lab safety

2. Fundamentals of
Laboratory Safety
Muhammad Asif Rafiq
Lecturer

6. Common Terms to be learn
Safety: Strategy of Accident Prevention
Loss Prevention: Prevention of accidents which result in injury to humans,
damage to the environment, loss of production, damage to equipment, or loss
of inventory.
Hazard: An inherent physical or chemical characteristic of a material, system,
process or plant that has the potential for causing harm.
Chemicals provide additional hazards due to the toxic, flammable, explosive, and reactive
hazards.
Risk: Function of probability and consequence.
Risk Analysis: Quantitative estimate of risk
Risk Assessment: Results of risk analysis are used to make decisions.

7. Conducting Safe Research

8. Categories of hazards
 Laboratory physical hazards
 Chemical Hazards
 Chemical health hazards
 Chemical physical hazards
 Chemical Environmental hazards
 Biological hazards
 Radiological hazards

9. Laboratory Physical Hazards
 Electrical
 Slip, trip and falls
 Ergonomic
 Sharps
 Compressed gases
 Heat hazards
 Centrifuges
 Noise (ultrasound)

10. Electrical Hazards
 Lay electrical cords where no one can trip
on them or get caught in them.
 Be sure your hands and your lab area are
dry before using electrical equipment.
 Never poke anything into electrical outlets.
 Unplug cords by pulling the plug and not
the cord.
 Unplug all electrical equipment at the end
of the lab period.

11. Slip and Falls
 Wet floor can cause slip or falls
 Awkward lifting
Cautions
 Keep floor clean and dry, where
wet process are unavoidable
maintain suitable drainage.
 Avoid awkward position for
lifting so that you can make
clear walkway

12. Ergonomic- One Pakistani ………..
Injuries caused by repetitive motion of person
Risk factors include
 Repetitive task like pipetting or using microscope
 Awkward posture
 Stress
 Exertion

13. Sharps
Cut can occur while dealing with sharps including needles,
razor blades, broken glassware
Safe work practices
 Inspect glass for flaws, cracks or chips
 Wear appropriate gloves
 Deposit all cracked glassware in sharped edge containers

14. Compressed Gases
Stored energy in form of pressure differential pose hazards
Potential hazards
 Explosion
 Crushing with falling/rolling cylinder
 Flying objects of rupture cylinder
 Chemicals stored in cylinder can cause chemical hazards

15. Heat Hazards
Autoclaves and sterilizers, heating baths, hot plates, burners etc.
 Heating devices and other electrical equipment should not be installed near water
supply points
 Only the trained person should operate the instruments
 Let burners and hotplates cool own before touching them.
 Use tongs and/or protective gloves to handle hot objects.
 The only type of glassware that may safely be heated is either Kimax or pyrex.
 Always point the top ends of test tubes that are being heated away from people.
 Heat glassware by placing it on a wire gauze platform on a ring stand. Do not hold it
in your hand.

16. Centrifuge
Damaged rotors or unbalance of centrifuge can cause injury. Moreover, cracked sample
vials can be broken during centrifugation thus producing aerosol that might be dangerous.
Safety rules
 Only trained person should operate the unit
 Use matched set of tubes
 Always properly capped the vials
 Make sure that rotor is properly fit on the drive shaft
 Never exceed the maximum rpm limit of the centrifuge

17. Noise
Constant noise more 85 dBA can be harmful for hearing.
Noise sources in the lab:
 Fume hoods
 Ultracentrifuges
 Vacuum pumps
 Ultrasonic baths
 Grinders
 Sonicators
Try to decrease the continuous exposure

18. Quiz
What is the potential Hazard does the respective picture depict
A. Ergonomic
B. Slip/fall
C. Noise
Answer = B

19. Quiz
What is the potential Hazard does the respective picture depict
A. Heat
B. Sharps
C. Compressed gas
Answer = A

20. Chemical Hazards

21. Chemical Hazards
Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification &
Labeling of Chemicals
 A system for standardizing and harmonizing the
classification and labeling of chemicals
 Defines health, physical and environmental hazards of
chemicals
 Communicates hazard information, as well as protective
measures, on labels and MaterialsSafety Data Sheets (SDS)
 Hazards Classes
 16 classes of chemical physical hazards
 10 classes of chemical health hazards
 3 classes of chemical environmental hazards

22. GHS Chemical Physical Hazards
 Explosives
 Flammable Gases
 Flammable Aerosols
 Oxidizing Gases
 Gases Under Pressure
 Flammable Liquids
 Flammable Solids
 Self-Reactive Substances
 Pyrophoric Liquids
 Pyrophoric Solids
 Self-Heating Substances
 Substances which, in contact with water emit flammable gases
 Oxidizing Liquids
 Oxidizing Solids
 Organic Peroxides
 Corrosive to Metals

23. GHS Chemical Health Hazards
 Acute Toxicity
 Skin Corrosion/Irritation
 Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation
 Respiratory or Skin Sensitization
 Germ Cell Mutagenicity
 Carcinogenicity
 Reproductive Toxicology
 Target Organ Systemic Toxicity - Single Exposure
 Target Organ Systemic Toxicity - Repeated Exposure
 Aspiration Toxicity

24. GHS Chemical Environmental Hazards
Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment
 Acute aquatic toxicity
 Chronic aquatic toxicity
 Bioaccumulation potential
 Rapid degradability

25. GHS Hazard Communication
Once a chemical has been classified, the hazard(s) must be communicated to
target audiences
Labels and Safety Data Sheets are the main tools for chemical hazard
communication

26. GHS Label Elements
Product Identifier
Signal Word (Danger, Warning)
Hazard Statement (for each hazard class and category)
Pictogram(s)
Precautionary Statement (for each hazard class and category)
Name, Address and Tele. # of chemical manufacturer

27. Signal Words
"Danger" or "Warning" are used to emphasize hazards and indicate the relative
level of severity of the hazard, assigned to a GHS hazard class and category.
"Danger" for the more severe hazards
"Warning" for the less severe hazards.

28. Hazard Statements
Hazard statements are standardized and assigned phrases that describe the hazard(s)
as determined by hazard classification
Hazard Statement Examples
“Causes eye irritation”
“Toxic if inhaled”
“Flammable aerosol”
“May cause cancer”
“May cause respiratory irritation”
“Harmful to aquatic life”
“Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated”

29. Symbols/Pictograms
 Convey health, physical and environmental hazard information, assigned to a
GHS hazard class and category.
 The GHS symbols have been incorporated into pictograms for use on the GHS label
 Pictograms will have a black symbol on a white background with a red diamond frame

30. Symbols/Pictograms
Health Hazard
 Carcinogen
 Mutagenicity
 Reproductive Toxicity
 Respiratory Sensitizer
 Target Organ Toxicity
 Aspiration Toxicity

31. Environment
Aquatic toxicity
Exclamation Mark
 Irritant (skin and eye)
 Skin Sensitizer
 Acute Toxicity
 Narcotic Effects
 Respiratory Tract Irritant
 Hazardous to Ozone Layer (Non-Mandatory)

32. Skull & Crossbones
Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)
Gas Cylinder
Gases Under Pressure

33. Corrosive
 Skin Corrosion/Burns
 Eye Damage
 Corrosive to Metals
Exploding Bomb
 Explosives
 Self-Reactives
 Organic Peroxides

34. Flame Over Circle
Oxidizers
Flame
 Flammables
 Pyrophorics
 Self-Heating
 Emits Flammable Gas
 Self-Reactives
 Organic Peroxides

35. Physical Hazard Pictograms

36. Health Hazard Pictograms

37. Quiz
Exploding Bomb Corrosive Oxidizer

38. Quiz
Flammable Health Hazard Corrosive

39. Precautionary Statements
Precautionary Statements are standardized explanations of the measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects
 Prevention
 Response
 Storage
 Disposal
Examples
Prevention
“Wear protective gloves”
Response
“If inhaled remove person to fresh air”
Storage
“Store in well ventilated place”
Disposal
“Waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local environmental
control regulations”

40. Label Example

41. Label Example- EtBr----262 MP

42. Label Example- Acrylamide

43. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
1. Identification of the substance or mixture and of the supplier
2. Hazards identification
3. Composition/information on ingredients
4. First aid measures
5. Firefighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls/personal protection

44. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information including information on preparation and revision of the SDS

45. Golden Rule of the Science Lab
Follow ALL directions and safety precautions
provided prior to each and every lab.
•Perform ONLY assigned experiments.
•Follow assigned procedure when provided.
•Don’t be afraid to ask questions!!!

46. Personal Protective Wear
Goggles MUST always be worn while in the
chemistry lab.
Aprons MUST be worn while in the chemistry
lab to protect from dangerous chemical spills .
Gloves may be required during certain lab
exercises.

47. Attire & Appearance
 Secure loose garments & roll up long sleeves.
 Do NOT wear dangling jewelry.
 Wear long pants. No shorts allowed.
 Wear closed toe & heel shoes.
 Pull back long hair.

48. Behavior
 Horseplay is prohibited in the chemistry lab.
 Do not, run, push, or play while in the chemistry lab.
 Students should stay in their assigned areas.

49. Food & Drink
 Absolutely NO food or drink is permitted in the chemistry lab;
even gum and candy

50. Assigned Lab Station
 Your lab station should be free of clutter. Clean up
and throw away all debris promptly.
 Backpacks should be left in the classroom or kept out
of the lab stations.
 You are responsible for cleaning your work area prior
to leaving lab.
 Keep aisles clear.
 NO sitting on lab counter tops.

51. Odors
 When smelling chemicals use a wafting motion.
NEVER put your face near the mouth of a container.
 All experiments producing a potentially hazardous
gas or odor MUST be conducted in a fume hood.
 Report any unusual or unexpected odors to your
instructor at once.

52. Handling Glassware
 Protect your hands when handling glass.
 Do not heat broken or cracked glass.
 Clean up broken glass with a brush & dust pan.
 Be aware that “hot” glassware & “cold”
glassware look identical.
 Dispose of glass in the appropriate glass disposal
container.

53. Handling Chemicals
 Consider ALL chemicals in the chemistry lab to be dangerous.
 Read labels on reagent bottles carefully prior to using them. Take
only what you need.
 NEVER return unused reagent to stock bottles.
 NEVER touch or taste substances used during chemistry lab.

54. Handling Acids and bases
 In the event of an acid or base spill, notify the teacher.
 Then, neutralize the acid spill with sodium bicarbonate
(baking soda). Brush up the residual powder & finish
cleaning by flushing the area with plenty of water.
 Clean up base spills by neutralizing them with acetic acid
(vinegar). Finish by flushing the area with plenty of water.

55. Heating Substances
 Always heat substances under a fume hood.
 When heating a test tube, NEVER point the mouth of
the test tube towards yourself or anyone else.
 Never leave a flame unattended.

56. Chemical Disposal
Chemical waste should be disposed of as indicated by your teacher.
 Not all chemicals can be poured down the drain.
 Do not throw solid materials in the sinks.
Keep me
healthy
Don’t pollute

57. Emergency Equipment
Know the location of ALL emergency equipment such as the first aid kit, fire
blanket, fire extinguisher, safety shower and eye wash, etc.

58. •Know the locations and operating procedures of all
safety equipment
•Safety shower

59. Fire and Fire Drills
In case of a fire alarm, do the following:
 Close ALL containers.
 Turn off ALL gas valves.
 Unplug All electrical devices.

60. Foreign Matter In Eyes
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of
water using eye wash or safety shower.
Keep eyes wide open while washing and
wash for at least 20 minutes. Have your
lab partner notify the teacher.

61. Goggles must be worn
at all times during a
lab;

62. •No sandals (shoes should completely cover top of
foot)

63. •Report any accident or injury to the
instructor immediately;

64. If a chemical splashes on your skin,
immediately flush with running water and
notify instructor

65. Clothing Fire
 Turn off all flames and gas jets.
Wrap person in fire blanket.
 Do NOT use water because it
may react with the burning
substance and intensify fire.
 Do NOT use a fire extinguisher
as it may suffocate the person.

66. Exiting the Lab
 Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.
 Clean up your work station making sure to dispose of all
substances properly.
 Unplug all electrical devices and turn off all gas jets.

67. What Helps?