Safe Use Of Chemicals In The Lab


The chemical industry is growing at a fast rate, and due to this growth, there are innumerable products available in the market for use. Chemicals have a wide range of applications, and one of the most common uses is in laboratories for research purposes. Although chemicals are quite useful, you need to make sure that they are stored and handled with care.

Dealing with chemicals is not something that you must take lightly. The slightest mistake can lead to a potentially hazardous situation that might cause harm to you as well as others. Experts have always recommended that you should be careful and take precautionary measures while you are working in the laboratory. It is not only a safe way to work but also a smart and effective way of handling chemicals.

But if you are not aware of how to use the chemicals safely in the laboratory, then don’t worry. We have rounded up some of the most essential points that will help you to stay safe and work with precaution. 

#1 Reading Of The Labels Provided On The Chemical Containers: 

You can see that there are always labels pasted on every chemical substance packaging (container). Before you make use of any chemical for any purpose, ensure that you are reading the label and thoroughly understanding all the information provided on it.

The information provided on the label is written as per the laboratory supervisors and is highly authentic. Reading the labels of the chemical substances can protect you from dangerous situations. For instance, if the label provides the information “do not inhale - dangerous/harmful”, then you should be careful and always wear a mask before using that particular chemical. Just imagine if there is no label available on the chemical container, the person handling it might have to suffer from serious health issues.

You must also ensure that there is a label on the shelf or cupboard where harmful chemicals are stored. 

#2 Always Make Sure You Are Wearing Safety Gears While Handling The Chemicals: 

The gloves, mask, safety glasses, laboratory coat, a head mask will keep you protected in most situations. You must be vigilant about your safety gears and wear them before you enter the chemical lab. 

#3 Keep The Chemical Containers Closed After Use:

 

While working with the chemicals, you must never leave the bottles or the containers of the chemical substances open. Make sure you are doing it meticulously in order to prevent accidents. When the lids are perfectly closed, you should be protected even from the fumes of the chemicals. Besides this, keep the containers of the chemical back on the specific shelf, so it becomes easier for others to find the particular chemical in the same location. 

#4 Thorough Cleaning Is A Must In Case Of Any Spillage: 

If there is any spillage by accident, make sure you can get it cleaned with perfection. For cleaning the chemical, you must make sure you can dilute the solution by adding water. This is quite important when you are using the powerful oxidizing agent. Also, you should wear gloves and other safety gear while cleaning the area of the spillage. 

1. If there is an acid spillage, you must make sure that it is treated with care and do not let the fumes of the strong acid evolve in the air as it will cause breathing issues and irritation in the respiratory organs. You can easily avail spillage absorption granules which can help you to handle accidental liquid spillage. 

2. Besides this, if you are having powder spillage, then it could be easily collected in small containers and perfectly disposed of in the dustbin. Make sure you are disposing of the powdered chemical in paper tissue or paper bags so that it does not react with other things in the dustbin and cause damage.

3. While working in the chemical lab, make sure you are working out everything in a very calm and composed manner without any tension. So there are fewer chances of leading to accidents.

4. The area of work must always be clean and tidy. You might not know what spillage may cause harm to the workers. So after working ensure that the area is cleaned properly. 

Summary: 

These are some of the most important things that you should take into consideration while working in the chemical labs.

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