Download DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY TEACHING LAB EXPERIMENT

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.
Ms Irene Teo
CM1191 / 4
Activity being assessed:
Spectroscopy – Isolation of chlorophyll & beta carotene from plant leaves
Known or expected hazards associated with the activity:
Methylene Chloride, 20ml used- Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Eye and skin irritant. Readily
absorbed through the skin. Asphyxiant. Causes CNS depression. Possibly carcinogenic in
humans. Possible mutagen. Experimental reproductive effects.
Ethanol, 15ml used- Highly flammable; May cause irritation to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
Prolonged exposure to high concentrations may cause drowsiness, loss of appetite and inability to
concentrate.
Acetone, 20ml used: Irritating to eyes. Can be absorbed through skin. Vapours may cause
dizziness or suffocation. Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness and cracking.
Ethyl Acetate, 50ml used: Extremely flammable liquid and vapor. Vapor may cause flash fire.
Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Harmful if inhaled. Causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
Hexane, 50ml used: Highly flammable. Irritating to eyes. Can be absorbed through skin.
Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness and cracking. Vapours may cause drowsiness and
dizziness.
Silica Gel, 10gm used - Irritating to the respiratory tract and may cause irritation of the
digestive tract, and dust from the beads may cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Avoid
breathing in the fine powder.
Incompatible materials (special precautions):
Ethanol - Segregate from strong oxidisers, peroxides and alkali metals e.g. sodium, potassium,
lithium. Incompatible with aluminium. DO NOT heat above 49ºC in aluminium equipment.
Methylene Chloride - Al, Mg powders, K & Na; conc. HNO3.
Hexane / Ethyl Acetate - Avoid storage with strong oxidizers.
Acetone: Extremely reactive or incompatible with oxidizing agents, acids.
The risk of injury and its severity likely to arise from these hazards:
Low level of risks.
Who is at risk?
Person performing the experiment.
Measure to be taken to reduce the level of risk:
Lab coats and eye protection to be worn. Glove and mask is preferred.
Training prerequisites:
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General laboratory competence.
Use of Glassware
Use of Standard Electrical Equipment
Use of Laboratory Heating Equipment
Level of risk remaining:
Low.
Emergency action if :
Spill:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
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.
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
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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