Laboratory Safety Manual

37 Laboratory Safety Manual Environmental Health and Safety • Affix warning label, available at chemistry stores or EH&S, to containers and record dates received, opened, and tested. • Dispose of peroxide forming chemicals at or before the expiration date marked on the container. To retain chemicals beyond the expiration date, test for peroxide concentration following the procedure in Peroxide-Forming Chemicals brochure. • Never handle deformed containers or those with crystal formation. Contact EH&S to remove the container. Physical Hazards Physical hazards include burns, cuts, electrical shock, mechanical, noise, and slips/trips. Laboratory personnel must identify physical hazards present in the laboratory and implement safe work practices to avoid injury. Minimum safety practices include the following: • Keep floors, exits, and aisles unobstructed. • Ensure laboratory equipment with moving parts are properly guarded (examples; fan belts, vacuum pump belt drives, etc.). • Ensure ladders and step stools are in safe working condition. • Extension cords may only be used for temporary work conditions (<3 days). If longer periods of use are needed, temporary power taps may be used or permanent wiring is needed. • Heavy objects should be stored below five feet, whenever possible to minimize lifting/falling hazards. • Ensure adequate illumination for all activities, avoiding reflections and glare that could affect vision. Additional Resources • Electrical Equipment • Lockout/Tagout • Noise • Sharps • Fire Safety • Ergonomics Pyrophoric Chemicals Pyrophoric chemicals, such as butyllithium, methyllithium, and white phosphorus ignite spontaneously in air. Small amounts of pyrophoric chemicals may initiate fires. • Use and store in an inert environment. • Minimize use near flammable solvents.

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