is a reactive substance that contains a great amount of potential energy that can
produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light,
heat, sound, and pressure.

• Chemical energy, such as nitro-glycerine or dust.

• Pressurized gas, such as a gas cylinder or

aerosol can.

• Nuclear energy,such as in the fissile isotopes

uranium-235 and plutonium-239.
Chemical Hazards 6

• Toxic
• Any chemical or mixture having capability to harm the environment, living being’s
and to human health by any mode of exposure (if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed
through the skin) is termed as Toxic chemical.

• Toxic Chemicals:
• Ammonia
• Chlorine
• Hydrochloric Acid
• Hydrazine
Chemical Hazards 7

• Oxidizing
• Oxidizing agent is a substance that is not necessarily combustible, but may, generally
by yielding oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material.

Common oxidizing agents:

→ Oxygen

→ Sulphuric Acid

→ Hypochlorite

→ Chlorine
Chemical Hazards 8

• Harmful
• Many materials or substances used or created at work could harm your health. These
substances could be dusts, gases or fumes that you breathe in, or liquids, gels or
powders that come into contact with your eyes or skin.

• There could also be harmful micro-organisms present

that can cause infection, an allergic reaction or are
toxic. Harmful substances can be present in anything
from paints and cleaners to flour dust, solder fume,
blood or waste.

• Laboratory Chemicals
• Bulk Chemicals
Chemical Hazards 9

• Extremely Flammable
A High Flammable Liquid is a liquid with a flash point below 32°C (The flash point of a
liquid is the lowest temperature at which the liquid gives off vapour in sufficient
concentration to form a combustible mixture with air near the surface of the liquid).
The flash points of some common laboratory solvents are:

• Ethanol +12 °C

• Toluene +4 °C

• Acetone -19 °C

• Diethyl ether -45 °C

Health effects of exposure to chemicals 10
 Chemical Hazards 11

• Effects on brain and nervous system: e.g., exposure to

pesticides, mercury, lead, solvents, CO gas
• Eye, nose and throat irritation (dryness, soreness or
pain). For example, exposure to acid mists and vapours,
welding fumes or diesel exhaust.
• Effects on the lung: For example asbestos (lung cancer)
• Allergic asthma: For example flour dust, wood dust
• Liver damage: For example, exposure to vinyl chloride.
• Allergic contact dermatitis: For example nickel, latex,
chromate (found in some cements).
• Irritant contact dermatitis: For example solvents,
detergents, oils, lubricants.
 Routes of Entry or Exposure 12

How do chemicals attack the body?

1- Absorption
• Absorbed through skin or dissolve in eye fluids
2- Inhalation
• breathing vapors, fumes, dust
3- Ingestion
• Usually done accidentally
• Clear chemicals confused with drinking water
• Chemicals splashed in mouth
4- Injection
• Needles, pipette tips, Cannulas
Risk from chemical exposure 13

How do we know if we are exposed? How to evaluate the exposure ??

• Smell  How hazardous the chemical is;
• Taste
 What is the exposure route;
• Physical symptoms
• Changes in behavior  How long you are exposed to the

• Air sampling chemical (e.g. 5 min, 3 hours);

If you are unsure how to detect:
 How often you are exposed (e.g. twice a
o Check Safety Data Sheet
o Contact Safety & Risk Services week/month)
Exposure Symptoms 14

WHAT should I look for ??

• Symptoms appear while you are at work.

• Symptoms get worse during the work week but go away when off.

• Fellow employees have reported similar symptoms.

EXPOSURE RESPONSE 15

How will we respond to chemical exposure?

Other:
• Identity of chemical
• Age/Gender/Weight

• Concentration • Level of fitness

• Level of exertion
• Length of exposure • Specific allergies
• Other chemicals in body (drugs,
• How exposed or route of exposure
tobacco)
Reducing Exposure 16

How can we reduce employee exposure?

Haz-Com Requirements 17
(ROLE OF EMPLOYERS)

• The hazardous chemical inventory

• MSDSs

• Labels, tags or signs

• The written hazard communication

program

• Information and training

Haz-Com Requirements 18

LABELS, TAGS AND MARKINGS

• Labels include
→Identity of the hazardous chemical
→Appropriate hazard warnings

• Do not affix new labels to comply with the standard

if existing labels already convey the required
information
Haz-Com Requirements 19
LABELING EXEMPTIONS

• Some federal/provincial agencies control the labeling requirements for the

following substances:
• Pesticides
• Foods or food additives
• Distilled Spirits, tobacco
• Consumer products, cosmetics
Haz-Com Requirements 20

• MSDS – a document prepared by the manufacturer that describes the:

• Physical and chemical properties

• Physical and health hazards
• Routes of exposure
• Precautions for safe handling and use
• Emergency and first-aid procedures
• Control measures
 OHSA’s Haz-Com Standard 21
Designed to protect employees from hazardous chemicals

"Right-To-Know Law"
Purpose:

 Make sure that the hazards of chemicals are evaluated

 Hazards are communicated to employers & employees

 Protective measures available to prevent adverse effects from

occurring
Haz-Com Requirements 22

DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINING PROGRAM

• Training programs must be developed that covers at least:

• MSDS’s for each chemical

• How to read labels & warnings
• How to consult MSDS’s

• MULTI-EMPLOYER WORKPLACES
 Haz-Com Requirements 23

WAREHOUSE AND RETAIL OPERATIONS

• In work operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed containers, which are not

opened under normal conditions

• Warehouse persons must:

• Ensure labels on incoming chemicals are not defaced or removed.

• Maintain copies of any material safety data sheets that are received with

incoming shipments.

• Obtain MSDS a.s.a.p. for shipments received w/out MSDS.

• Provide employees (users) with information to the extent necessary to protect

them in the event of a spill or leak of a hazardous chemical from a sealed

Haz-Com Requirements 24

a l
ic
e m e
h a g
C or
St

White = OK

Red = Incompatible
 Do not respond beyond your level training
Stop, think – Is this a Major spill ? Stop, think – Can I extinguish
NO Yes
• Remove contaminated clothing • Extinguish open flames

• Use proper PPE • Turn off gas / electricity

• Contain spill • Notify workers in your area

• Notify workers in your area NO• Ventilate work area

Yes • Seek MSDS for advice • Evacuate area immediately

Notify supervisor / security and
• Rescue
• Notify supervisor/security • Call emergency number
• Avoid the chemical
Hazardous Waste 26

• Minimize waste in the first place

• Do not pour chemical waste down the drain

• Know your chemical classification

• Use flame resistant container with label

• Don’t leave funnel on top of waste container

• Use proper mercury disposal (broken thermometers)

• Call for pick up
 27

Remember

With proper handling, even highly toxic chemicals can be used safely

Less toxic chemicals can be extremely

hazardous if handled improperly
 28

LAB SAFETY
 Lab safety 29

o Proper Dress & PPE Proper Dress & PPE

o Safety Equipment

o Behaviour

o Chemical Hazards
o Lab Coat,
o Gloves
o Safe Chemical Handling o Safety glasses/goggles
o Thermal Resistance gloves
o Other General Lab Hazards o Respirators (some chemical processes)
After use always remove PPEs and wash your hands
 Lab safety 30

o Proper Dress & PPE Safety Equipment

 Identify safety equipment's in the lab

o Safety Equipment  Safety shower and eye washer

 Fire extinguisher, Fire Blanket

o Behaviour
 First aid kit

 Evacuation and emergency exit

o Chemical Hazards

o Safe Chemical Handling

o Other General Lab Hazards

Test each equipment regularly
 Lab Safety 31

o Proper Dress & PPE Behaviour

 Respect lab and your colleagues

o Safety Equipment  Follow standard operating procedure

o Behaviour  Never eat, drink, chewing gum or makeup in the lab

 Never work alone

o Chemical Hazards  Good housekeeping

 Never place chemicals on the floor

o Safe Chemical Handling  Never place glassware's/materials on the edge of
bench
o Other General Lab Hazards
Be on your best behavior
 Lab Safety 32

o Proper Dress & PPE Chemical Hazards

• 2 tools to identify chemical hazards

o Safety Equipment → Safety data sheet and

→ Chemical labels
o Behaviour 1. (Material Safety Data Sheet) MSDS

o Chemical Hazards → (one stop shop), chemical properties, Hazards

and safety precaution
→ Find the location of MSDS in lab
o Safe Chemical Handling
→ Review the MSDS

o Other General Lab Hazards 2. Globally Harmonized System of classification

and labeling of chemicals (GHS)
 33

o Proper Dress & PPE

• SECTION 1: Identification of the substance/mixture &
company/undertaking
• SECTION 2: Hazards identification

o Safety Equipment •
•
SECTION 3: Composition/information or ingredients
SECTION 4: First aid measures
• SECTION 5: Fire fighting measures

o Behaviour • SECTION 6: Accidental release measures

MSDS
• SECTION 7: Handling and storage
• SECTION 8: Exposure controls/personal protection
o Chemical Hazards •
•
SECTION 9: Physical and chemical properties
SECTION 10: Stability and reactivity
• SECTION 11: Toxicological information
SECTION 12: Ecological information
o Safe Chemical Handling
• SECTION 13: Disposal considerations
• SECTION 14: Transport information
• SECTION 15: Regulatory information
o Other General Lab Hazards
• SECTION 16: Other information
 34

1. Identification of the substance or mixture and of

the supplier

a) Name of Product,
b) Synonyms or Other means of identification
c) Recommended use of the chemical and
restrictions
d) Supplier’s details (including name, address,
phone etc.)
e) Emergency phone number

Must match with container label

M S DS 35

2. Hazards Identification
Types of Hazards,
 Fire, Toxic, Burn, react dangerously
Physical state,
 Solid, Liquid and gas
 Health effect
Inhalation: Respiratory tract (lungs) through inhalation
Ingestion: Digestive tract through eating or smoking
with contaminated hands or in contaminated work
areas

Absorption through the skin or eyes: Dermatitis or

damage to the liver, kidney, or other organ systems

Injection: Percutaneous injection of a toxic substance

through the skin
 36
M SD S → O t h e r H a z a r d s
Specific possible health hazards: Potential Health Effects

 Acute poisoning (rapid assimilation of  Eye irritation

substance, i.e., carbon monoxide)  Nausea
 Dizziness
 Chronic poisoning (prolonged exposure, i.e.,
 Skin rashes
lead poisoning)
 Headache
 Cumulative poisons (numerous chronic
 Existing medical conditions possibly
exposures, i.e., heavy metals)
aggravated by exposure
 Substances in combination (synergistic effect,
i.e., exposure to alcohol and chlorinated
solvents)
M S DS 37

4. Emergency/First-aid
P r o c e d u r e s To F o l l o w

• Accidental Release Measures

 What to do if substance spills and

leaks
 How to correctly dispose of
substance
 Equipment/procedures for cleaning
up
spills and leaks
M S DS 38

6. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection

Respirator
Gloves
Eye protection
Protective clothing
Ventilation
Special work and hygiene practices
that should be followed
 39
Chemical Labels
• Every container of chemicals is labeled by the
manufacturer.

• The label will tell you

o Name of chemical

o Name, address and emergency phone

number of manufacturer
o Physical and health hazards

o Precautionary measures

o First-aid instructions

o Proper handling/storage instructions

Chemical Label 40
Color and Number Codes
NFPA-type label
Colors represent kind of hazard

3
• Red = fire
• Yellow = instability Black = specific hazard

4 2 •
•
Blue = health
Black/White = specific hazard
• OX = Oxidizer
• ACID = Acid
& personal protection • ALK = Alkali
• COR = Corrosive
Numbers show degree of hazard
• W = Use no water
• 0 = Minimal
• 1 = Slight • Other symbols:
• 2 = Moderate
• 3 = Serious
• 4 = Severe
Chemical Label 41

C o m m o n & Sp e c ia l Wo rd s/p ic to g ra m s
• Danger – Can cause immediate serious injury or death
Common
Sign

• Warning – Can cause potentially serious injury or death

• Caution – Can cause potentially moderate injury

Helps you recognize kind of hazard a chemical could present if you are not careful

– Toxicity
Sy m b o l s
Special

– Corrosivity (acids and bases)

– Ignitability (flammable solvents and certain solids)

– Reactivity (sodium and various water-reactive reagents)

Chemical Label 42

Pro h ib i te d & Ma n d a to ry Sig n s

Red - CIRCLE with SLASH and BLACK icon S i g n
Prohibited
Signs

BLUE sign with WHITE icon

Mandatory
signs
 Warning & Safe Procedure Signs 43

YELLOW - Triangle with BLACK icon

Warning
Signs

GREEN sign with WHITE icon

Safe Procedure
signs
 Typical Precautionary Measures Safe Chemical Handling 44

 Do not breathe vapors  Always pour acid/base to solvent such as water

 Use in well-ventilated areas  Never remove chemical from the lab
 Keep container closed when not in use  Proper Handling & PPE usage
 Avoid contact with skin  No Inhalation
  Use of fume hood
Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.

 Keep away from sparks, heat, and flame  Keep chemical container close tightly
 Do not store near combustible materials  Evacuate if spill any chemical container
 Store in tightly closed container  Flammable chemical keep away from all ignition
sources
 Remove and wash contaminated clothing promptly
Keep away from clothing and combustible materials
Flammable chemical must stored in dedicated area

 Dispose the waste according to Federal, state and
Other General Lab Hazards Handle Chemicals with Care 45
Water and liquid away form electrical cables and  Dispose of chemicals, broken glass, and
instrument other waste in approved containers

Never use extension board for an instrument  Clean up broken glass and spills
immediately
Heat resistance gloves while working with high
Temperature  Keep the lab clean and neat

Insulating gloves while working with dry ice  Store incompatible chemicals in separate
storage areas
Tie the N, H2 cylinder with Heavy duty clamp
Tie the safety cover when not in use
Good science begin with safe sign
 Chemical Storage Storage Fundamentals 46

Labs have established separate storage  Identify incompatible chemicals – check

areas for the Material Safety Data Sheet

• Flammable and combustible organic liquids  Isolate and separate incompatible
and solvents
• Acids materials
• Dry poisons, salts, and oxidizers • Isolate by storing in another area or
• Bases
room
Chemicals are stored in • Degree of isolation depends on
• Chemical storage cabinets quantities, chemical properties and
• Flammable storage refrigerators (No food) packaging
• Chemical storage refrigerators/freezers (No • Separate by storing in same area or
food) room, but apart from each other
• On shelves with retaining barriers
 Storage of Flammable and Use correct protective clothing and 47
Combustible Liquids equipment
 Eye Protection
Storage must not limit the use of exits, • S a f e t y g l a s s e s : flying particles, chemical
stairways, or areas normally used for the splashes, dust
• S p l a s h g o g g l e : corrosive liquids, solvents,
safe regress of people
powders
Storage must be in: • F a c e S h i e l d s : high pressure systems
 Respiratory Protection – normally not needed at
• closed metal containers inside a GIK
storage cabinet, or  Skin and Body Protection
• G l o v e s : see the MSDS
• safety cans, or • A p r o n s a n d l a b c o a t s : strong acids
• an inside storage room and bases
• S h o e : always worn in lab, closed toe and
closed heel
 Hearing Protection – normally not needed at GIK
 Do not 48

If Overexposed to a Hazardous
Use damaged glassware Substance
Store chemicals near heat, sunlight, or other  Get medical help immediately!
substances with which they might react
 Inform your lab supervisor
Store materials on floors or other places where
 Check MSDS for first-aid instructions.
people could trip over them
 Some general guidelines are
Leave equipment unattended when its operating  Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes
(unless it is designed to do so or you have an  Ingestion: Follow label and MSDS instructions
 Skin Contact: Stand under emergency
SOP) shower and remove contaminated clothing
immediately
Put custodians and fellow workers in danger
 Inhalation: Get to fresh air and get prompt
medical attention
 49

Emergencies can happen, So

Avoid working alone in the lab
Know where emergency phone numbers are posted
Review MSDS
Know where to go and what to do in an emergency
Know the location of the closest safety showers,
eyewashes, and fire extinguishers