PROPER

HANDLING OF
CHEMICALS
 Safety is a concern in any scientific enterprise, but
chiefly so in the chemistry lab. There are numerous
potential hazards when working with chemicals, but all
of them can be evaded with the appropriate precautions.
Here are some proper knowledge about handling
chemicals that youll need to know.
 TAKING INVENTORY

Keep track of which chemicals are being used in

the business. Keep a list of the substances, the
amounts being used and the risks associated
with them
 Fortunately, chemical hazards can be grouped into 4
different areas:
1. Flammability for chemicals that readily burn
2. Corrosivity for chemicals (like strong acids and
bases) that destroy tissue by chemical action
3. Toxicity for chemicals that are poisonous
4. Reactivity for chemicals that undergo spontaneous
chemical reactions, or readily react with other
chemicals
 SAFETY DATA SHEETS
There must be a safety data sheet for every
chemical products that is hazardous to health or
environment or is inflammable
The following are special precautions in handling acids
Chemical Symbol Properties Special
Precauti
ons
Acetic Liquid and vapors cause severe Incompati
CH3COOH burns to skin. Reacts vigorously ble with
with oxidizing agents and other most
acids. suppleme
ntary
acids.
Store
alone!
Chromic Liquid and vapors cause severe Carcinoge
H2CRO4 burns to skin. Corrosive to nasal nic
passages. Contains a suspected
carcinogen.
Chemic Symb Properties Special
al ol Precautions

Hydrofluo HF Liquid and vapors cause severe Use only plastic

ric burns that may not be containers
immediately painful or visible.
Attacks glass. Looks like water
and can kill in small amounts
Nitric HNO3 Highly corrosive to skin, mucous Use only glass
membranes and teeth. Highly containers
reactive with acetic acid. Reacts
explosively with combustible
organic or other oxidizable
materials
Sulfuric H2SO4 Liquids and vapors are extremely Keep away from
corrosive to skin and mucous water
membranes. Generates heat
 Special precautions in handling
bases
Chemical Symbol Properties Special
Precaution
s

Ammonium NH4OH Irritating to skin and store

Hydroxide mucous membranes. Emits carefully
highly toxic vapors when away from
heated heat
 Special precautions in handling special
chemicals
Chemic Symb Properties Special
al ol Precaution
s

H2O2 Strong oxidizing agent irritating to Cap with

Hydrogen skin and mucous membranes. Reacts vented cap.
Peroxide Do not boil in
violently with acids and organic open vessels,
solvents. may cause
explosion
Phosphoru Vapors causes severe burns to the Keep away
s POCL3 eyes, nose, throat, skin and mucous from water.
Discard gloves
Oxychlorid membranes. POCL3 and water, when discolored by
e combined will form hydrochloric acid POCL3.
and will produce a violent reaction.
SAFETY ATTIRE AND
EQUIPMENT
When working with chemicals, safety goggles,
gloves and a lab coat should be the first pieces of
equipment on your list. It is also important to know
that all gloves are not created equal, and that
gloves made of different materials might or might
not provide a resistant barrier to certain chemicals .
 Splashing chemicals or flying
objects are possible at any time in
a laboratory environment.
Protective goggles are used
to protect eyes when products
that cause burns, including acids
and caustics are
used.
 STORAGE
Toxic household chemicals should be stored in a
safe place, in a locked cabinet, out of childrens
reach. Powders, granules and dusts should be
stored above liquids, as this eliminates the
chance of liquid leaking onto soluble materials
resulting in possible reactions.