SAFE HANDLING REQUIREMENTS IN THE LABORATORY

Hazard Identification
The Environmental Health and Risk Management has a standard to abide by that states liquids that are flammable, agents that are toxic, chemicals of a highly reactive nature, and radioactive substances must be used in a way in which there is no true hazard to worker or public health. It is said that chemical hazards are likely one of the most commonly seen in the laboratory setting. These include, electrical, radioactive, biological, mechanical and physical. Some of these hazards require prior approval as and that section can be found in this manual. It is imperative that you as an employee strive to prevent and avoid hazard when working in the laboratory.

Labeling
When …show more content…
These include compressed gas cylinder safety tips, and the EHRM Compressed Gas Cylinder Policy. Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety The following must be followed for the transporting, storing, and use of compressed gas cylinders.

Compressed Gas Cylinders Identification
1. The contents of any compressed gas cylinder should be identified clearly so as to be easily, quickly, and completely determined by any laboratory worker.
2. A durable label should be provided that cannot be removed from the compressed gas cylinder.
3. No compressed gas cylinder should be accepted for use that does not identify its contents legibly by name.
4. Color-coding is not a reliable means of identification; cylinder colors vary from supplier to supplier, and labels on caps have no value because many caps are interchangeable.
5. Tags should be attached to the gas cylinders on which the names of the users and dates of use can be entered.
6. If the labeling on the gas cylinder becomes unclear or defaced so that the contents cannot be identified, the cylinder should be marked "contents unknown" and the manufacturer contacted regarding appropriate …show more content…
Cylinders should not be transported with the regulator attached to the cylinder.

Compressed Gas Cylinders Storage
1. Cylinders should not be allowed to drop nor be struck violently.
2. Cylinders should be properly secured at all times whether attached to a wall, cylinder truck, cylinder rack, or post.
3. Liquefied flammable gas cylinders should be stored in an upright position or such that the pressure relief valve is in direct line with the vapor space of the cylinder.
4. Caps used for valve protection should be kept on the cylinders at all times except when the cylinder is actually being used or charged.
5. Cylinders should not be used for rolling, supports, or any purpose other than the transportation and supply of gas.
6. Cylinders should be stored in a well-ventilated area away from flames, sparks or any source of heat or ignition. Keep cylinders away from electrical circuits.
7. Cylinders should not be exposed to an open flame or to any temperature above 125 degrees F.
8. Oxygen cylinders (empty or full) in storage should be separated from fuel-gas cylinders and combustible materials by a minimum distance of 20 feet or by a barrier at least 5 feet high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half