Safety - the basics
By following a few basic rules, handling chemicals in the
school prep room can be a safe task.
- For every chemical you purchase, download and print out
a copy of the MSDS - material safety data sheet. (See the MSDS section of
this website.) The MSDS should be printed out when you place your order so
when the chemical arrives, you will know how to handle it. The MSDS
will show handling details and the hazards related to that chemical as well as
precautions and what to do in case of an accident. This is now required by New
Zealand law.
- Keep on hand the emergency Chemcall number 0800 CHEMCALL or
0800 243 622.
- Wear rubber gloves, a labcoat, and protective
eyewear.
- Always read the label before use as it will have a summary of
the safety data.
- Maintain chemicals in their original containers - do not
allow degradation of product labels by spillage, exposure to sunlight or
water, neccesitating repacking the chemical or losing its identity
entirely.
- Open packs carefully to avoid spillage and contact with skin
and surrounding area. It is good practice to leave the container on the bench
and open the container on the bench - do not open it at eye level or against
the abdomen.
- Dispense liquids by pouring from a raised container into the
beaker on a bench, not with one hand on each in mid-air.
- Dispense solids by using a clean plastic or stainless steel
spatula or spoon. If solid has hardened during storage, do not attempt to jab
at the solidified mass with a spoon or spatula. It is safer to leave the
container sealed and knock it on the wooden bench to loosen the
contents.
- Always dilute chemicals by adding the chemical SLOWLY to the
water in the vessel, while stirring. Addition of concentrated sulfuric acid or
sodium hydroxide, requires particular attention to the rate of addition
as a great deal of heat is generated causing the solution to boil and
splatter.
- Flammable solvents should be handled in a fume cupboard, away
from flames or ignition sources of any kind.
