20.0 Chemical Handling Procedures
20.1 General
Know as much as possible about the chemical you are handling. Read the label on the container, material safety data sheets, literature in the library, and consult with your peers or EHS staff.
20.2 Flammable Liquids
20.2.1 Hazards
20.2.1.1 Vapor can form an ignitable mixture in air.
20.2.1.2 Many flammable liquids are solvents and are potentially hazardous by inhalation.
20.2.1.3 Skin contact should be avoided, irritation or skin absorption are possible with some chemicals in this group.
20.2.1.4 Damage to the eye's range from irritation to severe damage.
20.2.2 Storage
20.2.2.1 Amounts stored in the laboratory outside a flammable materials cabinet are restricted to the quantity, which will be used in one day. All flammables should be stored in a flammable materials cabinet when not in use.
20.2.2.2 The amount of flammable liquid used outside of an "approved" cabinet or storage room should be as small as possible. NFPA 30 allows the combined sum of the following quantities to be located in a general work area. *25 gallons of Class IA liquids in containers. *120 gallons of Class IB, IC, II or IIIA liquids in containers.
20.2.2.3 Storage Cabinets. Storage cabinets for flammable materials should be designed appropriately and approved for flammable storage. Storage inside the cabinet should not exceed *60 gallons of Class I or Class II liquids *or 120 gallons of Class III liquids
No more than three cabinets are permitted in the same fire area unless they are 100 feet apart.
20.2.3 Controls
20.2.3.1 Work in the hood as much as possible.
20.2.3.2 Transfer from drums only when both drum and safety can are grounded and bonded (avoid static sparks).
20.2.3.3 All spills must be cleaned up immediately, with the spill area properly decontaminated.
20.2.3.4 Emergency showers and eyewashes shall be used when skin or eye contact occurs. Get first aid attention immediately.
20.2.4 Examples:
- Petroleum ether
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Toluene
20.3 Corrosive Chemicals
20.3.1 Hazards
20.3.1.1 Contact with the skin, eyes, respiratory, or digestive tract causes severe irritation, tissue damage, or burns.
20.3.2 Storage
20.3.2.2 Always store concentrated acids and bases in appropriate drip trays or plastic carrier if used frequently.
20.3.2.3 Always transport concentrated acids and bases in a plastic carrier.
20.3.2.4 Always store oxidizing acids (nitric, sulfuric, perchloric) away from organic chemicals, paper, wood, or other flammables.
20.3.2.5 Drip-tray residue must be removed daily.
20.3.3 Controls
20.3.3.1 Wear protective clothing.
20.3.3.2 In case of splash: Flush affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and discard. Seek medical attention.
20.3.3.3 Never add water to concentrated mineral acids or bases.
20.3.4 Examples
- Acids
- Bases
20.4 Reactive Chemicals
20.4.1 Hazards
20.4.1.1 Water sensitive. These materials react violently in the presence of water.
20.4.1.2 Pyrophoric materials. These materials will ignite in air at or below room temperature without additional heat, friction, or shock.
20.4.2 Storage
20.4.2.1 Water sensitive. Follow label directions
20.4.2.2 Pyrophors Store in an atmosphere of inert gas or under kerosene; exclude air.
20.4.3 Controls
20.4.3.1 Wear safety equipment.
20.4.3.2 Read precautionary label, follow special hazard instructions.
20.4.3.3 Use only in a hood.
20.4.4 Examples
20.4.4.1
- Water sensitive
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Metal alkyls
- Lithium ribbons
20.4.4.2
- Pyrophoric Materials
- Phosphorus
- Metal alkyls
20.5 Compressed
20.5.1 Hazards
20.5.1.1 Compressed gases contain gas under extreme pressure. Sudden release of this energy can cause serious injury and physical damage.
20.5.1.2 Compressed gases may also be flammable, toxic, or corrosive.
20.5.2 Storage
20.5.2.1 Compressed gases must be stored in the upright position with caps in place and secured with a strap, chain, base stand, or rack.
20.5.2.2 Storage of quantities of flammable compressed gases requires segregation of cylinders and specific storage methods (29 CFR 1910.101 (b)).
- separate oxygen from fuel gases
- proper use of regulators and gauges
- properly labeled cylinders
- cylinders must be properly secured during transport and stationary use
- cylinder delivery issues (like left free standing in a hallway) must be established
- static testing of cylinders
20.5.3 Controls
20.5.3.1 Transport only with cap in place on suitable carrier.
20.5.3.2 Use only appropriate fittings and regulators.
20.5.3.3 Each gas type has special fittings
20.5.3.4 Do not permit gases of one type to contaminate another type.
20.5.3.5 Use check valves and/or regulators.
20.5.3.6 Always open valves slowly and cautiously.
20.5.3.7 Do not let cylinder go completely empty.
20.5.3.8 Return "empty" cylinders to storage, clearly marked.
20.5.4 Examples
- Hydrogen
- Argon
- Acetylene
20.6 Carcinogens, Mutagens, Teratogens, and Reproductive Toxins
20.6.1 Exposures
20.6.1.1 Exposures can potentially induce carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, and adverse reproductive outcomes.
20.6.2 Storage
20.6.2.1 Store these chemicals in the hood.
20.6.2.2 Maintain the minimum quantity necessary.
20.6.3 Controls
20.6.3.1 Work in a designated and labeled area required by Chemical Hygiene Standard.
20.6.3.2 Wear protective clothing.
20.6.3.3 Work only with adequate engineering controls, such as hoods, glove boxes, etc.
20.6.3.4 Primary research on known carcinogens is regulated by the O.U. IBC. Contact the I.B.C. chair or the Biosafety Office at EHS for requirements. This does not include the occasional or incidental use of common lab carcinogens.
20.6.4 Examples
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
- Lead
20.7 Toxic Metals
20.7.1 Hazards
20.7.1.1 Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and possible skin absorption.
20.7.2 Storage
20.7.2.1 The minimum quantity necessary should be kept on hand.
20.7.2.2 Store in specially designated area.
20.7.3 Controls
20.7.3.1 Work in the hood as much as possible.
20.7.3.2 Spills should be cleaned up immediately, with the work area properly decontaminated.
20.7.3.3 Designate a specific area (and label) for hazardous work or carcinogen work.
20.7.4 Examples
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium