What precaution must be observed when working with alcohol?
Answers
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IS INJURIOUS TO HEALTH
This is the Precaution we commonly observe when working with alcohol.
Happy Learning
Answer:
Tips for the Safer Handling of Alcohol
Conduct a hazards analysis and risk assessment of the use of alcohol and review safety action to be taken before doing any lab investigation or demonstration. Prepare a list of the significant hazards in the procedure and identify the controls necessary to minimize them. The procedure, hazards analysis, and risk assessment should be reviewed and approved by the Chemical Hygiene Officer (or designee) as indicated by the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Review the SDS before using alcohol and make students aware of all hazards.
Practice the laboratory or demonstration before conducting it with students.
Ensure that students, teachers, and any other adults in the laboratory are wearing sanitized indirectly vented chemical-splash goggles meeting ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 D3 standard, chemical-resistant aprons or lab coats, and non-latex chemical-resistant gloves.
Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) noted above is worn throughout the investigation or demonstration, including set-up, hands-on and take down. Only after all materials are put away at the end of the investigation or demonstration should PPE be removed and hands washed.
Handle alcohols in a fume hood to capture and prevent any flammable and/or combustible concentrations of vapors from reaching any source of ignition.
Know the location of the A-B-C fire extinguisher, fire blanket, fire alarm, eyewash, and shower and be able to reach them within 10 seconds. Teachers should receive annual training so that they know how to use each of these items. If district policy prohibits the use of a fire extinguisher, in the event of fire, evacuate the room, close the door, and pull the fire alarm.
Know the location of spill clean-up materials in the event of a spill.
Never work alone in the laboratory.
Ensure that all sources of ignition are removed from the laboratory if alcohol will be used.
Keep the reagent container of alcohol (stock bottle) in the chemical storeroom.
Restrict the quantity of alcohol used in the laboratory to the quantity required for the experiment or demonstration.
Refrain from using conventional alcohol lamps as they are unsafe.
If a fume hood is not availiable during a demonstration, place an impact-resistant barrier between the experiment and students. Also ensure that students or other observers are more than 10 feet (~3 meters) away (NFPA 45). The safety shield should be made of impact-resistant plastic or tempered glass and be 24” high and extend 12" beyond the hazard in both directions. All individuals (adults and students) in the room should wear the appropriate safety goggles during the demonstration. In the absence of a permanent fume hood, a portable fume hood that is rated for alcohol use can be used.
Tie back hair and avoid wearing loose clothing or open-toe shoes in the laboratory.
Consider using microchemistry and a camera to show the students what is happening if a demonstration or investigation is unsafe to perform at full scale.