Chemical storage shelves (alphabetical) Chemicals should be stored according to chemical family or group. If chemicals are stored on shelves in alphabetical order, incompatible chemicals may be next to one another. This can increase the risk of chemical interactions.
Eye wash station It is important to have a way to rinse a person’s eyes for at least 10-15 minutes if contamination occurs. Some of the eyewash bottles that are sold for this purpose do not sufficiently flush the eyes. If necessary, an eyewash can be created by using an existing water tap and a handheld shower attachment.
Safety shower It is important to have a way to quickly rinse off a person’s body if a chemical is spilled. If a safety shower is not present in the lab, one can be created by using an existing water tap and a handheld shower attachment.
Emergency rules, telephone numbers, etc. A chemical hygiene plan is required by law for every school. The plan should contain information about what actions will be taken if an emergency occurs. There should be some way to communicate with the school office if an accident takes place in the lab.
MSDS binder Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are required by law for every chemical that the school stores or uses. MSDSs contain information about the chemical and safety related information. It is a good idea to not only have a copy of the MSDSs in the lab, but also in a location away from the lab (such as the administrative office or nurse’s office) so that the MSDSs can be referenced if an accident occurs in the lab.
Chemical storage areas One of the best ways to reduce the chance of chemical accidents in the laboratory is to make sure the chemical storage area is always locked. By limiting access to the chemicals, the risk of spills and exposures is reduced.
Fume hood with chemicals in it Fume hoods are used to conduct experiments that may generate irritating vapors or gases. Fume hoods should be maintained and tested regularly to assure they are working properly. Chemicals or waste materials should not be stored in fume hoods.
Spill cleanup station Having materials available to clean up small chemical spills is essential for laboratories. Cat litter can be used to absorb small spills. If mercury-containing devices are stored or used in the laboratory, a mercury clean-up kit should be available.
Personal protective equipment It is important to wear the proper personal protective equipment when working with chemicals in the laboratory. Safety glasses, gloves, aprons and lab coats reduce the risk of accidents and chemical exposures.
Barometer Old barometers contain elemental mercury. Mercury is a liquid metal at room temperature and, when spilled, can evaporate to form mercury vapor. When mercury vapor is inhaled, it can cause adverse health effects. Barometers should be disposed of properly as hazardous waste, or used very carefully to prevent the spill of mercury.
Fire extinguisher and blanket When using flammable chemicals or open flames it is important to have appropriate fire extinguishers in the lab. If water-reactive substances like sodium or potassium are stored or used, a Class D fire extinguisher or other suitable material for smothering the flames (such as a bucket of sand) should be present.
Ground fault circuit interrupter When using electrical equipment near sources of water, it is best to have ground fault circuit interrupters installed on those outlets. Ground fault circuit interrupters prevent shocks.