Question

Being a young enthusiastic student of science,you are familiar with your school chemistry laboratory. According to you, what would be the various hazards you may face while working in the laboratory and how can they be prevented?

Answer 1

Many inorganic chemicals such as mineral acids and alkalis are corrosive to the skin and eyes.Likewise, many organic chemicals such as acid hall-ides, phenols and so forth are corrosive and often toxic.

Answer 2

Answer:

1.    Make sure you are familiar with all the safety information given to you about each experiment before starting the experiment. This includes your manual, these safety guidelines, any posted information or any other information provided to by your TA.
2.    Always wear safety glasses (including during check-in and check-out), except when their removal has been specifically authorized by the TA prior to their removal. Contact lenses are forbidden. You must also wear a face shield when requested to by the TA.
3.    You must wear a lab coat (and do it up) in all Chemistry labs.
4.    Footwear must completely cover the foot and heel (no sandals, baby dolls, ballet flats, mules, open-toed footwear, etc.).
5.    You must wear long pants (no shorts, capris, skirts, or dresses).
6.    If you arrive at your Chemistry lab and do not have the required clothing, you will be directed to rent or purchase missing items (glasses, lab coats, disposable foot coverings and long pants) from Chemistry Stores before you will be allowed to participate in the lab.
7.    Loose hair must be tied back so as to be out of the way. Dangling jewellery must be removed.
8.    Do not eat or drink in the lab.
9.    Visitors are not allowed to be in the lab.
10.    Please keep your work area and the common work areas tidy. Also, please make sure the aisles, safety showers, eyewash stations and doorways are unobstructed.
11.    Please leave all glassware, equipment, tools, etc. as clean or cleaner than you found them.
12.    Please clean up spills immediately. If the spill is large or is of a hazardous material, inform the TA immediately. Use spill mix to absorb solvent or caustic liquids.
13.    Please dispose of waste properly and in a timely manner and according to the instructions provided in your lab manual. If you are not sure, please ask your TA for the proper method of disposal.
14.    Wash your hands before you leave the lab.
15.    Do not remove chemicals or equipment from the lab except when required to do so for analysis.
16.    Please notify your TA of any serious medical conditions.
17.    Do not wear earbuds or earphones while in the lab.

First Aid :-

•    Burns

       Burns represent the most common injury in the chemistry lab. They are generally of either the thermal or chemical type. First aid for surface burns of the thermal type involves immersing the burned part in cool water or applying an ice pack to relieve pain and prevent swelling and blistering. The burn is then covered with a clean, sterile, lint-free dressing. Do not apply lotions, ointments or oily dressings. For more serious burns involving deeper layers of skin and tissue, arrange for immediate medical aid.

       To minimize injury due to chemical burns, the chemical must be removed from the skin immediately. Flush liquid chemicals away with water; continue to flush for 20 minutes. Continue first aid as for a thermal burn (preceding paragraph). Medical attention should always be sought in the case of chemical burns, especially as delayed reactions are not uncommon.

• Chemicals Spilled on the Skin Over a Large Area

       Quickly remove all contaminated clothing while using the safety shower to flush the chemical from the skin. Time is of the essence here and there is no place for modesty. Continue to flush the affected area with water for at least 20 minutes. Do not use chemical neutralizers. Treat any chemical burns as outlined in the Burns section above.

• Chemicals Spilled on the Skin Over a Limited Area

       Immediately flush the affected area with cold water. Once again, time is of the essence. Do not use chemical neutralizers. Treat any chemical burns as outlined in the Burns section above.

•    Chemicals Splashed into the Eyes

       Immediately flood the eyes with water so as to dilute and eliminate the chemical. Hold the eyelids open to facilitate the process. Flush the eyes for at least 20 minutes. Apply clean dressings over both eyes and arrange for immediate medical aid, regardless of the severity of the injury.