Risk Management, Safety, and Instrumentation Flashcards
what percentage is relatively safe for acetic acid handling
1-10%
concentrated glacial acetic acid should not be mixed with these chemicals since it can explode
chromic acid
nitric acid
sodium hydroxide
potassium hydroxide
this should be stored away from acids, and should not be mixed with formaldehyde as this generates heat and toxic vapors that can be irritating to the respiratory system
ammonium hydroxide
this is toxic when absorbed by the skin and causes irritation of the eyes, and is a potential carcinogen
aniline
excessive exposure with this chemical may cause drowsiness, headache, nausea, and cyanosis. routine use of this dangerous reagent should be avoided
aniline
this is a very dangerous chemical that is toxic when inhaled or ingested
chloroform
this is carcinogenic and can affect the liver, reproductive organs, CNS, blood, and GIT
chloroform
excessive exposure to the vapor can cause disorientation, loss of conciousness, and death
chloroform
this is toxic to kidneys, corrosive to skin and mucous membranes, and can cause cancers
chromic acid
all forms of skin contact of this chemical must be avoided should not be subjected to drain disposal because this is an environmental toxin
chromic acid
mild to moderate irritation of skin eyes. this is dangerously flammable and extremely volatile
ethanol
toxic to reproductive, urinary, and blood systems when inhaled or ingested
ethylene glycol
this is propylene-based glycol ethers and should not be used as a substitute for ethylene-based glycol, and the reagent must be handled under a fume hood with butyl gloves
ethylene glycol
all workers exposed to this chemical should be periodically monitored for exposure levels
formaldehyde
formalin waste can be recycled by distillation or by drain disposal, can be detoxified by a commercial product, or can be disposed of by a licensed waste hauler
formaldehyde
simplest aldehyde
formaldehyde
type of gas that is dissolved in water to produce formalin
formaldehyde
saturated formaldehyde solution (37%-40%)
formalin
can irritate the skin and eyes, and can corrode metals. should be handled under a chemical fume hood
Formic acid
can cause severe irritation of the eyes and skin, toxic by ingestion
glutaraldehyde
this concentrated acid is particularly dangerous because of its fumes, and should be handled under a fume hood using goggles, apron, and gloves
hydrochloric acid
Harmless if used in concentrations less than 5%
hydrogen peroxide
corrosive to eyes and skin
sodium and potassium hydroxide
Extremely flammable and highly volatile
isopentane
Should be stored only in a refrigerator or freezer that is
especially suited for explosive atmosphere.
isopentane
Chilled of this chemical can cause frostbite.
isopentane
Excessive exposure to vapors may cause irritation of the
respiratory tract, cough and irregular breathing.
isopentane
Can cause mild to moderate irritation of the skin and eyes, and
is toxic by ingestion.
isopropanol
Can cause severe irritation of the eyes and skin, and are
corrosive to metal because they contain mercury
mercuric chloride/oxide
Most processing solutions will be contaminated with mercury if
specimen is fixed in B-5, Helly’s or Zenker’s fixative
mercuric chloride/oxide
Reagents used to “de-zenkerize” (removal of mercury deposits)
the sections will release mercury, and must not go through drain
disposal.
mercuric chloride/oxide
To avoid expensive disposal, mercuric fixative may be replaced
with zinc formalin or glyoxal solutions.
mercuric chloride/oxide
Moderate skin and eye irritant, and is toxic by ingestion and inhalation. It may cause BLINDNESS or death if taken in excessive amounts.
methanol
corrosive to skin, mucous membranes and most metals. it is toxic by inhalation
nitric acid
can cause frost bites or thermal (cold) burns
liquid nitrogen
Corrosive to eyes and mucous membranes
osmium tetroxide
Vials must be scored, broken, and opened under a hood, not in open air
osmium tetroxide
Relatively safe when used in dilutions prescribed for histologic use.
oxalic acid
When concentrated, it is corrosive and causes severe burns of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes
oxalic acid
Repeated skin contact can cause DERMATITIS and SLOW HEALING ULCERS.
oxalic acid
same risks as toluene
xylene
corrosive to most metals including stainless steel
zinc chloride
should not be used in tissue processors
zinc chloride
Repeated exposure can cause impaired memory, poor coordination, mood swings and permanent nerve damage
toluene
Should be restricted or avoided if possible, except as diluent in mounting media or for removing coverslips
toluene
Strong irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory system corrosive to most metals
sulfuric acid
Carries minimal health risk when used in histology under normal conditions
sodium thiosulfate
May be used to replace mercuric oxide when reconstituting Harris hematoxylin
sodium iodate
Strong oxidant, eye irritant and corrosive to most metals
sodium bisulfate
do not mix bleach with
sodium formaldehyde or diaminobenzidine
Relatively safe when used in dilute solutions. It should be kept away from oxidants.
sodium bisulfate
Very toxic and may be fatal when swallowed or absorbed through the skin, or when mixed with
sodium azide
Can explode when placed in contact with metals, and should not be discarded down the drain.
sodium azide
Relatively safe when used as a fresh solution, but can be explosive when solution becomes old
siler salts
It is a serious environmental hazard and should not be discarded down the drain
silver salts
Less toxic substitute for ethylene - based ethers
propylene glycol
Cause irritation of skin and eyes. Because it is a strong oxidant, it should not be mixed with acetic acid, ammonium hydroxide, ethanol, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, glycerol, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide or sulfuric acid
potassium permanganate
Relatively safe when handled in concentrations prescribed for histologic use
potassium ferricyanide/potassium ferrocyanide
Explosive when dry or when combined with metal and metallic salts
picric acid
Should not be disposed by pouring down the drain since they may form explosive pirates with metal pipes.
picric acid
Relatively safe when used in quantities prescribed for histology
periodic acid
Readily absorbed through skin
phenol
