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Lab Safety

The document provides recommendations for safely storing laboratory chemicals in schools. It advises ordering only the smallest necessary quantities of chemicals and never accepting donated chemicals. Chemicals should be properly labeled and stored in appropriate containers by compatibility in well-ventilated, organized areas with safety equipment like eyewash stations. Schools should regularly review chemical inventory and disposal to minimize costs and safety hazards from excess or outdated chemicals. The goal is to prevent future accumulation of hazardous chemicals and ensure all personnel are properly trained.

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33 views31 pages

Lab Safety

The document provides recommendations for safely storing laboratory chemicals in schools. It advises ordering only the smallest necessary quantities of chemicals and never accepting donated chemicals. Chemicals should be properly labeled and stored in appropriate containers by compatibility in well-ventilated, organized areas with safety equipment like eyewash stations. Schools should regularly review chemical inventory and disposal to minimize costs and safety hazards from excess or outdated chemicals. The goal is to prevent future accumulation of hazardous chemicals and ensure all personnel are properly trained.

Uploaded by

hanif.yepbro
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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School Lab Chemicals

How to avoid having this happen to you.


Information and pictures provided courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Objective of this presentation
 Making your routine storage and
handling of lab chemicals as safe as
possible.
Today’s Situation:
 Aging and unused hazardous chemicals
which pose safety hazards should be
removed.
 Some lab storage areas are unsafe due
to poor storage
and handling
methods.
What happened?

 Abundance of Chemicals
 Over-estimated necessary quantities
 Better prices for ordering in bulk
 Manufacturers or other businesses
donated their excess or “exotic”
chemicals
 No regular stockroom inventory
 Poor labeling or no labeling
Acquisition Recommendations
 Order the smallest quantity possible
for each chemical
 No discounts, but final cost is less

 Never accept “left-over” or


“donated” chemicals
 There’s no guarantee of its purity
 If you don’t normally use it, you probably
don’t need it
Chemicals may out last you!
 Experiments and instructors can and
do change
 Textbooks, manuals & procedures change
 A new instructor may not follow your
teaching plan

 Labels are for everyone’s


information
Safe Storage &
Handling

VS.
Recommended Practices

 Examine your currently available storage space.


 Avoid floor clutter
 Avoid shelf clutter
 Avoid desk clutter
 Consider inexpensive storage containers
for small or loose items.
 Arrange containers based on compatibility
 Keep your containers in good condition
 Re-package containers which are not in good condition
 Use durable waterproof labels and markers to
clearly indicate what is in the container.
 Order and use the smallest containers
appropriate for your labs
 Food jars are designed to hold food. Store hazardous lab
chemicals only in containers designed to hold them.
 Your chemical storage area is not
a kitchen—no food storage please!
 Sturdy
shelving
units with
edging to
prevent
containers
from
falling off.
 Acids should be stored in an Acid Cabinet
 Flammables should be stored in a Flammables Cabinet
 Avoid overhead storage
Additional Safety Measures

 An eye wash unit and / or emergency


shower nearby (but not in the storage room)
Additional Safety Measures

 Insure Adequate Ventilation for:


 Chemical storage areas

 Chemical preparation areas

 For volatile compounds use a fume


hood!
 Chemical use areas
Additional Safety Measures

 Emergency
gas shut-
off valve
Additional Safety Measures

 Retractable electrical outlets


Future Cost Minimization

Things to consider:
 annual chemical disposal budget
 annual chemical pick up and disposal
 chemical hygiene officer
 chemical usage review for science labs
 sign off sheet for extra-cost items
Remember these costly phrases:
 “Frequently used chemicals
should be ordered in bulk.”

 “Ordering in bulk is the best


deal for the money.”

 “Accept any donated


chemicals…”

 “Labs will always do the same


experiments and demonstrations…”

 “I’ll remember what I put in that jar.”


Goals for Chemicals in Schools
 Aim for removal of hazardous or
excess chemicals
 Assure no future accumulation of
excess or hazardous chemicals
 Assure all personnel are adequately
trained in proper safety procedures
 L -- Label everything clearly
 A -- Appropriate containers in good condition
 B -- Be neat and orderly

 S -- Store only what you will use


 A -- Always wear protective clothing
 F -- Food allowed in eating areas only
 E -- Everything in its place on a shelf
 T -- Time to inventory & organize
 Y -- Your safety is important

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