Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Many chemicals routinely used in laboratories do not appear to pose immediate
(acute) health hazards, but they may accumulate or contribute to a long-term
(chronic) health problem. Examples of such chemicals are benzene, carbon
tetrachloride, chloroform, and perchloroethylene, which are all suspected carcino-
gens. Volatile chemicals should be of particular concern from a health and safety
perspective. These include many common solvents used particularly in environ-
mental laboratories during sample extraction. Volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons, if
inhaled, cause narcosis and damage to the central nervous system and liver. The
vapor of volatile hydrocarbons can also cause fire or explosion. Keep volatile
solvents in small containers and away from any heat or spark source (e.g., hotplate or
open flame). The toxic and flammable volatiles should be used under a fume hood
with adequate ventilation.
Ignorance of even a small part of safety rules can sometimes lead to catastrophic
accidents such as fire, explosion, or death. Electricity and water can be a very
dangerous combination. For example, when hotplate or other heating devices are
used with cooling water such is the case for reaction and sample preparation
(reaction vessels, water bath, and oil bath), care should be exercised to secure water
from leakage. In such cases, never leave experiment (reaction) unattended.
Compressed gas cylinders are another example of potential danger. Transport
cylinders by means of a suitable hand truck. Do not roll and always keep caps closed
when in transport. Special safety procedures need to be followed for hydrogen and
pure oxygen cylinders.
Besides all active preventive measures, one should be fully aware of an
adequate passive protection devices and supplies including emergency first aid to
reduce the consequences to a minimal level in the even of an incident. Know the
use of adequate level of personal protection equipment (PPE) for the preven-
tion of eyes, head, hearing, feet, legs, and so forth. These may include
goggles, gloves, earplugs, protection hard hats, and safety footwear. Become
thoroughly acquainted with the location and use of safety facilities such as artificial
respiration, safety showers, eyewash fountains, fire extinguishers, and exits.
Always know where the first aid kit is located in the lab and finally keep
the telephone numbers and contact persons (safety officials, hospital, police
department) handy.
Practical tips
If you suspect safety and health hazards but do not know how to deal with it,
do not hesitate to ask your supervisor and get proper training.
If a sampling and analysis procedure was proved to be safe and hazard-free
by other labs, other persons, or other times, do not assume it will be the same
under your control. Take extra precaution.
Before the beginning of a sampling and analysis procedure, ask yourself
''what would happen if
...
'' questions.
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