DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

TEACHING LAB EXPERIMENT RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

This form must be completed jointly by the Lab Officer in charge and the Lecturer in charge. A hardcopy of the completed form should be kept in a file together with the Project Risk Assessment.

Name of Lecturer in Charge
Prof Siow Kok Siong / Name of Lab Officer in Charge
Ms Tang CN / Module / Expt No.
CM3295 / 8
Activity being assessed:
Atomic absorption spectroscopy
Known or expected hazards associated with the activity:
Hazards of reagents, solvents and known reaction products.
State each substance and the approximate amounts to be used/produced.
See Appendix 3295.8
Incompatible materials (special precautions):
Acetylene gas : Avoid materials containing copper, silver, mercury and strong oxidizers.
The risk of injury and its severity likely to arise from these hazards:
Can be severe if a flashback of acetylene gas occurs.
Who is at risk?
People working in the same room.
Measure to be taken to reduce the level of risk:
Check for gas leaks and that the acetylene pressure is not used below 70psi. Eye protection to be worn.
Training prerequisites:
General laboratory competence.
Use of Glassware
Use of Standard Electrical Equipment
Use of Laboratory Heating Equipment
Transport and Use of Compressed Gas Cylinders
Use of Flammable, Explosive and Toxic Gases
Level of risk remaining:
Requires close supervision.
Emergency action if :
Spill:
(i)  Eyes : Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.
(ii)  Skin : Wash affected area with water for 10mins. Remove contaminated clothing. Consult physician if necessary.
(iii)  Inhalation : Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Call a physician.
(iv)  Bench: Spillages on the work bench should be mopped up with a piece of cloth immediately. Ventilate area of spill.ater, remove contaminated clothing. seek + 3I2 + 7H2O
Fire: evacuate room, if possible, stop the flow of gas. Use water to cool down the surrounding cylinders. Use a CO2 fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
Is the experiment suitable for out-of-hours operation ? Yes No
References if any: Refer to the following MSDS for more information
Copper 1000ppm : http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/c5166.htm
Manganese 1000ppm : http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/m0678.htm
Hydrochloric acid, 1M : https://fscimage.fishersci.com/msds/95551.htm
Acetylene gas : http://hazard.com/msds/mf/cards/file/0089.html
Compressed air : http://hazard.com/msds/f2/btk/btkym.html
Signature of Lab Officer in Charge:……………………………………………………………….. Date:…………………………
Signature of Lecturer in Charge:………… ……………………………………..
Date:… ……………………..
Prepared Risks Assessments for standard equipment and operation are with the kind permission of Dr. Ken MacNeil, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol.


Activity being assessed:

Note any activity to be used which entail risk (e.g. use of glass vacuum apparatus, high pressures, high voltage, radiation, high temperatures). Give reference to any special protocols to be followed, and if appropriate attach copies to the risk assessment form. State any additional precautions taken to minimise risk.

Known or expected hazards associated with the activity:

FOR EACH CHEMICAL, read the MSDS and note:-

a) Particular hazards (e.g. highly toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, flammable, pyrophoric, explosive, volatile, dust hazard). Note any dangerous combinations of properties (e.g. volatile and toxic).

b) Requirements for safe handling (e.g. fume cupboard, inert atmosphere, low temperature).

c) How to dispose of residuals

·  Dispose to drain, with water dilution

·  Neutralise, then to drain with suitable dilution

·  To flammable liquid waste receptacle

·  To non-flammable liquid waste receptacle

·  Keep for recovery/recycling

·  Keep for special disposal later (e.g. heavy metals)

·  Double bag and dispose to dry waste

·  Special procedure (specify)

Incompatible materials (special precautions)

Note any dangerously incompatible materials and hazards arising from contact of any reagents and substances used with common materials such as paper, benches, hoses, etc.

Measures to be taken to reduce the level of risk

Include hazards of previously unknown products.

Location of work – laboratory, open bench, fume cupboard

Level of risk remaining:

Likelihood and consequences of any accident or unforeseen events whilst carrying out the activity. When this has been done, choose the appropriate procedure:-

a) Close supervision and/or attendance of trained first-aider needed.

b) Specific approval of supervisor needed.

c) Training is needed prior-to or during the operations specified.

d) Training is complete and only general laboratory competence required.

e) No risk perceived.

Emergency action:

a) Any special requirements to deal with accidental spillage or leakage.

b) What to do in the event of accidental exposure (skin contact, inhalation, etc.).

Appendix 3295.8

Reagent / Concentration / Amount used/produced / Expected hazards / Treatment/Disposal
Cu2+ / 50ppm / 20mL / May cause eye and skin irritation. / Wash spillages away with plenty of water.
Mn2+ / 25ppm / 10mL / May cause eye and skin irritation. / Wash spillages away with plenty of water.
HCl / 1M / 15mL / Corrosive. / Wash spillages away with plenty of water.
Water sample / 5 ppm Mn2+ / 10mL / May cause eye and skin irritation. / Wash spillages away with plenty of water.
Unknown Cu2+ / <5ppm Cu2+ / 10mL / May cause eye and skin irritation. / Wash spillages away with plenty of water.
Gas / Expected hazards / Treatment/Disposal
Acetylene / A very low ignition energy required to re-ignite extinguished fires. An asphyxiant which can displace oxygen to asphyxiating levels. / Gas pressure is not to be used to below 70psi.
Exhaust fan and hood to be used.
Compressed air / Excessive pressure can be built up due to heat. Will accelerate combustion. / Store in well ventilated area.

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Printed on: 28 July 2004