Ms Sharon RogersDr Wendy Pryor

Chemical and general safety

Objectives

Identify and classify hazardous substances and dangerous goods

Describe the health effects and means of exposure to chemical hazards

Identify sources of information about laboratory hazards and relevant legislation

Label materials correctly

Describe the use of laboratory safety equipment

Identify important items of personal protective equipment

List principles of risk management relating to laboratory safety

Chemical safety

Policies & procedures for storage, handling, use & disposal

Hazardous substances & dangerous goodsStorage of flammable liquidsLabelling of containersMaterials Safety Data SheetsCHEMALERT databaseSpill kits Personal protective equipment

What is a Hazardous Substance?

Found in the Hazardous Substances

Information System (HSIS)

Determined a hazardous substance by the

manufacturer & in accordance with the

Approved Criteria for Classifying

Hazardous Substances (ASCC)

Classification of hazardous substances

Acute: adverse effects are short-lasting, often dramatic & develop soon after exposure

Chronic: adverse effects are long-lasting or permanent; onset may be soon after exposure or delayed for many years

Health Effects

Harmful / Toxic - causes transient or permanent damage to body functions

Corrosive – causes damage to living tissue

Irritant – causes local irritation to living tissue like dermatitis

Carcinogenic – causes cancer

Mutagenic – causes genetic damage

Teratogenic – causes abnormalities to foetus

Exposure Inhalation – main method by which

substances are absorbed into the body, eg dust, chemical fumes, gases

Absorption – through skin, eye or mucous membrane. Second most important route, eg liquids, oils

Ingestion – via hands, eating, drinking, smoking, mouth pipetting

What are dangerous goods?Substances or articles that are

potentially dangerous to people, property or the environment

Defined by Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADGC)

Determined by their immediate hazards rather than potential health effects

Classification of dangerous goods

Relates to transport, storage & environmental effects

Reflects physical hazards such as fire, explosion & poisoning

Must label & package in accordance with ADGC

Storage

Store hazardous liquids below eye level

Store large containers near floor at height that allows safe ergonomic handling

Flammable liquids must be stored in fire-rated cabinets in lab, but safe working allowances for the bench are defined by Australian Standards

Must be fire extinguisher adjacent to storage cabinet

Bulk storage for flammable liquids separate from lab

Acids and solvents should not be stored together

Compressed gas cylinders – secure with chain

Legislation

NSW Occupational Health & Safety Act, 2000

NSW OHS Regulation, 2001

specifies duties of employers; employees; manufacturers & suppliers of hazardous substances

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Identification of substance

Chemical & physical properties

Health hazard information

Precautions for use

Safe handling, transport & storage

Statement as to whether substance is hazardous according to ASCC criteria

Labelling On outside surface of container In English Legible, durable print Affixed firmly to prevent loss Material not degradable by

contents Includes safety information Risk & safety phrases Chemical and trade names Possible harmful effects How to use safely

Laboratory safety equipment

Hand-washing sinks First aid Eye-wash stations Emergency showers Spill kits Sharps disposal containers Fire fighting equipment

Use of equipment

Minimising aerosols and fumes

Decontamination

Maintenance

Training

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective clothing

Face & body protection

Gloves

Footwear

Respiratory protection

Eye protection

Risk management

Hazard identification

Risk assessment

Control of hazard

Monitor, review, evaluate

Review quizOne best answer for each question