Safety - Field Sampling: Principles and Practices in Environmental Analysis - page 105

per kg of animal body weight to obtain the LD 50 . If a compound has an LD 50 of 1 kg per
kg of body weight it is probably not, but not certainly, as dangerous as a compound that
has an LD 50 of 1 g per kg of body weight. This compound in turn is probably not as
dangerous as a compound that has an LD 50 of 1 mg per kg of body weight. The word
probably is used because some chemicals may have long-term or other detrimental effects
not assessed by the LD 50 .
The method of administering the dose is also of importance. Inhalation is perhaps one
of the most dangerous and insidious ways materials enter the body. Gases, which are
often undetectable, can be breathed and toxic symptoms or death result. Ingestion and
injection both require that the person actively intake the material. This can but should not
happen, but accidents occur. As noted above one way to prevent this is to make sure that
people do not eat or drink where chemicals are being used or stored or are in the process
of being transported. This includes samples, which must not be stored near food or in
food containers [6].
4.15. CONCLUSIONS
Safety is extremely important in field sampling. Development of safety procedures and a
chemical hygiene plan are needed. Personnel protection, including safety glasses, proper
clothing and gloves, and other safety equipment must be available to all. Safety training
is a must, as is continued emphasis on safety. Safety training should be a continuing part
of the safety plan. With proper safety preparation and execution a minimum of safety
problems will occur, and this will result in savings of time and money.
QUESTIONS
1. List and describe two major types of field sampling.
2. List and describe the general safety rules to be followed at all times.
3. A person is found dead next to a container that apparently contained liquid nitrogen.
Explain how this could have happened considering the fact that nitrogen is not toxic.
(Hint: A mole of any gas occupies a volume of 22.4 liters.)
4. Explain why, giving some examples, it is important that at least two people be
present during sampling.
5. Fumes overcome a person. What is the first aid step to be taken?
6. What in general are the chief differences between sampling an agricultural field and
an industrial field?
7. Why is it that gloves do not always protect?