By Khyati Bandi, Roll No.

1 ADTAC, MET

In chemical laboratories, the very nature of work exposes the workers to certain hazards. Many chemicals and reagents in everyday use in the laboratory are either harmful to skin or poisonous. Dangerous gases and fumes evolved during reactions and by certain reagents are explosive. (Continued)

Hazards such as fire, shock and explosion due to use of gases, oils and electricity can also occur. Safety in chemical laboratories depends on many factors, including design and construction of laboratories and the safety measures provided. (Continued)

But majorly safety of laboratory depends upon the consciousness of the laboratory worker himself and the observance by him of proper precautions.

Bureau of Indian Standards have brought out Code of Safety in Chemical Laboratories: 1987 reaffirmed in 2002 which provides guidance for sale working in chemical laboratories.

Provide training in the laboratory regarding chemicals handled their hazards, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be used and measures to be taken during any exposure. Smoking should be strictly prohibited in working areas.

Reporting to work in an intoxicated condition should be prevented. (Continued)

Do not work in isolation in a lab; a second person should be within call. Avoid handling or consuming food or drinks in lab. Maintain good personal hygiene. Follow good housekeeping.

(Continued)

Maintain periodic check up of PPE, first aid boxes, fire appliances, windows, store wells, etc. Segregate substances as per hazard potential and prepare procedure for handling accordingly. Follow proper labeling of safety equipment and maintain in good operating condition. (Continued)

Maintain the concentrations of toxic or flammable substances below the threshold limit values as per the statutes/guidelines.

The limits and quantities of hazardous substances should be known to all working people.
Clean up spills immediately and thoroughly. Always consult your supervisor. (Continued)

Deploy suitable and adequate no. of fire extinguishers. In case of fire, use of lift should be avoided. The telephone nos. of persons to be contacted in case of emergency should be displayed.

Always use safety carriers for transporting glass or plastic containers. Incompatible chemicals should never be transported together. They should be transported in suitable separate carriers. (Continued)

Use proper lift while carrying dry ice or liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen should not be substituted for liquid oxygen. Maintain separate cans to deposit broken glass. Chemical wastes should be properly disposed off. (Continued)

Gas cylinders should never be dragged while transporting and should be chained when stored in vertical position with caps.

Always, filled and empty gas cylinders should be separately stored and under shadow.

Emergency procedures should be posted in each lab giving telephone nos. of : Fire brigade Ambulance Supervisor/safety coordinator Hospital Keep all the exits free of obstructions to facilitate quick escape in an emergency.