Before handling of chemicals in laboratory work

Risk assessment

The handling of chemicals must always be preceded by a written risk assessment, which must specify any safety measures to be taken to limit exposure/risks during handling. If and when the chemical handling procedures change, the risk assessment must be updated. The immediate manager is responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, but the actual risk assessment should preferably be carried out by the person who will be handling the chemicals. The risk assessment requirement covers all handling, as well as storage, transport and waste. Safety aspects, the work environment and the external environment must be taken into account. The premises, employees and other persons concerned must also be taken into account, and it is also important to ensure that toxins and other potent substances cannot be accessed by unauthorised persons.

Safety data sheets

Laboratory chemicals have safety data sheets (SDS) containing information on the product’s properties and any health and environmental risks associated with it. SDSs are available from the supplier, but are usually also available online. The SDS describes the protective measures that may be suitable when handling the chemical. When chemicals are handled, their SDS must always be available, for example in paper form in a binder at the lab or on a computer (SDSs are available (for employees without the need to log in) in Chemgroup and on supplier websites).

Protective equipment

As standard, a protective coat must be worn in the laboratory, and should be removed on leaving the laboratory. Examples of protective measures include safety ventilation and use of protective gloves and protective eyewear. Safety ventilation (fume hood, fume bench, safety bench, spot extractor) is a common protective measure when handling hazardous chemical products. When handling substances with unknown properties/risks, the precautionary principle must be applied, meaning that the substance/product is to be regarded as hazardous.

Spill 

Spill decontamination equipment and materials (e.g. absorbent material in sufficient quantity) must be available in labs and chemical storage rooms, and must be suitable for the chemicals in question.