Safe handling, Storage, and Disposal of Chemicals

Chapter 6

Objectives

• General procedures for safe handling of chemicals

• Safe handling of corrosive, flammable, highly toxic, and highly reactive or explosive chemicals

• The importance of avoiding hazardous chemical mixtures

• Appropriate procedures for disposal of wastes

What are the fundamental principles for handling chemicals?

• Plan ahead: Know potential hazards of an experiment before beginning it.

• Minimize exposure to chemicals: Use personal protective equipment to prevent chemicals from contacting your skin. Use fume hoods and ventilation devices

• Do not underestimate risks: treat all new compounds and substances of unknown toxicity as toxic substances

• Be prepared for accidents: Know what to do in case of accidental release of any hazardous substance, know the location of safety equipment, fire alarms and telephones

Four Categories of Hazards Chemicals

• Corrosive– Irreversible alteration of the site– Acids and bases

• Flammable– Ignite easily

• Highly reactive or explosive- Undergo rapid reactions that release energy

violently

• Carcinogen

Homework

• What are the four Categories of Hazard Chemicals?

• What are the four classes of corrosive chemicals?

• Mention the difference between a flammable and a combustible liquid.

Working with Corrosive Chemicals

• Four classes of corrosive chemicals– Strong acids, bases, dehydrating and oxidizing agents– Causes tissue and eye damage

• Safe handling: Pg 133– Protect hand by wearing chemical resistant gloves– Work in the hood to avoid vapors– Accidental spills neutralize

• Storage: pg 134– Acid/base cabinet

Working with Flammable Chemicals

• Flammables– Liquids with appropriate flash point or temp

• The temp at which a liquid gives off vapor sufficient to form ignitable fuel-air mixture at its surface

– OSHA• Combustible: Liquids with flash point of 100F or above• Flammable: Liquids with flash point of below 100F

• Storage:– Flammable cabinet

Home work

• What are the different terms used to define flammability of fuel-air mixtures? Refer pg 136

• What are the DOT definitions of combustible or flammable liquids, solids and gases? Refer pg 136-137

• When and for what purposes are bonding and grounding used? Refer pg 137

Working with reactive/explosive chemicals

• Highly reactive or explosive– OSHA: a substance in its pure state or as produced or

transported , will decompose, condense, or self reactive under conditions of shocks, pressure, or temp.

• Handling and storage:– Keep emergency equip. handy– Use explosion shield and hood window– Do not use excessive reagents– Control reagent condition carefully

Homework

• What are the two basic categories into which reactive or explosive chemicals can be divided? Give an example of each category. Refer pg 141

Working with hazardous chemicals

• Hazardous substances– Carcinogen: cancer causing

• Handling and storage:– Proper gloves and PPE to avoid any skin contact– Area with limited access and special sign must be

posted

Disposal of hazardous wastes

• All waste must be labeled

• Do not mix hazards and non hazardous waste

• Keep chemically different hazardous waste separate

Homework

• Why should one avoid hazardous chemical combination?

• Give examples of inorganic and organic compatible groups.

• Define hazardous waste. How are they regulated or who (organization) regulates them? Pg 156

• Refer to the diagram on page 159 to understand how unknown wastes are categorized for disposal.

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