FACULTY OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING

LABORATORY SAFETY PROCEDURES

DRESS CODE a. DO NOT wear sandals, wear covered shoes b. DO NOT wear excessive jewellery c. DO NOT wear swing-loose-long hair style, neatly tie-up the long hair or place under a proper head gear d. DO NOT wear shoes with heel higher than 1" (2.5 cm) e. DO wear lab-coat all the time LAB CONDUCT 1. DO NOT disturb people who are conducting experiments! 2. Wear safety goggles. If your lab is classified as eye hazard area. 3. Wear gloves whenever you handle chemicals. Gloves must be made of appropriate material for protecting you from being exposed to the chemicals. For example, handling speciality chemicals, such as liquid N2, and handling hot surfaces wear gloves designed for respective purposes. 4. DO NOT handle the door knob/handle with your gloves on. 5. Dont handle chemicals without any label. Report them to the LT/Supervisor. 6. Encountering any spillage inside the lab, you should immediately (1) inform the lab officer about the nature of chemical that spilled, and (2) follow the proper procedure to completely clean of. 7. Label all chemicals in use with content, preparation date, user names, and expiry date. 8. Before handling any chemical, you have to a. Request advice from your supervisor regarding its toxicity, nature and other properties, and b. Familiarze yourself with the information in its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). 9. NO eating or drinking inside the lab. DO NOT use any refrigerator or glassware in the lab for storage of food and beverage. 10. Clear all the passage ways in the lab. Unused boxes or bottles should be thrown away with the help of the lab officer 11. NO social gathering is allowed in the labs. The labs should not be crowded for non-working purposes. 12. Always get the advice and help from the lab officer in-charge of your lab.

CHEMICAL HAZARDS a. Store and handle all the chemicals below eye level. b. Always wear appropriate gloves before touch any chemical because most of the chemicals are poisonous. DO NOT sniff any chemical. c. REMEMBER! alkali metals involving potassium or sodium are always stored in hydrocarbon with minimum moisture contact because they react violently with water. d. Always keep solvents tightly closed and placed in designated chemical storage cabinet to minimize background accumulation of solvent vapours, which are flammable in most cases. e. DO NOT use Mercury (Hg) unless you have the permission of your supervisor and laboratory officers. Before the actual usage, go through the procedure and precaution with your supervisor and laboratory officer to minimize the risk of spillage by providing containment for the working area. f. NO pouring any chemicals down to the sink or drainage in the lab. To dispose of chemical waste, following the instruction/help of the lab officer. g. DO NOT sniff and contact liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide to avoid breathing problem and serious burning. Always wear safety goggles and temperature resistant gloves to handle them. h. Avoid direct skin contact with chiral compounds, which are often biologically active. i. Avoid direct skin contact with solid/liquid organo metallic compounds, which are very poisonous. If they are a fine powder, wear a filter mask.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS 1. In case of spilling water on a lab bench near power points, first switch off the electrical power before cleaning. 2. In case of leaking roofs, cover all the instruments, PCs, power points, etc., with a plastic sheet. Request for the plastic sheet through your lab officer in charge. 3. To inspect any electrical equipment, first turn the power off and ask for the instruction/help from the lab officer in charge. Any faulty equipment should be attended by trained personnel only. DO NOT do it on your own FIRE HAZARDS a. In case of small fire on the bench, in the waste bin, or on the electrical contacts, use the fire extinguisher. DO NOT pour water. b. Heterogeneous metal catalysts and metal complexes are often pyrophoric, easily triggering a fire. DONT leave any paper towel (or other materials) containing heterogeneous metal catalysts in the waste bin; put the towel/material in a beaker and leave in the hood for evaporation prior to discard them of to a devoted waste bin. c. Handling/processing alkali metals like sodium (Na) or potassium (K) in hydrocarbon on a pan. Wash any flake of alkali metals using ethanol or isopropanol.

USING GASES 1. Always chain/secure gas cylinders at all time and place them away from excessive heat. 2. Always move the cylinders with a cap. Always use a cylinder trolley with chains to secure them during moving 3. Open the valves slowly. DO NOT force or tamper with the pressure regulators 4. Often check the leakage of Gas cylinders, especially H2 & O2 cylinders, at the pressure regulators, connection tubing, etc. A spark near a leaking hydrogen cylinder will lead to a violent explosion 5. Equip all the labs using gases like CO, H2, etc., with sensors. 6. In case of a minor leakage of gases like CO, open the windows and take fresh air outside of the lab. 7. Dispose of off-gases through the hood. COMMENTS ON REACTION AND DISTILLATIONS: a. Attend to reactions, particularly a new polymerization, all the time. b. Always monitor the water supply for reflux reactions or distillations to ensure proper cooling purposes. c. In case of conducting reactions under a high pressure environment, always check potential leakage of the lines, connections and valves. d. WEAR YOUR SAFETY GOGGLES all the time during conducting pressurized reactions. e. Try to carry out all the reactions in the hood f. At the end of the reactions, quench the reaction and dispose of the waste reactants, products or residues properly by labeling them to differentiate from other chemical wastes

SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY 1. Before you start doing any lab work, be familiar with the exact location of power switches, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency showers, eyewashes, etc. Get the emergency contact numbers from lab officer in case of fire, accidents, electrical short circuits, etc. 2. In case of any accident, take immediately action to contain further damage and inform your lab officer in charge for further actions. If evacuation is needed, inform your lab officer in charge and activate the evacuation according to established procedure. DO NOT handle the accident on your own. 3. In case of any chemical spilled with skin/eye contact, immediately wash off with excess water and get medical assistance from the lab officer in-charge and for further action. 4. If any chemical is strongly inhaled, leave the area immediately and take a deep breath of fresh air. If any symptom like coughing or short of breathe occurs, contact a physician immediately. 5. In case of breaking any glassware, gather the pieces immediately and dispose them of in a separate container. If chemicals are spilled, contact your lab officer in charge for appropriate cleaning action. 6. Always stay alert in the laboratory. DO NOT sleep inside the laboratory.

COMMON LABORATORY SIGNAGES

Emergency Exit

First aid

Fire Extinguisher

No smoking

No open flame

Emergency shower

Head Protection

Respiratory Protection

Eye Protection

Hand protection

Ear Protection

Footwear protection

Lab coat

Face shield

HAZARD SYMBOL Biological hazard Radiation Hazard

Flammable hazard

Poison hazard

Corrosive hazard

Electrical hazard

Laser hazard

Cryogenic hazard

Oxidizer

Compressed gas

Explosive

Ultraviolet hazard

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING

LABORATORY RULES
1. Each student, prior to commencing laboratory work, must read and accept the conditions of these Laboratory Rules and sign a declaration form stating that they will abide by these rules. Failure to sign the declaration form will result in disciplinary action. 2. Refer to the Laboratory Technologist (LT) in charge to sign the declaration form once you have read the Laboratory Rules and attended the safety briefing. 3. Throughout, and upon completion, of your work you will be required to leave the laboratory in a safe, clean and tidy condition. Refer to your Lab technologist about laboratory

departure. Note: you will not be permitted to submit your thesis until the Lab technologist is satisfied that you have left the laboratory in a satisfactory condition. 4. This document contains requirements on:

Part 1: Housekeeping Rules Part 2: Safety Rules & Notices Part 3: Disposal of waste chemicals

HOUSEKEEPING RULES
Observe the following rules whenever you make use of the laboratory and its facilities: A. USE OF LABORATORY a. Students who need to use the laboratory must obtain authorisation from their supervisors through laboratory approval safety form. b. These forms are obtainable from the LT or department office. B. CONDUCT a. User's work area should be kept clean and tidy. b. Do not eat, drink or smoke in the laboratory. c. Do not bring in friends who are not involved in the project. d. Do not play or listen to audio equipment (radio, walkman etc) while doing experiment. e. Do not use items which have been booked-out by other users. f. Report all accidents, breakages (major or minor) to the LT as soon as possible. g. Label all items clearly, including name, date and contents. h. Inform technologist and return all items promptly after completion of your project. i. General guidelines can be obtained by referring to the Laboratory Safety Notice. C. USE OF EQUIPMENT a. Students should inform the LT of their intention of making use of any equipment. b. The 'User's Record Book' should be signed before and after every use of the instrument in the common facility room. c. The student should make sure that the equipment and the surrounding work area is cleaned up after use or at the end of the day. d. Should any problem arise, the LT should be informed immediately. D. USE OF CHEMICALS: a. Students are allowed only to use chemicals authorized for that lab. b. Do not leave any chemicals near balances, pH meters or common area. They should be kept in the student's locker or returned to the store. c. Spilled chemicals must be cleaned up immediately by the user. (eg. balance, workbenches, fume cupboards etc.)

d. All chemicals/solutions/wastes must be properly labelled. Chemical names of all components, concentration, date and name of user should be indicated on the container. e. Chemical waste containers must have the word "WASTE" prominently written on them. f. Refer to other laboratory notices regarding storage and disposal of chemicals. Speak to the LT if you are unsure. g. Any prepared chemicals should be handled through secondary carrying containers.

LABORATORY SAFETY NOTICE

a. ALL students, prior to commencing work must ensure that they have attended the safety briefing and signed the acceptance form. b. ALL students, prior to commencing work must fill in the risk assesment and obtain authorization from their supervisors, and submit to the LT in-charge. c. ALL students MUST familiarize themselves with the emergency procedures in the laboratory. If in doubt ASK a LT or your Supervisor. d. ALL students, prior to commencing work, must ensure that they have or posses a long sleeved laboratory coat. This MUST be worn at ALL times when working in the laboratory. e. ALL students must wear protective eyewear, appropriate gloves, labcoats, etc when handling solvents, acids and other harmful chemicals. ALL such chemicals should be handled in the fume cupboard. Protective eyewear must also be worn when working with glassware under vacuum or pressure. f. ALL chemicals when transported around the laboratory MUST be adequately supported and contained. All chemicals must be transported in closed containers. g. No food and/or drink in the laboratory. h. No wearing of sandals or open shoes. No shorts and (ladies) wear pants, not skirts where possible. i. Do NOT obstruct common passageways (with stools, equipment, etc.). They must be kept clear at ALL times. j. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of the lab. Make sure that you have removed and cleaned ALL glassware at the end of the day leave the work place TIDY. k. All lab wastes must be properly disposed. No chemicals should be poured down the sink. If in doubt, ask your supervisor. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure timely disposal of stored waste solutions. Please refer to your Laboratory Technologist regarding the use and disposal of any biological materials (e.g. microbial cultures). These rules will be enforced on a DAILY basis by Lab Officers and staff. Non-conformance WILL result in penalties to the student and, if necessary, more serious disciplinary procedure.

DISPOSAL OF WASTE CHEMICALS

The Laboratory Safety Notice states the following: Proper disposal of the wastes from an experiment should be determined before the experiment is started. Volatile compounds should be properly labeled and stored in a hood until disposal. Solutions containing hazardous constituents should not be poured down a sink, but stored in well-marked bottles for disposal. Hazardous constituents include such things as strongly acidic or basic solutions, concentrated solutions of hazardous metals or other inorganic compounds and toxic compounds. If in doubt, ask your supervisor. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure timely disposal of stored waste solutions. Note a. Different waste bottles must be used for different types of waste generated DO NOT MIX WASTES IN THE SAME BOTTLE (particularly organic wastes and acids). b. Speak to your Lab Officers about obtaining waste bottles. c. Each waste bottle must be labeled with: Your Name, Name of Supervisor, Date and Type of Waste d. Waste bottles must be kept in a safe place at all times. Speak to your LT about putting the waste bottle in a fume cupboard. e. Keep the bottle capped tightly between uses. f. Do not overfill waste bottles. When finished, date the bottle. Waste must be cleared every 2 weeks, regardless of volume. g. Arrange with the LT to have the bottle removed promptly. h. Refer to your LT for advice on the storage and disposal of biological materials. Note that the use of any biologically active materials (e.g. sewage, blood, microorganisms) must be discussed with your Supervisor prior to commencement of work and notified to the Lab Officer in Charge. Failure to comply with these requirements is a violation under the laboratory safety rules.

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Undergraduates: Laboratory Approval Safety Form
SECTION 1 - Laboratory Particulars. To be completed by applicant
Laboratory Name and Location : ___________________________ Laboratory Officer in charge: _____________________________ Period of use (date, max 12 months): ...from..to.. Time of use: ..from..to...

SECTION 2 Student/Staff Particulars and Undertaking. To be completed by applicant Name:

1. I have read and understand the Departmental Safety Policy. 2. I have read and understand the Departmental Safety Rules. 3. Safety is integral part of my work in the laboratory. 4. I will do my best to ensure the safety of myself and co-users in the laboratory. 5. I have attended the required safety training(s). Date(s) of training(s):__________________________________________ 6. I use these chemicals (please list):____________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. I have read the MSDSs of all the chemicals listed above and can handle the chemicals safely. Declaration: I undertake to abide by the Departmental Safety Policy, Safety Rules and any safety directives given by my supervisor(s), Laboratory Officer and the Department Head/Safety Committee Chairman.

Matric No:

Name and Signature of applicant

Date

SECTION 3 Endorsement by Supervisor/PI

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. I have explained to the applicant the safety policy of the university, the department and my laboratory. I have explained to the applicant that safety is an integral part of any activities in my laboratory. I am satisfied that the applicant fully understood his/her duty and responsibility in the laboratory. I am satisfied that the applicant has read the MSDSs of the chemicals and can handle the chemicals safely. The applicant is required to work within sight of one or more persons. _______________ Date

__________________________________ Name and Signature of Supervisor / PI

SECTION 4 Laboratory Officer

The applicant has participated in the required safety training(s). Remarks:

Name and Signature of Lab Officer Note:

Date

Applicants should carry their own authorized copy to be produced on demand by academic or security staff. Laboratory Officers are required to keep an authorized copy of this form with the student record in their office. Applicants must sign in and out on the register of attendance kept by the Laboratory Officer each time the Student enters & leaves the laboratory after office hours.

Appendix 1. Sources of material safety data sheets ( MSDS) a. Supplier b. Manufacturers website c. NUS digital library Canada Centre for Occupational Health & Safety

http://ccinfoweb.ccohs.ca/msds/search.html
d. Pure chemical/Generic MSDS websites: e.g. http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/cis/products/icsc/dtasht/index.htm or http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/nicstart.html

2.

Warning and precautionary phrases Warning and precautionary phrases give the harmful properties of the chemical and how to handle the chemical safely. Some MSDSs give Risk-phrases (R-phrases) and Safety-phrases (S-phrases). Example: Hexane From MSDS of hexane, the R-phrases & S-phrases: R: 11-38-48/20-62-65-67-51/53 S: (2-)9-16-29-33-36/37-61-62 The meaning of R- & S-phrases (example: R11) can be obtained from ILO website: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/cis/products/icsc/dtasht/index.htm ILO website gives: R11: highly flammable and S62: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label.

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Research Student / Staff: Laboratory Release Form
SECTION 1 Student/Staff Particulars. To be completed by applicant Name: Supervisor(s): SECTION 2 - Laboratory Particulars. To be completed by applicant Laboratory Name and Location : ___________________________ Date of last lab usage: ___________________________________ Experimental set-ups and equipment used:________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ All glassware, experimental set-ups and equipment been cleaned and stored? All liquid/solid wastes properly disposed of? Have all samples been cleared from refrigerators etc? All keys returned? Yes/No/NA Yes/No/NA Yes/No/NA Yes/No/NA Matric/Staff No:

List all items/chemicals that have not been cleaned/disposed of (specify location):

SECTION 3 - Undertaking by Successor/Supervisor (If applicable) I undertake liability for all the items and chemicals listed above/attached list.

Name and Signature Date _____________________________________________________________________ Remarks: ________________________________ Name and Signature of Supervisor SECTION 4 - Approval by Laboratory Officer Remarks Satisfied/Not Satisfied _______________ Date Satisfied/Not Satisfied

Name and Signature of Lab Officer

Date

Note: In a case where the Lab. Officer and/or Supervisor is not satisfied, student must address all items prior to thesis submission. Note: the General Office will not accept submission of your thesis unless this form is completed and signed.

National University of Singapore

Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
LABORATORY ACCESS CONTROL APPLICATION FORM
Section 1 (to access your supervisor lab) To be completed by Requestor a) Name: _________________________ Supervisor Name: ___________________

b) Staff/Matriculation No.: ________________________________________________ c) Contact No.: _______________ Email Address: __________________________

d) Location Access requested: _____________________________________________ e) Reason: _____________________________________________________________ f) Course & year of study: B Eng (2nd, 3rd, 4th) M Eng. / M Sc. / PhD. Other: ________ g) Period of Use: Date from: ______________________ to: ___________________

h) Please tick ( ) 24 hr access or ( ) office hr access (8:30am to 6:00pm)

_____________________________ Signature of Applicant

____________________________ Date

_____________________________ Signature of Supervisor

____________________________ Date

Section 2 (to access lab which not belonging to your supervisor) To be completed by Lab Supervisor in-charge Please tick ( ) 24 hr access or ( ) office hr access (8:30am to 6:00pm) Lab Supervisors Name:_________________________ Approved/ Not Approved

______________________________ Signature of Lab Supervisor in-charge

_____________________________ Date