GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

SAFETY MANUAL

          In the event of an emergency or lab accident, click below for

 FIRST AID RESPONSE AND TRANSPORTATION POLICY PROCEDURE

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

                                             (In Case of emergency, call Ext. 4‑‑2500 or 404-894-2500)

1.   Exhibit a professional attitude and apply common sense at all times.

 

2.   In case of doubt about a procedure, or the operation of an instrument or a piece of apparatus, consult your course instructor, research director or someone who has knowledge about the equipment in question.

 

3.   Know the location of emergency equipment, fire alarms (fires still should be reported by Calling Ext. 4‑2500 or 404-894-2500 even if the alarm has been pulled), fire extinguishers, eye‑wash foun­tains, showers, etc., and familiarize yourself thoroughly with the operation of all these items.  Also call 4‑4002 to inform the Chemistry Main Office in the event of fire or injury.  Know the building exits which are nearest to your work place and the classrooms in which you instruct.

 

4.   Follow good housekeeping principles at all times.

 

5.   There should be no smoking, eating, and/or applying of cosmetics in areas where chemicals are being used.  If Research Supervisors allow these activities in research laboratories, specific areas should be set aside in which these activities are permitted but in which no chemicals are allowed.

 

6.   Shoes which cover both top and bottom of the feet should always be worn in the Chemistry Building and Annex.

 

7.   Safety glasses should always be worn in the laboratory.  Other appropriate safety attire ‑ goggles, face shields, lab coats, aprons, and gloves ‑ should be worn when working with dangerous chemicals and equipment.

 

8.   Never undertake unauthorized experiments unless you have been given permission to work independently by your Research Supervisor.

 

9.   Before starting an experiment make sure you understand its operation in detail, are aware of possible danger points, and have formulated plans to handle emergencies that may con­ceivably arise.

 

10.  Before activating an instrument or starting a machine, make certain you understand how it is to be operated and what precautions are necessary for its safe operation.

 

11.  Use approved methods for transporting chemicals and equipment in the building and for disposing of waste chemicals and refuse.  This includes safety carriers for bottles of concen­trated acids and bases.

 

12.  All laboratory workers should wash their hands thoroughly to remove any chemicals before leaving the laboratory for whatever purpose.

 

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I. SAFETY RULES

 

 

A.   Responsibility Defined

 

1.       The overall responsibility for the enforcement of all safety regulations rests with the Director of the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry.  The Director may appoint a Safety Committee (or specific individuals) to assist in the discharge of this responsibility.

 

2.       The Research Directors have the primary responsibility of seeing to it that those individuals working under their direction follow the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry Safety Rules, and for establishing any additional safety rules which may be deemed necessary.

 

3.       The Faculty member in charge of any teaching laboratory has the respon­sibility for the enforcement of safety rules in that laboratory and for setting hours other than regularly scheduled hours when the laboratory may be used.

 

4.       Laboratory workers or other workers have the responsibility of performing their assigned duties safely.

 

5.       The names and telephone numbers of all knowledgeable persons in a laboratory who can be contacted in case of emergency should be posted in the laboratory door's window.

 

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B.   Housekeeping

 

1.    It is the basic responsibility of all workers to follow good housekeeping practices in their specific working area (s) and to take general         responsibility for the room (s) in which this working area (s) is located.

 

2.       The overall responsibility for the housekeeping in each laboratory rests with the person in charge.  It is that person's job to see that all persons working in the labora­tory area keep the working space in good order, and that unsafe conditions in the working space and utilities are reported and corrected.

 

It is the specific duty of the Research Director to see that excessive amounts of chemicals and equipment do not accumulate in the laboratory.

 

The Storekeeper is responsible for housekeeping in the stockroom and storage sheds.

 

3.       Some general and specific housekeeping rules are:

 

a.       Keep benches, dry boxes, and hoods neat and orderly.  Hoods in which  experiments are being performed should never be used for storage.

 

b.       Use bench drawers for storing equipment.

 

c.       Do not allow excess quantities of chemicals or equipment to accumulate in the laboratory.  Monthly housecleaning should result in the disposal of unnecessary chemicals, particularly hazardous ones.  See Section III‑D for appropriate procedures for return or disposal of chemicals and equipment.

 

d.       Keep apparatus, containers, furniture, etc., in their appropriate places so that aisles are not cluttered; especially make sure that the emergency exit to the chase is not blocked.  No glass containers should ever be left on the floor.

 

e.       All cylinders containing compressed gasses must be secured at all times and     capped when not in use.  Transport cylinders only in the appropriate manner.   For handling cylinders see Section Ill‑E.

 

f.        Make sure that electrical wires and gas or water conducting lines are not    placed on the floor (unless appropriately bridged) or hung so low as to endanger persons passing under them.  Light fixtures are NOT to be employed as supports for wires and tubing!

 

g.       Make sure that all motor belts (especially pumps) have guards.

 

h.       Glass windows in laboratory doors should not be covered.  Emergency notification cards taped to the inside of the windows are acceptable.  A removable covering may be utilized when the laboratory is to be used as a reduced lighting environment.  These covers should be promptly removed when experiments are completed.

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3.      Special Waste Problems.  The Georgia Tech Environmental Safety Office can arrange for the disposal of hazardous chemicals if the need arises. Further information is available from the Director of the GT Environmental Safety Office at 404-894‑4635 , GT Environmental, Health and Safety website.

3.     Non‑glass containers (either plastic or metal) should be used whenever possible, but it should be recognized that some solvents will dissolve certain plastics.

4.     Solvents that are not anhydrous or of reagent purity should be stored in safety cans with flash screens.

5.     Do not transport flammable liquids in open containers.

6.     Keep as little flammable liquid in laboratories as is possible, consistent with normal laboratory work.  Only solvents used in active laboratory programs should be stored in the laboratory.

7.     The maximum amount of flammable liquid (of all kinds) stored in glass in any one laboratory is limited to 5 gallons for laboratories of 250 sq. ft. or less, and to 10 gallons for all larger laboratories.  (Gallon glass bottles of liquids must also be kept in metal or plastic safety pails.)  The maximum amount of flammable liquid stored in metal containers should normally not exceed 5 gallons of any one solvent in each laboratory.

8.    For equipment containing flammable liquids, consideration should be given to providing a leak proof catch pan to confine accidental spills or leakage.

9.    Do not evaporate volatile organic solvents on a hot plate, except in a hood. Keep flammable liquids away from Variacs, heat guns, and other sources of sparks.

10.  When flammable liquids are being transferred in air, provide adequate ventilation of the area to prevent buildup of an explosive mixture with the air.

11.   Drums or metal vessels from which flammable liquids are being drained should be grounded and bonded to the receiver.

12.   In areas where there is a possibility of flammable vapors, electrical equipment must be explosion-proof.

13.   Vent lines from equipment should be directed outside or into a hood.

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G.        Common Chemicals with Sufficient Toxicity to Require Control of their Vapor Level

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) produces annually listings of Threshold Limit Values (TLV) and Short Term Exposure Limit Values (STEL) for common chemicals used in laboratories and elsewhere.  These values are defined as follows:

TLV -- Time weighted average concentration for a normal 8 hour work day to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effect.

STEL -- The maximum concentration to which workers can be exposed for periods up to 15 mm.  Such exposures should be limited to no more than four per day with periods of each at least 60 mm between exposures; the total time-weighted exposure per day should not exceed the TLV value.

Assuming “typical” general ventilation in a laboratory (4 to 6 changes of air per hour), many Industrial Hygienists recommended that auxiliary local ventilation (a hood or its equivalent) be used for any volatile material with a TLV of 50 ppm (part per million) or less.  A copy of the current ACGIH list is available on-line.  Work with these compounds in a laboratory should be performed in such a way that the materials do not come in contact with the skin and the vapor above these materials is removed from the laboratory atmosphere with an auxiliary local ventilation system such as a hood.  Note that the absence of a compound from this list does not necessarily mean that the compound is relatively non-toxic.  Consult appropriate sources (MSDS files) for information on compounds not on the list.  Also note that for some of the compounds listed, STEL values have not been established.  As a rough “rule-of-thumb,” the evaporation of about 5 g of a low molecular weight material into 1000 ft3 of static air will give an airborne concentration of material in the range of 50 ppm.

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H.        Drying of Solvents

This procedure often is one of the more hazardous laboratory operations.  The problem is due to the flammable nature of most solvents and reactivity of drying agents.  If highly effective dehydration is desired, the drying agent must be very reactive with water and often is pyrophoric.  Separation of dehydrated solvent from the reaction mass then may require a distillation step, which can be hazardous if unstable sludges are allowed to form and overheat.

A number of serious explosions and fires have occurred during purification of solvents.  During any drying operation using highly reactive reducing agents or distillation steps, a vigil should be maintained in the interest of laboratory safety.

Strong reducing agents (g., LiA1H₄) are often used to effect maximum dehydration of solvents.  Their use must be limited, however, to solvents with which they will not react.  Examples of these reactive compounds are lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride, calcium hydride, magnesium hydride, sodium dispersions, DehydriteH, a commonly available drying agent, is magnesium perchlorate which can react violently with certain organic materials.  Many others decompose spontaneously when heated with strong bases, sodium hydroxide, sodium alkoxides, to temperatures above 200-250°C.

In practice, it is best to avoid adding the drying agent to the solvent in excess of the amount needed for complete water removal.  The mixture is stirred for several hours or allowed to stand until hydrogen evolution ceases.  The container must be vented during this period to prevent rupture or stoppers being blown out. Separation of dried solvents by vacuum distillation is preferred to atmospheric pressure distillation because of the lower pot temperatures required.  Some of the complex metal hydrides used have low decomposition temperatures and can explode violently when overheated.

Many literature procedures call for the drying of certain solvents, ether, tetrahydrofuran (THF), etc., with lithium aluminum hydride.  However, because of the hazard associated with the use of this material, it should be used only if you are authorized to do so by your Research Supervisor.

1.         General

a.         For solvents to remain anhydrous, containers should be tightly sealed.  Ordinary caps breathe over a period of time and allow air and moisture to enter.  Storage in a dry box does not necessarily provide full protection against this problem.

b.         Solvents stored over sodium ribbon will not remain anhydrous if allowed to breathe.  However, the caps should not be tightly closed during the drying period because pressure may increase dangerously.

c.         Distillation conditions should be kept as mild as possible and should not proceed to the point where the sludge is not very fluid.  Concentrated systems approaching an oxidant-reductant balance should be avoided.  It should be recognized that ethers and certain other chemicals form peroxides and should therefore never be distilled to dryness. (See Section IV K on Peroxidizable Solvents.)

d.         Sample sizes of highly flammable solvents, ethers, should be kept to a minimum.  One-liter batches are a reasonable maximum for laboratory use.

e.         Safety equipment should be used in the drying and distillation operations.  Safety shields are recommended for all distillations, and the more hazardous systems should be confirmed to restricted areas, hoods.

f.          Special caution must be taken when refluxing solvents with a drying agent.  Condensers may break (especially under vacuum) allowing water to enter the boiling flask.  Hood sashes should remain closed and blast shields used when possible.

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I.          Pyrophoric Materials

The term “pyrophoric materials” as used herein will mean any material which, upon exposure to air, has the possibility of spontaneously igniting either immediately or after standing for a short period of time.  Such materials are usually liquids and include the lower molecular weight aluminum, zinc, and boron compounds including the alkyls, alkyl hydrides, or alkyl halides.  Pyrophoric solids are also known, such as: lithium and sodium aluminum hydrides and fine dispersions of metals such as Li, Na, K, Zn, Mg, Al, etc.

1.         Properties.  Since properties vary widely, it is the responsibility of the individual concerned to obtain all available background bearing on the particular material being used.  Some materials (such as trimethylaluminum) are pyrophoric except under unusual circumstances.  However, surface area exposed, temperature, and agitation are important factors.  A given compound may not ignite immediately when exposed to air, but shaking or agitation of the surface may induce flammability.  The aluminum-containing pyrophoric materials are also extremely active toward water. Many are explosive when contacted with water.

The tendency of liquid materials to ignite is considerably diminished by dilution with inert solvents.  At 15-25% concentrations in hydrocarbons they usually become non-pyrophoric, but still react with oxygen or moisture at a moderate rate.  The more volatile the solvent, the more dilution is required to prevent ignition.  It should be remembered, however, that if ignition does occur, the presence of the solvent will increase the danger.

2.         Storage.  Large quantities of pyrophoric materials should be stored in metal containers and kept in a cool, dry area away from cylinders of oxygen or other oxidizing agents.  In the laboratory, small amounts maybe kept in almost any container that can be kept tightly closed.  The container should be stored in a nitrogen filled box to prevent a fire in the event of an accidental opening.  When glass containers are used, always keep them in a supplemental metal container.  Use a non-flammable stabilizing material such as vermiculite, dry sand, or glass wool between the metal and the glass container.  Special attention should be given to preventing ground glass stoppers from becoming frozen. “Sanitab" stoppers provide satisfactory substitutes in most cases.

The prime factor in manipulation of pyrophoric materials is prevention of all atmospheric contact.  This should be kept in mind continually and appropriate procedures devised.  Most storage cylinders are fitted with a dip tube connected to one of a pair of valves.  Application of nitrogen pressure through the other valve will force the material through tubing into a container that must be thoroughly dried and flushed with nitrogen beforehand.  Other transfers, involving smaller amounts, are best carried out in the nitrogen filled box.

In handling small amounts of pyrophoric material for reactions or tests in the laboratory, a syringe can often be used, injecting the compound directly into the apparatus through a rubber serum cap.  For this procedure, the small exposure at the tip of the needle is negligible, although for very active materials it is advisable to cap the needle with a small rubber stopper.  For use of larger amounts in the laboratory, dropping funnels or flasks may be charged in a nitrogen filled box.  These are stoppered and carried to the apparatus.  With a vigorous flow of nitrogen issuing from the apparatus the container may be quickly unstoppered and the flask or funnel joined to the set-up.

When carrying out any reaction involving these reactive materials, possible accidents should be anticipated.  If any appreciable quantity of material is involved, a metal pan or other container should be placed under the apparatus to contain the reactants, should breakage occur.  Flammable substances should be removed from the vicinity of the experiment so as to avoid spread of the fire from the pan.  DO NOT HAVE EXTRANEOUS BOTTLES OF OTHER MATERIAL STORED IN THE HOOD USED FOR THESE REACTIONS.

For the aluminum - and sodium - containing materials, thought should be given to use of coolants other than water.  The presence of water in the immediate vicinity of the experiment should be avoided.  

3.         First Aid.  Most pyrophoric materials cause severe burns when they come in contact with the skin.  Even dilute solutions will result in burns because of reactions with moisture and oxygen on the skin, even though ignition does not occur.  First Aid consists of a prompt removal of the material by copious flushing with water (do not use alcohol or acetone) and removal of contaminated clothing.  The burns should then be treated as thermal burns.  Do not use a fire blanket to smother a burning clothing fire unless a safety shower is not available.  The blanket does not cool, smoldering clothing will continue to burn, and chemicals on the skin or clothing will remain reactive.

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J.          Selection of Gloves for Skin Protection from Toxic or Corrosive Materials

It is extremely important that care be exercised in avoiding contact of the skin with toxic or corrosive materials.  Proper gloves should be worn at all times whenever the potential for contact with toxic substances exists.  Not all gloves provide equal protection against chemicals and glove materials should be selected on the basis of the material being handled and the particular hazard involved.  Natural latex, neoprene, nitrile rubber, and polyvinyl chloride are commonly used materials for glove fabrication and each provides optimum protection for certain classes of compounds.  These gloves may be obtained from the stockroom or outside suppliers.  The following table provides information which will allow the selection of the type of gloves that will provide the best protection against a particular chemical.  More specific information can be obtained from the glove manufacturer.  

Resistance to Chemicals of Common Glove Materials

^a.          Aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons will attack all types of natural and synthetic glove materials.  Should swelling occur, the user should change to fresh gloves and allow the swollen gloves to dry and return to normal.

^b.          No data on the resistance to dimethyl sulfoxide of natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, or vinyl materials are available; the manufacturer of the substance recommends the use of butyl rubber gloves.

 Other general rules about the use of gloves:

1.         Gloves should be inspected regularly for discoloration, punctures, and tears.

2.         Before removal, gloves should be washed appropriately. (Polyvinyl chloride gloves are permeable to water.)

3.         Gloves should be replaced periodically, depending on the frequency of use and permeability to substances handled.

4.         Insulated gloves (such as aluminized asbestos and terry cloth) should be used when handling hot objects.

5.         Specialized gloves are available for certain specific jobs. Information on these may be obtained from glove manufacturers.

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K.        Hood Operations

As has already been indicated, laboratory fume hoods are extremely important safety devices which, when operated properly, afford protection from exposure to chemical fumes and particles which are potentially hazardous to the health.  Several factors that influence the efficiency of the operation of a hood are: laboratory air supply, face velocity, work practices, and equipment placement.  The following standards and operating practices are prescribed to ensure satisfactory hood operations.

1.         Air Supply.  The building ventilation system as it is normally operated provides an air supply which is adequate for satisfactory operation of the hoods.  However, one should always be sensitive to changes in the operation of the ventilation system.  In the event of a power failure not only do all the hoods cease to operate but the building ventilation system would go out too.  If the power goes off, the liberation of all substances in the hood should be ceased and the hood doors should be completely closed so that the natural draft of the hood flow will remove noxious vapors.  If the power outage lasts for more than a few minutes, the building should be evacuated.  The main blower fans are often cut off by Physical Plant personnel.  This may have a significant affect on the hood performance.  The use of the hoods is not recommended whenever these input air fans are off.  

2.         Face Velocity.  The following procedures should be followed in using and conducting experiments or other work in the hoods.

a.         The hood fan should be left on around-the-clock if a hood contains hazardous material that is being vented or might vent.  Otherwise, the hood fan should be turned off when the hood is not in use.  However, when a single fan serves several hoods, do not shut the fan down before checking with others.  Never assume that the hood fan is on without checking to make sure.  With experience one can “feel” the draft from the hood, but more specific measures should be followed to insure that it is operating properly.  The red lights near the hood fan switches indicate that the switch is on, but not necessarily that the fan is actually operating.  However, if the bulbs for these lights blow out, they should be replaced.  Many hoods are now equipped with gauges which should be checked to ascertain that the hood is on.  If the hood is not equipped with a gauge or you have reason to question that the gauge is operating properly, it is a simple matter to determine if the hood is operating by reducing the hood opening to a few inches and striking a match, blowing it out, and holding it a few inches in front of the hood to see the direction of smoke flow.  Most hoods have movable panels in the back which control the inflow to the duct.  Check these carefully to make sure they are open and properly positioned.  If the hood is not working, this should be reported so that it can be repaired immediately.  Put a sign on any non-functioning hood to warn others not to use it.

b.         Avoid creating strong cross drafts in front of the hood opening.  This can allow contaminants to be pulled into the room.  Wind blowing in a window, walking by the hood face, heat gun operation, etc., could create such drafts.

c.         Keep the hood closed when it is not in use.

d.         Arrange all equipment and conduct all transfers as deep in the hoods as is conveniently possible.  Most hoods have a yellow line painted about 6 inches from the front of the hood.  All operations should be performed behind this line for safe use of the hood.  Vent equipment toward the back or in an upward direction.  Rupture disc and safety relief valve arrangements should include extensions leading through the top of the hood into the intake duct as close to the fan as possible.  Secure the free end of each extension tube.

e.         Flammable materials should not be vented into the hood at a high enough rate to create a flammable mixture in the exhaust system.

f.          Never remove doors from hoods.  Whenever possible, keep the door between yourself and the operation in progress, as the door will provide you with protection from splattering chemicals, etc.  However, although the hood doors are made of laminated glass, they will not afford protection from powerful explosions.  Therefore, safety shields and other equipment should be set up in the hoods just as would be done if the experiment were conducted on the open bench.

            The hood doors should be moved very carefully because the rollers at the top can easily get off the track.  If this happens, the inside doors will fall into the hood and perhaps cause a significant amount of damage.  The major reason that the doors become untracked is that dirt, small sticks, matches, paper, etc., collect in the track that the bottom of the door slides along.  Keep an eye on these tracks and clean them out periodically.  Have the hood doors repaired if they don’t move properly.

            If the hood is equipped with a "Sash" door, KEEP THE SASH DOOR CLOSED AT ALL TIMES. In order to improve air velocity on older hoods, many hoods in the Boggs Building are equipped with SASHES, which improve air velocity. Operating the hood with the sash open will decrease the air velocity below current safety standards.

g.         If the hood should stop operating for any reason, immediately cease venting of hazardous materials and close the hood doors until it can be repaired.  If any danger exists because of the hood failure, inform others in the laboratory and in other parts of the building and put a warning sign on the hood.

4.         Placement of Equipment and Chemicals.  HOODS SHOULD ALWAYS BE KEPT CLEAN AND NEAT.  One should place only those items in the hood which are to be used for the experiment which is being performed.  When one is finished with an item, e.g., a solvent bottle, a gas cylinder, etc., it should be removed from the hood.  There are several important reasons for keeping the hood clean and free of extraneous items.  Among these are: (1) Bottles and other large objects in the hood can profoundly influence the air flow and hood efficiency, (2) If a fire or explosion occurs in a reaction vessel, this may break reagent and solvent bottles which are in the hood thereby increasing the danger, and (3) workers are more likely to use the hoods safely if they are not allowed to become cluttered.

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IV.  PRECAUTIONS FOR SPECIFIC CHEMICALS

A detailed discussion of many hazardous laboratory materials will be found in the reference, “Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories.”

A.        Metal Hydrides

1.         Properties.  Metal hydrides and complex metal hydrides are reducing agents.  These compounds vary so widely in physical properties, reactivity, and thermal stability that a person working with a particular hydride should obtain all available information on its properties and become thoroughly familiar with proper procedures for handling it.  One should be thoroughly cognizant of potential dangers when using the material as well as be knowledgeable in dealing with dangers which might arise.

The thermal decomposition temperature of metal hydrides may vary from as much as 300°C to below 0°C. Some of these hydrides are spontaneously flammable with even dry air and certainly with oxygen gas; others, while air stable, may react violently with water.  Still others, though, are stable both to oxygen and to water.  Some hydrides are known to decompose explosively with only traces of oxygen or moisture.  One should always remember, however, that while a hydride may not be spontaneously flammable with air, any decomposition will evolve hydrogen creating a potentially flammable condition and the possibility of an explosion since there is a wide explosive limit for hydrogen-oxygen mixtures.

2.         Storage.  The type of storage for any particular metal hydride will be dictated by its physical and chemical properties.  Those hydrides which are very thermally stable, such as NaH or LiH, can be stored in sealed containers under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen, argon, etc.  Storage of hydrides under inert solvents, preferably those with a high flash point, will help protect against exposure. Hydrides such as LiA1H₄ can be stored in sealed containers provided plastic liners are available.

3.         Handling.  Metal hydrides should be handled in an inert atmosphere box (dry box) unless definite information indicates the hydride can be safely handled in other equipment and under other conditions. Direct contact of the skin with hydrides which normally react with water will result in both a chemical and thermal bum.  Initial experiments with all hydrides should be carried out with small quantities of reagents.  Experiments carried out under a nitrogen atmosphere and in apparatus vented through a nitrogen bubbler will avoid exposure and pressure buildup.  Addition of LiA1H₄ to diethyl ether in the open air has been known to result in explosions and fires due to the LiA1H₄ sparking at the mouth of the ether container.  

4.         First Aid.  In the event of accidental contact of a metal hydride with the skin, brush off any gross amounts of loose solids; then flush with water until all reaction has stopped and any residual chemicals have been flushed away.  Any burns should be treated as thermal burns.  Contaminated clothing should be removed immediately.

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B.         Sodium and Other Alkali Metals

1.         Hazards.  The principal hazards involved in working with alkali metals are: (1) explosive reactions with moisture, (2) caustic burns, and (3) fires.  To minimize these hazards, it is important that these materials be stored in such a manner that they will not come in contact either with water or with the atmosphere.

2.         Storage.  Relatively large quantities of the metals may be safely stored in clean, rust-free metal containers that have air tight lids.  Rusty containers are to be avoided since alkali metals will react vigorously with the rust.  If only small amounts of these metals need to be stored, they may be placed on a clean metal or glass container and covered with a layer of dry “Nujol” or other dry inert hydrocarbon.  If a glass container is to be used, it should be protected by placing it in an outer metal container.  This will retain any spillage that would occur should the glass container break.

3.         Handling.  Eye protection must be worn at all times when handling these metals.  Never allow contact of the bare skin with these metals.  The molten alkali metals constitute a special safety problem because of the possibility of thermal burns as well as other hazards which are considerably enhanced.  Approved safety goggles are required.  Complete skin and eye protection must always be used when working with larger quantities of these molten substances.

4.         First Aid.  Burns produced by alkali metals are of the same nature as caustic burns. Gross amounts of the metal should be carefully and quickly removed and the area washed immediately with large volumes of cold water.  Treatment may then be the same as for caustic burns.

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C.        Mercury

1.         Hazards.  Mercury and its compounds are very toxic materials and tend to accumulate in the system with repeated exposure.  Poisoning may occur by direct absorption through the skin or through inhalation, particularly since mercury itself is a slightly volatile liquid.  The degree of air saturation with mercury vapor increases with temperature.  Thus it is imperative that all mercury spills be thoroughly cleaned up and that even tiny droplets of the material do not accumulate the sinks, traps, clothing, and crevices.

2.         Handling Procedures.  Good ventilation must be present in a room when mercury is to be used or stored.  Every precaution should be taken to prevent spillage of mercury, but if it is spilled, it must be picked up immediately.  Particular attention should be given to small cracks and crevices as well as clothing.  Various procedures are recommended for picking up mercury spills.  A simple suction flask, fitted with a rubber tube and medicine dropper tip, will assist greatly in the picking up of spills.  A mercury vapor respirator mask should be worn while cleaning up mercury spills.  Ask the Environmental Safety Office to check the area with a mercury vapor monitoring device when you have completed a cleanup of spilled mercury.  If mercury is still present, repeat the process.

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D.        Chlorine

1.         Hazards.  Chlorine, a greenish-yellow gas, has a pungent, irritating odor, is heavier than air, and hence, seeks ground level when it is present in the atmosphere.  While not combustible in air, it reacts violently with many substances and may cause fire or explosion when in contact with those substances.  Exposure to the skin causes severe burns and blisters.  Inhalation can destroy lung tissue causing the lungs to fill with water.  Even in low concentrations it promotes low grade respiratory ailments, throat irritations, and coughs.

2.         Handling Procedures.  Chlorine cylinders should be stored in a cool, dry area and be protected from extreme temperature changes.  Heat should never be applied to containers in order to increase the discharge rate.  When using the gas, the area should be well ventilated.  Water should never be used on a chlorine leak.

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E.         Bromine

1.         Hazards.  Bromine is a very corrosive liquid that is quite volatile and gives rise to deep, penetrating skin burns which are very persistent and slow to heal.  It attacks not only the skin but eye tissues and various mucous membranes much as does chlorine.  It is a fire hazard since it may produce violent reaction with organic matter such as excelsior, sawdust, etc.

2.         Handling Procedures.  Bromine should always be stored in a cool place in glass bottles stoppered with glass stoppers.  It should be kept out of direct rays of the sun, away from potential fire hazards, and from organic or easily oxidizable substances. Accidental spillage of bromine on the skin should be washed immediately and thoroughly with copious amounts of water.

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F.         Amines

1.         Hazards.  Organic amines are gases, liquids, or solids, depending usually on the size and molecular weight.  They have a fishlike odor depending upon their concentration in the air.  Many amines are readily absorbed through the skin as well as by inhalation of the vapors or dust.  Lighter amines, such as the methyl amines, are flammable compressed gases and must be kept from heat and open flames.  Methyl amines, in particular, are irritating to the lungs and may cause burns to the skin. They also may cause an explosion upon direct contact with mercury.

2.         Handling.  Amines should always be used only in well ventilated areas.  Exposure to the skin should be avoided by using proper gloves and other protective equipment.

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G.        Peroxides

1.         Hazards.  Peroxides are relatively unstable compounds that are usually strong oxidizing agents; they differ widely in their characteristics.  Since they represent a major degree of hazard, persons working with or handling these substances should obtain all available background on the particular peroxides being used.  Many peroxides will slowly evolve oxygen; the process may be accelerated by heat, light, shock, or contact with other substances - even dust.  Solutions and solvents frequently generate peroxides upon standing and this presents problems (See Peroxide Formation in Solvents, Section IV K).  Organic peroxides, in particular, may be quite heat-, shock-, or pressure-sensitive and will detonate at times if the proper precautions are not observed.  Though metal peroxides and hydrogen peroxide are not in themselves flammable, the organic peroxides are definitely flammable and will burn vigorously in the open.

2.         Storage.  Peroxides should never be stored in locations where the temperature can exceed normal room temperature; in fact, many peroxides require refrigerated storage.  Thus, peroxides should never be stored near hot plates, Bunsen burners, ovens, or other heat sources.  The storage room should be well ventilated so that temperature buildup does not occur.  For many peroxides (such as hydrogen peroxide), the container must be able to “breathe” so that pressures do not develop upon standing.  Too large amounts of these materials should not be stored in any one place except in properly designed, isolated sheds.

For the more shock-sensitive peroxides, the storage locations should be free of vibration and other mechanical shock.  For example, it is hazardous to store peroxides in screw-cap jars in as much as known cases of detonation have occurred while tightening the screw cap on a container of benzoyl peroxide.  Peroxides should be stored so that they do not come in contact with combustible materials and thus the original bags or fiber containers should be used for organic peroxides.

3.         Handling.  In handling and using peroxides, all the precautions outlined above should be followed.  Being oxidizing agents, peroxides produce irritation of the skin that is sometimes severe.  Protective equipment should be used as necessary to avoid contact with the skin or eyes.  Experiments with peroxides should be affected with small quantities of reagents, using all precautions.  If grinding or other friction is necessary, carry this out under a solvent which will minimize the danger.  In general, one should never work with quantities of peroxides greater than 25 g; 1-2 g. quantities are more appropriate.  A safety shield should always be used.

4.         First Aid.  In the event of accidental contact with the skin, remove the gross material with copious amounts of water.  Then wash thoroughly with soap and water.  If a peroxide contacts the eyes, immediate irrigation with large amounts of water should be instituted.  Medical care should then be obtained.

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H.        Dry Ice and Liquid Nitrogen

1.         Hazards.  Dry ice and liquid nitrogen can inflict severe frost bite “burns” to the skin and to the eyes.  Dewar flasks, which are used to contain liquid nitrogen, are fragile and must be handled with care.

2.         Handling.  Dry ice should never be carried with bare hands; gloves should always be used when handling this material.  Both dry ice and liquid nitrogen require the same eye protection as do chemicals in general.  Eye protection must be worn when handling either of the materials.  The Dewar flask used for transporting and storing quantities of these substances should be taped with electrical tape or equivalent before use.  All operating instructions on the liquid nitrogen storage tanks should be fully observed.  The greatest hazard associated with the use of liquid nitrogen or other low-boiling cryogenic liquids is that sufficient oxygen can be condensed out of the atmosphere into Dewar flasks, traps, and other equipment to cause explosions.  Avoid conditions which may lead to buildup of liquid oxygen.

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I.          Ethers

1.         Hazards.  Except for methyl ether, most organic ethers are liquids at room temperatures.  Of these, the most hazardous are ethyl ether and iso-propyl ether which are extremely flammable.  They have low flash points and low ignition temperatures and represent extreme fire hazards.  Ethyl ether, as well as ethers in general, should be used in well ventilated areas.  Prolonged standing of ether may result in the formation of peroxides in the ether.  These can easily cause an explosion.  Should it be suspected that ether contains peroxides, very careful handling should be observed since these peroxides can be very sensitive to shock or temperature changes.  Never distill any ethers to dryness since this concentrates any peroxides that may be present.  See Section IV-K for tests for the presence of peroxides.

2.         Handling.  Ethers should always be used in well ventilated areas.  Flames, sparks, and hot objects (above 162°C) should be kept away from the area in which ethers are being used.

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J.          Corrosive Acids

1.         Hazards.  Examples of these substances include sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric, and acetic acids.  These are generally colorless liquids with sharp, penetrating odors. Some are strong oxidizing agents.  Some, such as sulfuric and glacial acetic, are basically anhydrous.  The major hazard is contact with body tissue, especially the eyes.  Damage to the respiratory system can be severe should acid fumes be inhaled.  Sulfuric, nitric, and especially perchloric acid must be isolated from organic materials and other reducing agents.

2.         Handling.  Strong acids should be diluted by pouring the acid slowly and with stirring into water; never pour water into a strong acid.  When handling large quantities of acids, rubber gloves and goggles or a face shield must be worn; the use of work clothes and rubber aprons is also strongly suggested.  It is sometimes necessary to fume a solution with perchloric acid.  The fumes of this acid can condense in hood vent systems resulting in a potential oxidation hazard with easily oxidizable materials which are present in the hood.  Thus special care should be taken to scrub the perchloric acid vapors with water during such evaporations and special hoods are required. Sodium bicarbonate is effective in neutralizing any acid spills.

3.         Preparation of Dichromate Cleaning Solution.  It is occasionally necessary to use a strong oxidizing agent such as a mixture of a dichromate salt (sodium or potassium) and sulfuric acid for cleaning stubborn residual deposits on glassware.  This chromic acid mixture may be stored and reused until it becomes green in color.

To prepare such a solution, one places approximately 10 g of sodium dichromate in a 2-liter beaker and adds just enough water to dissolve the salt completely.  While the potassium salt may be used, the sodium one is preferred since it has greater water solubility.  Then approximately one liter of concentrated sulfuric acid is added very slowly and gradually to the water solution to avoid splattering.  The solution is most effective when hot.  The solution may be stored in 1-liter, glass stoppered bottles.  

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K.        Peroxidizable Solvents

1.         Hazards.  Peroxides that form in common laboratory solvents have been one of the most frequent causes of laboratory explosions.  Such explosions occur most frequently during a distillation or after a distillation has been completed and the equipment is being dismantled.  Peroxidizable solvents should not be used in work with explosives.  If their use cannot be avoided, concentration of peroxides in the explosive must be prevented as they may initiate detonation.  Explosions have been known to occur during opening of bottles in which ethers have been stored.  The following compounds are examples of common laboratory solvents that easily form peroxides:

Ethers                                                               Hydrocarbons

Dioxane                                                            Cyclohexene

Tetrahydrofuran                                                Tetrahydronaphthalene (tetralin)

Diethyl ether                                                     Decahydronaphthalene (decalin)

Di-isopropyl ether                                             Branched chain hydrocarbons

Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether                            Alkyl substituted cycloaliphatics

Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether

The rate of formation of peroxides is increased by exposure to light, heat, and air. It can be very rapid.  For example, a detectable amount of peroxide has been noted in cyclohexene within one hour after distillation from sodium and storage in a glass- stoppered bottle.

2.         Handling.  Containers of peroxidizable materials should be clearly marked with adherent tape imprinted with the warning: “Warning -- May Contain Peroxides.”  These containers should be dated when received and again whenever opened to remove material and subsequent restorage.  These should always be protected from heat, light, and air during the storage and, when once opened, the contents should be blanketed with nitrogen gas.  Containers should be kept well closed.

Peroxidizable solvents should also be protected from heat, light, and air.  Should solvents be exposed to air, they should be stored for no more than six months whereupon they should be either discarded or treated to remove any generated peroxides.

Before a peroxidizable solvent is used in an operation in which any contained peroxides would be concentrated, the solvent should be tested for peroxide content.  The methods are described below.  If peroxides are present, they should be removed by methods described below.  During any distillation of a peroxidizable solvent, air should not be allowed to come in contact with the hot solvent.  Whenever a solvent such as these is concentrated without first removing the peroxides, the residues obtained should be treated as explosive material.

3.         Detection of Peroxides

Method A:

Dissolve a sample in glacial acetic acid.  Add a few drops of a 10-15 percent solution of sodium iodide in acetone.  If a color develops, peroxides are present.  A yellow color indicates low concentration while a brown color indicates a high concentration of peroxide in the sample.

Method B:

Add a small sample of the material to be tested to an acidified 5-10 percent aqueous solution of sodium or potassium iodide.  Agitate vigorously if the material does not dissolve.  Add starch solution to the aqueous phase.  If a blue color develops, peroxides are present.  If the peroxide concentration is high, a yellow color may develop before the starch is added.

Method C:

Dissolve 1 mg of sodium dichromate in 1 ml of water in a test tube; add a drop of dilute sulfuric acid; and fill the tube with ether and shake.  The formation of a blue color (perchromate) in the ether indicates peroxide.

4.        Removal of Peroxides

Method A:

Peroxides can be removed conveniently by washing with aqueous solutions of reducing agents or by passing the solvent through a short column of ordinary activated alumina.  This latter method is effective for both water insoluble and water soluble solvents (except lower alcohols).  It has the advantage that no water is introduced into the solvent and small amounts of water which may be present in the solvent are removed.  When not even traces of peroxide can be tolerated, it is convenient to have the solvent flow directly into the reaction vessel from the alumina column.  Care must be exercised in disposing of the activated alumina column after this operation.  Experiments have indicated with peroxidized cyclohexene and dioxane that at least these peroxides are decomposed on the alumina rather than simply absorbed.  To be safe, it is recommended that alumina which has been used for peroxide removal be flushed with or dumped into a dilute acid solution of potassium iodide or ferrous sulfate.

Method B:

Peroxide impurities in water-insoluble solvents (ethers, hydrocarbons, etc.) are easily removed by shaking with a concentrated aqueous solution of a ferrous salt.  Frequently used for this is 60 g of ferrous sulfate, 42 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and 85 ml of water.  With some ethers, traces of aldehydes are produced by this treatment.  If an ether of high degree of purity is required, it should be further shaken with 0.5 percent water solution of potassium permanganate, then with 5 percent sodium hydroxide solution and finally with water.

Method C:

Refluxing the peroxide-containing solvent over metallic sodium followed by direct distillation is perhaps the oldest method of peroxide removal.  More recently, sodium hydride and lithium aluminum hydride have become popular for this use.  Peroxide impurities are safely reduced to alcohols and remain behind after distillation as insoluble alcoholates.  However, see Section III H for the hazards associated with the use of LiA1H₄ as a drying agent for solvents.  This procedure can be used generally for hydrocarbons and ethers; however, one should remember a serious explosion can result when halogen containing solvents such as carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, “Perclene”, “Triclene”, etc., are heated with strong reducing agents such as free metals or their hydrides.  Obviously, organic reagents such as alcohols, phenols, acids, etc., which contain acidic hydrogen atoms which react with sodium cannot be purified by this method.

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L.         Reference List of Common Hazardous Chemicals

1.         Acid chlorides - Clean up with sand or NaHCO₃.

2.         Alkali metals or alkoxides - These react spontaneously with water or moisture as well as CO₂. Therefore, do not use water or CO₂ extinguishers to quench flames; rather use dry soda ash (anhydrous Na₂CO₃, or special extinguishing powders such as graphite with organic phosphate) or CaCl₂ with nonburnable plastic.  For small fires, sand can be used.

3.         Aromatic amines - These are toxic and readily absorbed through the skin.  Immediate removal of spills on skin or clothing is to be effected by washing with water.  Vapors also are toxic.

4.         Halogenated amines and nitro compounds - These are toxic via inhalation or skin absorption.  Remove spills with water.

5.         Aromatic nitro compounds - As in 4 above.

6.         Azides - These are explosive.  Also, even dilute aqueous solutions of hydrazoic acid are toxic.

7.         Carbon disulfide - This is extremely flammable and moderately toxic.

8.         Caustic alkalies - These are toxic by virtue of corrosive action.  Flush well with water.

9.         Chlorosulfonic acid - In moist air, HC1 and H₂S0₄ are formed.  Avoid breathing fumes.

10.       Cyanides and nitriles - These are toxic if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.  Liquid nitriles and HCN are flammable. Use CO₂ extinguishers.  Clean up cyanide spills with water but be sure to wear proper glove protection.  Flush small amounts down the sink with copious quantities of water.

11.       Ethers - These are quite flammable.  Ethyl ether is slightly toxic; dioxane, ethylene oxide, and tetrahydrofuran are more toxic.

12.       Halogenated hydrocarbons - These are quite toxic with cumulative and damaging effects on the kidneys and liver.  Toxicity is high for methyl iodide, methyl bromide, 1,1,2,2, -tetrabromoethane and 1,1,2 ,2-tetrachloroethane.

13.       Hydrazine - This material is both quite toxic and flammable.  Anhydrous hydrazine ignites at 23°C on a surface of iron rust and at 270°C on borosilicate glass.  Use trays to hold glass bottles of hydrazine.  Avoid stainless steel trays; rather use porcelain or polyvinyl chloride trays.  Wash spills on skin with water.

14.       Mercury and derivatives - These are extremely poisonous by inhalation or by contact on the skin.  Spills must be cleaned with sulfur dust.  Use trays to contain potential spills.  See section IV.C2 on mercury for handling procedures.

15.       Perchlorates - The greatest danger is that of explosion.  Evaporation of acid solutions of perchlorates or perchloric acid must be performed in a special fume hood.  Organic perchlorates in solution or as solids may explode.  Heavy metal perchlorates are particularly explosive.  Spills must be cleaned up, since soaking of perchlorate solution into other materials such as wood may cause spontaneous fires at a later time.

16.       Peroxides - Seventy percent H₂0₂ may spontaneously explode.  Organic peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide are flammable as dry solids and may be exploded by shock.  Use trays for storage to guard against spillage.  Use vermiculite or sand to clean up spills.

17.       Heavy metals - Mercury and its compounds, antimony and arsenic compounds, Ni(CO)₄, silver compounds, lead compounds, and Cr(VI) compounds are variously toxic or explosive.

18.       Benzene - Benzene is quite toxic.  One should avoid inhalation and contact with the skin.  All spills should be thoroughly cleaned up and the area washed with water.

For a list of "Highly Hazardous Chemicals", click here Highly Hazardous Chemicals

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M.        Carcinogens

A number of chemical substances have been found either to produce carcinomas in test animals or to increase the probability of or susceptibility to this hazard. 

National Toxicology Program: Report on Carcinogens (RoC)

    The 11th RoC was released on January 31, 2005. The 11 th RoC contains 246 entries, 58 of which are listed as known to be human carcinogens and with the remaining 188 being listed as reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. Seventeen of the listings are new to the RoC. The new listings in the 11th RoC include lead and lead compounds, x- and gamma ( g )-radiation , compounds found in grilled meats, and a host of substances used in textile dyes, paints and inks. The RoC also includes the listing of viruses for the first time including some human papillomaviruses, and Hepatitis B and C viruses.

Bold entries indicate new or changed listing in The Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition.

Aflatoxins 8

Alcoholic Beverage Consumption 10

4-Aminobiphenyl 13

Analgesic Mixtures Containing Phenacetin (See Phenacetin and Analgesic Mixtures Containing Phenacetin) 212

Arsenic Compounds, Inorganic 18

Asbestos 21

Azathioprine 25

Benzene 26

Benzidine (See Benzidine and Dyes Metabolized to Benzidine) 28

Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds 32

1,3-Butadiene 37

1,4-Butanediol Dimethanesulfonate (Myleran®) 39

Cadmium and Cadmium Compounds 42

Chlorambucil 47

1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea (MeCCNU) 53

bis(Chloromethyl) Ether and Technical-Grade Chloromethyl Methyl Ether 56

Chromium Hexavalent Compounds 63

Coal Tar Pitches (See Coal Tars and Coal Tar Pitches) 68

Coal Tars (See Coal Tars and Coal Tar Pitches) 68

Coke Oven Emissions 71

Cyclophosphamide 74

Cyclosporin A 75

Diethylstilbestrol 98

Dyes Metabolized to Benzidine (See Benzidine and Dyes Metabolized to Benzidine) 29

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (See Tobacco Related Exposures) 251

Erionite 114

Estrogens, Steroidal 115

Ethylene Oxide 118

Hepatitis B Virus 131

Hepatitis C Virus 133

Human Papillomas Viruses: Some Genital-Mucosal Types 142

Melphalan 164

Methoxsalen with Ultraviolet A Therapy (PUVA) 165

Mineral Oils (Untreated and Mildly Treated) 174

Mustard Gas 176

2-Naphthylamine 179

Neutrons (See Ionizing Radiation) 150

Nickel Compounds (See Nickel Compounds and Metallic Nickel) 181

Radon (See Ionizing Radiation) 152

Silica, Crystalline (Respirable Size) 231

Smokeless Tobacco (See Tobacco Related Exposures) 253

Solar Radiation (See Ultraviolet Radiation Related Exposures) 266

Soots 233

Strong Inorganic Acid Mists Containing Sulfuric Acid 234

Sunlamps or Sunbeds, Exposure to (See Ultraviolet Radiation Related Exposures) 266

Tamoxifen 239

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD); “Dioxin” 241

Thiotepa 249

Thorium Dioxide (See Ionizing Radiation) 154

Tobacco Smoking (See Tobacco Related Exposures) 255

Vinyl Chloride 272

Ultraviolet Radiation, Broad Spectrum UV Radiation (See Ultraviolet Radiation Related Exposures) 266

Wood Dust 276

X-Radiation and Gamma Radiation (See Ionizing Radiation) 147

General classes of compounds for which a carcinogenic risk exist include alkylating agents, arsenic and its compounds, beryllium and its compounds, cadmium and its compounds, chromium and its compounds, estrogenic and androgenic steroids, hydrazine and its derivatives, lead (II) compounds, nickel and its compounds, nitrogen mustards, (β-haloamines), N-nitroso compounds, polychlorinated substances, polycyclic aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and sulfur mustards (β-halosulfides). Some recognized strong carcinogens are:

benzo[a]pyrene

3-methyicholanthrene

7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

dimethylcarbamoyl chloride

hexamethylphosphoramide

2-nitronaphthalene

propane sulfone

many N-nitrosoamines

bis-chloromethyl ether

aflatoxin-B

aceylaminofluorene

Rigorous safety precautions should be followed when handling any of the specific compounds or classes of compounds in the two lists above.  All new or unstudied compounds should also be handled with care until conclusive toxicity data are available.  Information on the regulations for use of any of the carcinogenic compounds on the OSHA list above may be obtained from the Georgia Tech Environmental Safety Office before purchasing or working with them.  The lists of known and suspected carcinogens are being updated constantly.  Information on new additions to the lists should be obtained from the Georgia Tech Environmental Safety Office or National Toxicology Program: Report on Carcinogens (RoC) .

Some general rules which should be followed when working with any carcinogen or suspected carcinogen are as follows:

1.         Learn as much as possible about the toxicity of the compound and safe procedures for handling it before starting an experiment.

2.         Always protect your hands and forearms by wearing either gloves and a lab coat or long gloves to avoid contact of toxic material with the skin.  Dispose of contaminated garments or clean them in an approved manner before reuse.

3.         Post warning signs, e.g., Caution: Cancer-Suspect Agent, in areas where carcinogens are being used or stored.

4.         Transfer and work with toxic substances in an exhaust hood having a face velocity of at least 60 lfm to provide protection from toxic vapors and dusts.

5.         After working with toxic materials, wash the hands and arms.  Never eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, apply cosmetics, take medicine, or store food in areas where toxic substances are being used or stored.

6.         Use spill trays to contain spillage and avoid spreading of toxic substances.

7.         Maintain complete laboratory notebook records on the use of all toxic compounds.

8.         Trap large quantities of toxic vapors to avoid release of these vapors into the hood exhaust air.

9.         Decontaminate all glassware and equipment before removing it from the hood for thorough cleaning.

10.       Never dispose of broken, contaminated items without carrying out decontamination first.

11.       Take measures to ensure that all cleaning and maintenance personnel are not exposed to carcinogenic materials.

12.       Do not dispose of toxic substances by evaporation in a hood.

13.       Decontaminate wastes containing toxic substances by chemical processes whenever feasible.

14.       If chemical decontamination is not feasible, store wastes in tightly closed containers and label the containers clearly until appropriate measures for disposal are taken.

15.       Follow the general procedures described in Section II D for cleaning up spills, but employ other precautions suitable for the safe cleanup of the particular compound (s) involved.

16.       If a toxic substance is used, have all plans for the experiments disposal of wastes, and handling of spills approved by your Research Advisor.

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V.  SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON LABORATORY SAFETY

As has been noted previously, one will often need to seek information beyond what is found in this Safety manual before conducting specific experiments which may be particularly hazardous.  Numerous pamphlets and books on laboratory safety are available. These and other works on laboratory safety may also be found in the Georgia Tech Main Library. Again, you are urged to seek as much information as possible about proper procedures and possible hazards involved in working with materials before conducting experiments.

LISTING OF WEBSITE ADDRESSES USED IN THIS MANUAL

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

http://www.acgih.org/home.htm

 

 

Chemistry-Accident-Incident-Report-Sheet

http://www.chemistry.gatech.edu/docs/Chemistry-Accident-Incident-Report-Sheet.pdf

 

 

GT Environmental, Health and Safety website

http://www.safety.gatech.edu/index.php

 

 

MSDS Databases

http://www.usg.edu/ehs/library/msds.phtml

 

 

National Toxicology Program: Report on Carcinogens (RoC)

http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/roc/toc10.html

 

 

Official Citation: Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program

http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/index.cfm?objectid=32BA9724-F1F6-975E-7FCE50709CB4C932

 

 

Worker’s Compensation Claim (GT OHR site)

http://www.admin-fin.gatech.edu/human/benefits/061100.html

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF INFORMATION ON LABORATORY SAFETY (from 1996 Safety Manual)

CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 2nd Edition (RB0037.H529)

N.V. Steere, Editor

CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 1979

 

Chemical Hazards in the Workplace (RA1229.P76)

N. Proctor and 3. Hughes

J.B. Lippincott Publishers, Philadelphia, PA, 1978

 

Chemicals Which Cause Birth Defects - Teratogens - A Brief Guide

Vera Kolb Meyers and Cal Y. Meyers, 1980

 

Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 5th Edition (T0032.3.H353)

N.I. Sax

Litton Educational Publishing, Inc., Florence, Kentucky, 1979

 

Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values for Substances in Workroom Air and

Supplemental Documentation

American Conference of Governmental Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH

 

Fire Hazard Properties of Flammable Liquids, Bases, and Volatile Solids, 1977

National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA

 

Fire Protection in Laboratories Using Chemicals, 1975

National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA

 

Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 1977

National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA

 

Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards, 2nd Edition

L. Bretherick

Butterworth’s Publishers, Inc., Woburn, MA, 1979

 

Hazardous Chemical Data, 1975

National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA

 

Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory, 2nd Edition (QD51.H34, 1977)

G.D. Muir

The Chemical Society, London, 1977

 

Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Vol. HA - Toxicology, 3rd Ed. (RC0967.P37)

F.A. Patty, Editor

Wiley-Interscience, Somerset, NJ, 1980

 

Institute Hazardous Waste Policy

GT Environmental, Health and Safety website

Georgia Institute of Technology, Feb. 1984

 

Manual of Hazardous Chemical Reactions, 1975

National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA

 

Merck Index, 10th Edition

P.G. Stecher, Editor

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 1976

 

National Electrical Code, 1978

National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA

 

Precautions for the Proper Usage of Polyurethanes, Polyisocyanurates, & Related Materials

Upjohn Technical Bulletin 107 (2 copies)

 

Portable Fire Extinguishers, 1978

National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA

 

Prudent Practices for Disposal of Chemicals from Laboratories PDOO51.P77

National Academy Press, Washington, DC 1983

Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories PDOO51.N32 National Academy Press, Washington, DC 1981

Safety Equipment for Science & Industry Lab Safety Catalog, 1983

Safety in Working with Chemicals (QDOO5LG73)

M.E. Green and A.Turk

MacMillan Publishing Company, Inc., NY, NY 1978

 

TLV’s: Threshold Limit Values of Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Workroom Environment, 1980

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH

 

Toxic Substances List 1973 and 1974

US Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare

Nat. Inst. for Occupational Safety & Health

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Safety manual

ORIGINAL VERSION SEPTEMBER 1996

Updated Version November 2006

For comments on this document, contact the Chair, Georgia Tech, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Safety and Security committee