Share thisIf there is anything that all laboratories have, it is bottles and bottles of chemicals. Animal research facilities are no exception. If we are not diligent in properly handling and storing these hazardous substances, problems are sure to arise. Potential problems run the gamut from minor inconvenience to life threateningly serious. Keep reading to learn how to avoid mishaps from mishandled chemicals.
Previous Safety Guys columns laid the ground work for managing chemicals in laboratories. These covered understanding the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) hazard diamond, how to decipher material safety data sheets, and constructing a proper chemical inventory for the lab. In this column, we provide general safety rules of thumb for handling and storing chemicals in the laboratory.
Aside from the ubiquitous fire codes, many federal, state, and local regulations have specific requirements that affect handling and storing chemicals in labs and stockrooms. Examples include controlled substances and consumable alcohols covered by the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency, radioactive substances regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and hazardous wastes governed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Requirements range from locked storage cabinets and specific waste containers to controlled access for “regulated” areas. If any of your labs are using these substances, make sure you know which regulations apply and what the specific requirements are.
A more common scenario is applicability of state and/or local building codes which are becoming more rigorous each year. Hopefully, these were identified and attended to during design and construction. But, we all know that labs evolve and change over time within the facility. And, unfortunately, the state fire marshal and local codes inspectors are not shy about pointing out were we have crossed the line.
First Things First — Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Before we start grabbing bottles of chemicals and moving them around we need make sure we have the proper PPE. At a minimum, this would include appropriate chemical resistant gloves and eye protection. Closed toe shoes are a definite and considered a general requirement for working in any laboratory. Use lab coats or chemical aprons when moving liquids and if required by your laboratory safety policy.