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DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
TEACHING LAB EXPERIMENT RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
This form must be completed jointly by the Lab Officer in charge and the Lecturer in charge. A
hardcopy of the completed form should be kept in a file together with the Project Risk
Assessment.
Name of Lecturer in Charge
Name of Lab Officer in Charge
Module / Expt No.
Prof Siow Kok Siong
Activity being assessed:
Ms Tang CN
CM3295 / 10
Differential pulse polarography.
Known or expected hazards associated with the activity:
Hazards of reagents, solvents and known reaction products.
State each substance and the approximate amounts to be used/produced.
See Appendix 3295.10
Incompatible materials (special precautions):
Sodium nitrate incompatibles : strong acids, aluminium, powdered metals, powdered carbon,
reducing agents, cyanides, sodium, fibrous materials.
Mercury incompatibles : acetylenes, ammonia, ethylene oxide, chlorine dioxide, azides, metal oxides,
methyl silane, lithium, rubidium, oxygen, strong oxidants, metal carbonyls.
The risk of injury and its severity likely to arise from these hazards:
Mercury poisoning.
Who is at risk?
Person performing the experiment.
Measure to be taken to reduce the level of risk:
Mercury waste to be disposed into the mercury waste receptacle. Eye protection to be worn.
Training prerequisites:
Supervision required.
Use of Glassware
Use of Standard Electrical Equipment
Use of a Potentiostat
Use, Handling and Clean-Up Procedures for Mercury
Transport and Use of Compressed Gas Cylinders
Level of risk remaining:
Low, with proper supervision.
Emergency action if :
Spill:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Mercury: pick up droplets with dropper and place into the mercury waste
receptacle. Ventilate area of spill.
Eyes : Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting
the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.
Skin : Wash affected area with water for 10mins. Remove contaminated clothing.
Consult physician if necessary.
Bench: Spillages on the work bench should be mopped up with a piece of cloth
immediately.
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Fire: not a fire hazard.
Is the experiment suitable for out-of-hours operation ?
Yes
No
References if any: Refer to the following MSDS for more information
Copper sulphate : https://fscimage.fishersci.com/msds/05690.htm
Sodium nitrate : http://hazard.com/msds/mf/cards/file/0185.html
Mercury : http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/m1599.htm
Nitrogen gas : http://hazard.com/msds/mf/cards/file/1198.html
Signature of Lab Officer in Charge:………………………………………………………………..
Date:…………………………
Signature of Lecturer in Charge:………… ……………………………………..
Date:… ……………………..
Prepared Risks Assessments for standard equipment and operation are with the kind permission of Dr. Ken MacNeil,
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol.
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Activity being assessed:
Note any activity to be used which entail risk (e.g. use of glass vacuum apparatus, high pressures, high
voltage, radiation, high temperatures). Give reference to any special protocols to be followed, and if
appropriate attach copies to the risk assessment form. State any additional precautions taken to minimise
risk.
Known or expected hazards associated with the activity:
FOR EACH CHEMICAL, read the MSDS and note:a) Particular hazards (e.g. highly toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, flammable, pyrophoric, explosive, volatile,
dust hazard). Note any dangerous combinations of properties (e.g. volatile and toxic).
b) Requirements for safe handling (e.g. fume cupboard, inert atmosphere, low temperature).
c) How to dispose of residuals
 Dispose to drain, with water dilution
 Neutralise, then to drain with suitable dilution
 To flammable liquid waste receptacle
 To non-flammable liquid waste receptacle
 Keep for recovery/recycling
 Keep for special disposal later (e.g. heavy metals)
 Double bag and dispose to dry waste
 Special procedure (specify)
Incompatible materials (special precautions)
Note any dangerously incompatible materials and hazards arising from contact of any reagents and
substances used with common materials such as paper, benches, hoses, etc.
Measures to be taken to reduce the level of risk
Include hazards of previously unknown products.
Location of work – laboratory, open bench, fume cupboard
Level of risk remaining:
Likelihood and consequences of any accident or unforeseen events whilst carrying out the activity. When
this has been done, choose the appropriate procedure:a) Close supervision and/or attendance of trained first-aider needed.
b) Specific approval of supervisor needed.
c) Training is needed prior-to or during the operations specified.
d) Training is complete and only general laboratory competence required.
e) No risk perceived.
Emergency action:
a) Any special requirements to deal with accidental spillage or leakage.
b) What to do in the event of accidental exposure (skin contact, inhalation, etc.).
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Appendix 3295.10
Reagent
Cu2+
Concentration
0.01M
Amount
used/produced
10mL
NaNO3
0.5M
350mL
Mercury
N2 gas
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5g
Expected hazards
May be irritating on contact
with eyes or skin.
May be irritating on contact
with eyes or skin.
Danger, poison. May be fatal
if swallowed or inhaled.
Harmful if absorbed through
the skin. Vapor is highly
toxic.
On loss of containment this
gas can cause suffocation by
lowering the oxygen content
of the air in confined areas.
Treatment/Disposal
Wash spillages away with
plenty of water.
Wash spillages away with
plenty of water.
Place residue in waste
mercury container.
Store in well ventilated area.