Safety Procedures Flashcards
In what order are chemical substances arranged and why? (2)
- Alphabetically
2. Make it easier to locate certain chemicals
How should strong oxidizers and strong reducing agents be stored?
Strong oxidizers and strong reducing agents (they’re opposites) should be stored SEPARATELY from each other
What should strong oxidizers and strong reducing agents be protected from? (3)
- Shock
- Bright sunlight
- Heat
How should organic solvents be stored? (2)
- In small quantifies only
2. In metal containers in cool areas of the lab
Are solvents fire hazards?
Yes
What may cause “flash backs”?
Vapours of solvents may travel to areas where burner flames are used, and ignite = flash back
How should ether be stored? (4)
- Full container
- Air-tight container
- Amber glass bottles or safety cans
- In the dark
What will form when ether is exposed to air and sunlight ?
Explosive peroxides
What 2 things would cause ether to form explosive peroxides? (2)
- Air
2. Sunlight
Can ether be stored in the fridge?
NO
What does mercury do at room temperature?
Form a toxic vapour
How should mercury be stored? (3)
- Airtight container
- Away from direct sunlight
- Kept as cold as possible
What happens to picric acid when it’s dry?
Picric acid explodes when dry
How should picric acid be stored and handled? (2)
- Stored under water at all times
2. Glass stopper of bottle must be moistened with water before removal and replacement
How should acids be stored? (3)
- In glass stopper bottles with a glass drip tray
- Larger volumes (more than 500mL) must be kept at floor level
- Cannot be stored with alkali substances or other reactive chemicals
When does ammoniacal silver form explosive precipitates?
Upon standing (left standing)
What happens when ammoniacal silver upon standing?
It forms explosive precipitates
What are the 3 kinds of chemicals that you should handle in a biological safety cabinet (BSC)? (3)
- Strong acids
- Strong bases
- Dangerous chemicals
State the the precautions for pouring, mixing, and transporting chemicals. (3)
- To pour → always pour dangerous chemicals at eye level (avoid splashes in the eye)
- To mix → always add acid/base to water
- To transport → large bottles are transported in acid bottle carriers to reduce the chance of accidental breakage
What 3 things must you always wear prior to handling chemicals - zero excuses? (3)
- Gloves
- Apron
- Goggles
What should you refer to prior to or when you handle a chemical?
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Where should carcinogenic substances be handled?
In the laminar flow hood (biological safety cabinet class II)
What are two important facts about the dangers of Drabkin’s reagent? (2)
- Extremely toxic
2. Contains cyanide
What is Crystal Violet used in and what is a unique danger it poses? (2)
- Crystal violet is used in gram staining
2. It is clastogenic (causes breaks in chromosomes)
What do you refer to when unsure of how to dispose of chemicals?
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
What are the 2 major rules to follow when disposing of chemicals?
- Never dispose of multiple chemicals or reagents at the same time in the container or sink
2, When disposing of toxic chemicals down the drain, turn the cold water on high and use it to flush the pipes
