7 Avoiding fires or explosion
a Ensure that the laboratory is provided with adequate fire extinguishers
appropriate to the potential hazards.
b Where inflammable liquids are used, smoking must be forbidden. Notices
should be displayed to enforce this.
c Beware since fine powders or dust can spontaneously ignite under certain
conditions. Empty vessels having contained inflammable liquids can contain
vapour and explode if ignited.
d Bulk quantities of inflammable liquids should be stored outside the laboratory
in accordance with local regulations.
e Storage tanks on equipment should not be overfilled. All spillages should be
immediately cleaned up, carefully disposing of any contaminated cloths etc.
Beware of slippery floors.
f When liquids giving off inflammable vapours are handled in the laboratory,
the area should be ventilated by an ex-proof extraction system. Vents on the
equipment should be connected to the extraction system.
g Students should not be allowed to prepare mixtures for analysis or other
purpose without competent supervision.
8 Handling poisons, corrosive or toxic materials
a Certain liquids essential to the operation of equipment, for example mercury,
are poisonous or can give off poisonous vapours. Wear appropriate protective
clothing when handling such substances. Clean up any spillage immediately
and ventilate areas thoroughly using extraction equipment. Beware of slippery
floors.
b Do not allow food to be brought into or consumed in the laboratory. Never use
chemical beakers as drinking vessels.
c Where poisonous vapours are involved, smoking must be forbidden. Notices
should be displayed to enforce this.
d Poisons and very toxic materials must be kept in a locked cupboard or store
and checked regularly. Use of such substances should be supervised.
e When diluting concentrated acids and alkalis, the acid or alkali should be
added slowly to water while stirring. The reverse should never be attempted.
9 Avoiding cuts and burns
a Take care when handling sharp edged components. Do not exert undue force
on glass or fragile items.
b Hot surfaces cannot in most cases be totally shielded and can produce severe
burns even when not `visibly hot´. Use common sense and think which parts
of the equipment are likely to be hot.
c
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