Lab Safety Hazards

Working in a laboratory where hazardous chemicals are used poses certain safety hazards. Being aware of what could go wrong around you is one of the best ways to prevent accidents from happening.

Spills

• While spills should never be considered inevitable, they should still be prepared for. General spill kits should contain highly absorbent pads and vermiculite silicate. Some chemicals are not readily absorbent, most notably mercury. Separate mercury spill kits should be kept on hand in a lab.

Fires

• Because of the properties of certain chemicals used in lab settings, fires are not always extinguishable with basic methods. Although water can be used to put out many basic combustibles like paper and wood, carbon dioxide halon extinguishers must be used on flammable and combustible liquids. Using water might only spread the fire. Certain metals also react with water, requiring the use of dry-powder extinguishers. Using the wrong kind of extinguisher on a particular chemical fire could make it much worse.

Equipment Failure

• Personal protective equipment comprises the gloves, goggles, lab coat and other special gear that people wear in labs when handling hazardous chemicals. Respirators are especially important pieces of equipment, and fit-testing respirators should be rigorous. Qualified safety experts typically spray a fine powder of non toxic mild irritants like silica to see if the wearer detects the substance through a mask. Gloves and goggles are easier to test. Both should be snug but not restricting.

Contact with Hazardous Substance

• If you come into contact with a hazardous substance, the method of first aid treatment is completely dependent on the hazards of the substance. For instance, a corrosive base like sodium hydroxide (high parts Hydrogen value, or pH) will not be remedied by washing it with water. Rather you will need an acid (low pH) to neutralize the corrosive burn. Pouring vinegar onto the burn should be done before rinsing with water, as the combination of acid and base will help neutralize the burn. Emergency chemical showers and eye wash stations should be in every lab and should be checked regularly to be sure they are in working order.

Unusual Hazards

• Be aware of non-standard substances and equipment in a lab, especially if it is new and unfamiliar. Ionizing radiation, non-compressed cryogens like liquid nitrogen, magnetic fields and high frequency radio and microwave energy are examples of other hazards. Though these are not standard hazards to be wary of, if you are new to a lab, always check with the most senior technicians and safety officers to be sure of every hazard around you.