National Diploma in Science
LABORATORY
SAFETY
FOR SCIENCE
STUDENTS
CONTENT
1.
Responsibility for Laboratory Safety ............................................................ 3
1.1
1.2
1.3
2.
Procedures ................................................................................................... 4
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
3.
At the Sound of the Alarm ................................................................................... 4
Fire .................................................................................................................... 5
Earthquake ......................................................................................................... 5
First Aid .............................................................................................................. 5
Emergency Phone ............................................................................................... 5
Some Hazards and Precautions when using Chemicals and Biological
Materials ...................................................................................................... 5
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
3.14
3.15
4.
Student’s Responsibility ....................................................................................... 3
Laboratory Rules ................................................................................................. 3
Personal Protection .............................................................................................. 4
Flammable Solvents ............................................................................................. 6
Explosive and Highly Reactive Materials ................................................................ 6
Toxic Chemicals .................................................................................................. 6
Corrosive Chemicals ............................................................................................ 6
Carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens ...................................................................... 7
Dust ................................................................................................................... 7
Allergens ............................................................................................................ 7
Cryogens ............................................................................................................ 7
Radioactive Chemicals ......................................................................................... 7
Micro-organisms .................................................................................................. 8
Animals .............................................................................................................. 8
Preserved Biological Specimens ............................................................................ 8
Blood Samples .................................................................................................... 8
Spills and Disposal ............................................................................................... 8
Before Leaving .................................................................................................... 9
Precautions when using Laboratory Equipment ........................................... 9
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14
Glassware ........................................................................................................... 9
Filling and carrying bottles ..................................................................................10
Glassware under vacuum ....................................................................................10
Heating Equipment .............................................................................................10
Mercury .............................................................................................................11
UV Light ............................................................................................................11
Electrical apparatus (general) ..............................................................................11
Centrifuges ........................................................................................................11
Blenders ............................................................................................................11
Medical Equipment .............................................................................................12
Scalpels .............................................................................................................12
Microtome..........................................................................................................12
Microscopes .......................................................................................................12
Specialised Equipment ........................................................................................12
5.
Note:
....................................................................................................... 13
6.
Literature ................................................................................................... 13
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Faculty of Health & Science
LABORATORY SAFETY
The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (April 1993) requires that every laboratory worker
understand and follows safe work procedures and conditions.
This booklet provides convenient information in the recognition and control of laboratory hazards.
The list of hazards is not complete, nor are the precautions described in detail.
A list of references is provided in his booklet for further information.
1.
Responsibility for Laboratory Safety
1.1
Student’s Responsibility
Use of new or different techniques, chemicals and equipment requires careful reading
and following of instructions.
Appropriate protective clothing MUST be worn as required during practicals.
It is your responsibility to understand the nature of hazards associated with the work
and take appropriate precautions.
(Lecturers MUST check new or unfamiliar
procedures).
Familiarise yourself with the location of emergency assembly points, safety showers,
fire extinguishers, fire alarms, hose reels and first aid cabinets. Access to this
equipment and to exits must be kept clear at all times.
All hazards, accidents and near misses must be reported to a lecturer or technician.
The laboratory must always be left in a clean and safe condition.
Mobile chairs should be used with care.
1.2
Laboratory Rules
Students are only allowed in laboratories under supervision of a Science staff
member.
The laboratories are locked when not in use.
Work may only be left overnight after consultation with lecturer. All equipment must
be clearly labelled and in a fail-safe condition.
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Containers with chemicals/micro-organisms must be clearly labelled including hazard
signs where appropriate.
UCOL is a smokefree environment. Eating or drinking is not permitted in Laboratories
or Chemical Stores.
Visitors
Visitors are only permitted if escorted by staff.
Children are not allowed in laboratories under any circumstances.
1.3
Personal Protection
Eyes
Safety glasses should be worn when there is a risk to eyes. Note: Contact lenses
increase vulnerability to eye injury.
Lungs
Work with noxious or corrosive vapors must be done in the fume hoods. If this is not
possible or in case of spillage, suitable protection must be used.
Skin
Protection includes use of long-sleeved laboratory coat, gloves, apron, face mask.
Labcoats
Labcoats should NEVER be worn in or near a food preparation/consumption area.
Footwear
Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
2.
Procedures
2.1
At the Sound of the Alarm
When the alarm sounds, everyone, must leave the building immediately and go to the
designated point. Shut off the gas, power or running water, if possible.
No one may return to the building until the Chief Warden declares the
emergency over.
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2.2
Fire
Alert all workers in the vicinity.
-
Small fires may be extinguished by shutting off the oxygen supply, or by
using a fire extinguisher if it is safe to do so.
-
If safety is at risk, immediately set off the nearest fire alarm and evacuate the
building.
-
Used extinguishers must be presented to the technician for recharge.
Take fire drills seriously.
2.3
Earthquake
Seek safe cover. When quake stops and situation allows, turn off gas, electricity,
water and check equipment.
Follow instructions from Lecturer.
2.4
First Aid
For all except trivial injuries seek medical aid.
The Student Health Centre at 156 King Street, can be contacted by phoning 70010 or
phone 1 021 489-223.
2.5
Emergency Phone
Emergency phones are situated at the exits of block 6, levels 2.
emergency, including First Aid, Fire and Personal Security.
3.
For use in any
Some Hazards and Precautions when using Chemicals and Biological
Materials
Always seek Lecturer’s advice before starting a new experiment and ensure that possible
hazards have been identified.
Specific information about chemicals or microorganisms will be provided when necessary.
Always read labels.
NEVER MOUTH PIPETTE, ALWAYS USE PIPETTING AIDS.
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3.1
Flammable Solvents
These are chemicals with a low flash point (burn easily). After each practical session
return all chemicals to appropriate trolley. Flammable solvents must not be placed
beside strong oxidising agents (eg nitric, perchloric acid).
DO NOT STORE FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS IN THE REFRIGERATOR.
NEVER POUR ORGANIC SOLVENTS OR RESIDUES DOWN THE DRAINS.
These must be put in labelled containers (SOLVENT WASTE……. [SUBSTANCE.]….)
and returned to prep room to be disposed of. DON’T mix residues.
Peroxide forming solvents; treat in the same manner as flammable solvents. These
are included in oxidising class which are labelled as shown.
3.2
Explosive and Highly Reactive Materials
Potentially explosive chemicals include any AZO, DIAZO, AZIDE, NITRO, PEROXIDE,
HALOGENS and heavy metal salts of organic compounds.
NEVER mix explosives with strong oxidising agents (e.g. chromates, hydrogen
peroxide, nitric acid, nitrates, chlorates, perchlorates, permanganates, persulphates
etc).
PERCHLORIC ACID requires special caution. It must be stored in glass, plastic or
metal containers and must not be in contact with natural materials like wood, cotton,
skin, etc.
3.3
Toxic Chemicals
Treat all chemicals as potential poisons.
When in doubt wear extra protective clothing.
3.4
Corrosive Chemicals
These are substances that can destroy living tissue and are often toxic with systemic
secondary effects. Some commonly used compounds of this type
are:
-
strong acids – strong alkalis – acid chloride – organic acids – some
halogenated aliphatic carboxylic acids – some acid anhydrides – bromine –
phosphorus – alkali metals – phenol. Wear eye protection. Inhalation of
corrosive gases is a severe hazard, work in fume hood.
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3.5
Carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens
-
These substances are included in the irritant class, which are labelled as
shown. The n represents a number defining the type of irritant.
-
Carcinogens are substances that induce uncontrolled tumorous growth in
animal tissue.
-
Mutagens are substances that cause permanent changes to chromosomal
DNA.
-
Teratogens are substances that cause malformation of the embryo during
pregnancy especially in early pregnancy.
The knowledge of the carcinogens class is not complete, often because of latencies of
up to 10 - 15 years (asbestos). It is important that women who may be pregnant
take extra precautions. If in doubt, seek lecturer’s advice.
3.6
Dust
Dust from powdered chemicals can cause respiratory disease. Dust masks should be
worn and are available from the technicians.
3.7
Allergens
Any chemical or biological material can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Severe allergies can result in anaphylactic shock which may be fatal. People with
known allergies must discuss these with their lecturers. Report any itching or burning
to skin, eyes, nose or mouth to the lecturer. If a severe reaction occurs, contact the
occupational health nurse or call 1-111 immediately.
3.8
Cryogens
These are liquefied gases with boiling point below - 75°C (liquid air, liquid nitrogen).
These must not be kept in closed containers. We only use small quantities of dry ice
(solidified CO2). This may be left to evaporate in a well ventilated area. Handle with
tongs.
3.9
Radioactive Chemicals
Only holders of a licence issued by the National Radiation Laboratory are entitled to
be issued with and supervise work on radioactive materials. All work has to be done
according to the Radiation Protection Regulation 1982.
Reference in Chemistry Prep room.
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3.10
Micro-organisms
All cultures and samples must be treated as potentially pathogenic. In the case of
contamination wash well with warm water and germicidal soap. Spills on surfaces
and equipment must be covered with Virkon powder and reported to the lecturer
immediately. Wear disposable gloves and use paper towels to mop up. Place all
contaminated material in a Biohazard bag. Wipe the benches with Virkon solution
before and after every practical class in which micro-organisms are used.
3.11
Animals
Dissections
Care must be taken of teeth/claws that are exposed as they are very sharp and cut
flesh. Gloves may be worn.
Live Animals
Live animals are allowed on campus for teaching purposes only. All appropriate care
should be taken.
3.12
Preserved Biological Specimens
Wear gloves, avoid skin contact and inhaling vapors. Treat as toxic, flammable and a
biohazard.
3.13
Blood Samples
Blood and body fluids are hazardous due to the transmission of infectious diseases.
Protocol will be provided where blood and/or body fluids are used. These must be
read and adhered to at all times.
3.14
Spills and Disposal
(a)
Spills
Spills must immediately be brought to the lecturers attention to be dealt with
as appropriate.
(b)
Disposal
(i)
Chemical solutions (aqueous) may be poured down sinks with large
quantities of water.
Organic solvent waste should be transferred to labelled waste jars.
[NEVER POUR IMMISCIBLE SOLVENTS DOWN THE DRAIN.]
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Solid waste including filter paper must be wrapped in paper and
placed in special bin.
(ii)
Microbiological
All contaminated glassware except microscope slides and coverslips
to be stacked in autoclavable racks or containers.
All other contaminated materials excluding slides and coverslips to be
placed in Biohazard Bags.
(iii)
Sharps
All sharps including slides & coverslips must be discarded into special
sharps containers.
(iv)
Broken Glass
Consult lecturer for correct procedure.
DO NOT place broken glass in the rubbish bins.
3.15
Before Leaving
Items must be returned to their proper places in the laboratory or be placed on the
trolley.
Dirty glassware must be rinsed and put in square plastic boxes.
Any glassware contaminated with micro-organisms must be placed in autoclavable
containers on trolley.
The benches must be cleaned, disinfected where appropriate and dried.
Pipettes must be soaked in pipette soakers.
WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE LEAVING
4.
Precautions when using Laboratory Equipment
Damaged equipment must not be used. Inform the lecturer of any faults.
4.1
Glassware
Starred, cracked or chipped glassware must not be used.
Ground joints may be lubricated with an inert grease.
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Always wear special gloves when cutting glass or inserting tubing or thermometers
into bungs.
4.2
Filling and carrying bottles
Always allow 10% headspace for expansion and safe pouring of contents. Support
bottles at base when pouring. 2.5L bottles must be carried in special bottle carriers.
Never hold or carry bottles by the neck without additional support from the base.
4.3
Glassware under vacuum
Use special safety glass and vacuum tubing. When using the vacuum water pump,
always use a water trap and a three-way safety tap.
Do not turn off water with the system still under vacuum.
Use safety cages when working with desiccators under vacuum.
4.4
Heating Equipment
Learn how to control a bunsen flame.
Do not use heating equipment when working with or close to flammables.
contents of test-tubes gently, point open test-tubes away from others.
Heat
When using a bunsen burner for sterilising loops/needles etc, introduce them to the
cool orange part of the flame before moving to the hot blue part.
When leaving a burner on, always adjust to yellow flame.
Remember glass and metal will remain hot for some time after use. Leave to cool
before putting away.
Do not leave heating equipment on unattended.
Stir liquids smoothly to avoid splashing.
To reduce risk of ‘spitting’ boiling chips may be used.
Always use heat resistant gloves and/or special tongs when working in an oven or
muffle furnace, close the door as soon as possible.
Always keep the area around oven and furnace clear.
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4.5
Mercury
Take extra care when using mercury filled equipment.
hands. Avoid inhaling the fumes.
4.6
Never touch Mercury with
UV Light
Eye protection and gloves must be worn when using UV equipment. To check if the
lamp is operating, hold a piece of white paper under it. Never look directly into UV
light. Minimise your exposure to UV light.
4.7
Electrical apparatus (general)
All faults or spillage on electrical apparatus must immediately be reported to Lecturer.
Always beware of situations where electrical fitting might be splashed with water.
Keep flammable chemicals away from electrical equipment which may spark.
4.8
Centrifuges
Balance pairs of tubes. Do not use cracked tubes. Ensure cushions are always in the
buckets.
Always have the lid closed during operation.
When using haematocrit centrifuge, ensure sealed end of haematocrit tube is placed
towards outside edge of the chamber. Cover must be securely tightened before lid
lowered and turned on.
Do not attempt to slow the rotor manually.
When centrifuging microorganisms or body fluids always use tubes with caps to
prevent spillage and aerosols.
If glass breaks in any centrifuge, inform Lecturer. DO NOT OPEN the centrifuge.
4.9
Blenders
Keep fingers away from sharp blades. Keep lid in place while blending.
Do not place metal instruments in blenders while operating.
switched off when lifting lid and adding items to be blended.
Ensure machine is
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4.10
Medical Equipment
All medical equipment should be disinfected between persons.
Sphygmomanometer
Take extreme care when inflating cuff – do not take pressure above 160 mm Mercury.
Do not keep inflated cuff on the arm for longer than is necessary. When putting case
models away, ensure screw for air-valve is sideways or downwards so when case
closes, it will not break the mercury manometer.
Stethoscopes
Do not push ear-pieces into ear. Do not tap disc heavily or against any object as
noise is intensely magnified and can damage the ear-drum.
4.11
Scalpels
Extreme care must be used when fitting and removing blades from handles.
4.12
Microtome
Always use the blade locked in position.
Disposable blades must be removed after use and stored or disposed into SHARPS
container.
4.13
Microscopes
Keep light level low to prevent headaches or sore eyes. Always move slide (stage)
away from the objective lens when looking through the eyepiece lens. Microscope
must be lifted carefully from storage space, using both hands and held close to the
body. Be aware of good posture and take short breaks during use.
4.14
Specialised Equipment
Follow instructions given. Take special care of gas and electrical hazards and treat all
spills immediately. Treat any spills or waste material derived from PCR processing as
for micro-organisms.
Using laboratory spray equipment may create toxic aerosols – use in fume hood.
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5.
Note:
Further information if and when required can obtained from MSDS and the literature below.
6.
Literature

Pal. S.B, (1990) Handbook of Laboratory Health and Safety Measures 2nd Ed. Kluwer
Academic Pub. Dordrecht

Muir. G.D, (1977) Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory 2nd Ed. The Chemical Society,
London

Chemical Technician Curriculum Project Writing Team. Pecsok. R.L, Chapman K., Ponder
W.H, (1975) Chemical Technology Handbook.
American Chemical Society, Washington.

Harrigan W.F, McCance M.E, (1976) Laboratory Methods in Food and Dairy Microbiology
Rev.Ed
Academic Press. London New York.

Purvis M.J, Collier D.C, Walls D (1966) Laboratory Techniques in Botany 2nd Ed.
Butterworths, London.

Picot A., Grenouillet P, Prokopetz A.T, Walters D.B, (1994) Safety in the Chemistry and
Biochemistry Laboratory.
VCH, New York.

University of New South Wales Safety UMT (1993) Laboratory Safety Manual.
Australia.

Manufacturing Chemists’ Association, General Safety Committee (1972) Guide to Safety in
the Chemical Laboratory
2nd Ed. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.

Windholz, M The Merck Index 9th Ed.
Merck, NY

Steere NV, (1971) CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety 2nd Ed
Chemical Rubber Co. Cleveland.

Luxon, S.B (1993) Hazard in the Chemical Laboratory 5th Ed.
Royal Society of Chemistry Cambridge.

Janssen Chimica 1993 – 1994. Janssen, Belgium
CCH,
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