Ms Sharon Rogers Dr 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 goods Storage of flammable liquids Labelling of containers Materials Safety Data Sheets CHEMALERT database Spill 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 quiz One best answer for each question