What are the following safety precautions in handling organic chemicals

Some chemicals used on the manufacturing floor are hazardous to employees’ health and can cause illness and injury if they are not handled correctly. Before employees begin working with any chemical, they need to identify its potential hazards, become familiar with how to best protect themselves and be aware of the procedures to follow if an accident takes place.

General Safety Precautions
The manufacturer’s label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each chemical employees handle provide important information regarding hazards, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper handling, transport, storage and disposal of chemicals. Each time employees encounter a chemical, they should read this information and take the appropriate precautions. In addition, share the following recommendations with employees when they are working with any toxic chemical.

• Wear the appropriate PPE when handling chemicals.
• Use the least hazardous chemical option for the task at hand and prepare only the amount that is absolutely necessary for completing the job.
• Never eat, drink, smoke or apply cosmetics while working with chemicals.
• Make sure that the equipment used to apply chemicals is in good working order and does not have any leaks.
• Do not work alone.
• Clean equipment thoroughly in an area where run-off will not create other hazards or contaminate the environment or water source.
• Wash work clothes separately from street clothes, or wear disposable clothing.
• Wash your body thoroughly after using chemicals and before eating, drinking, smoking or using the washroom.

Exposure
If a co-worker is exposed to a toxic chemical, employees should consult the SDS and the product label before taking action. The correct response to exposure is as important as immediate action.

If the injured or ill person is having trouble breathing, is having convulsions or is unconscious, employees should provide the necessary first aid and call 911.

If the injured or ill person does not have any of the symptoms listed above, make sure employees know to contact the local Poison Control Centre. When calling, they should keep the chemical container handy to accurately instruct the operator about the type of exposure the person has experienced. He or she will then be able to give appropriate instructions.

By following a few simple guidelines, the risks associated with handling and storage of material within the laboratory can be reduced considerably.

• Laboratory workers should date containers with the day, month and year they are first opened and first received. This is required for materials that have potential to form organic peroxides and recommended for all other materials.
• Laboratories should minimize chemical storage to only those chemicals which will be actively used. Laboratory doors should remain closed at all times.
• Workers should not use chemicals or equipment if they have not been trained to do so.
• Use the following chemical storage guidelines for work with specific chemical hazards:

General Chemical Safety Guidelines

Acids

• Store large bottles of acids on low shelves or on trays in acid cabinets or a cabinet marked “corrosives”
• Segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids, flammable and combustible materials.
• Segregate acids from bases, active metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other incompatible materials.
• Use bottle carriers or a cart to transporting acid bottles.
• Have spill control pillows or acid neutralizers available in the event of a spill. Do not use bases to neutralize acid spill.

Bases

• Segregate bases from acids and other incompatible materials.
• Store large bottles of liquid bases on trays in a cabinet marked “Bases” or “Corrosives”.
• Store solutions of inorganic hydroxides in polyethylene containers.
• Have spill control pillows or caustic neutralizers available for caustic spills. Do not use acids to neutralize base spills.

Flammables

• Only store flammable liquids in a specially equipped flammable-safe refrigerator or flammables cabinet.
• Keep away from sources of ignition.
• Keep fire extinguishing and spill control equipment readily available.
• For flammable metals, have a Class-D fire extinguisher available. See “fire extinguishers” for more information.

Oxidizers

• Store in a cool, dry area
• Store away from flammable and combustible materials, such as paper, wood, etc..

Peroxide-Forming Chemicals

• Date the container when received and when opened.
• Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, dry area.
• Check container for formation of peroxides, as needed, using appropriate indicator strips.
• Dispose of peroxide forming chemicals on or before expiration date or one year after opening, whichever is first.

Compressed Gases

• Store in a secure and upright position.
• Chain cylinders individually, 2/3 to 3/4 from the floor.
• Indicate the status of the cylinder: Full or In Use or Empty.
• When not in use, replace the valve cap.
• To transport use a cylinder cart.
• Remove all manifolds and regulators, secure the valve cap, and chain or strap the cylinder to the cart before moving.

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