A Guide to Handling and Storing Chemicals in a Lab

Using chemicals in a school lab or classroom is definitely a serious matter. Even a tiny mistake may lead to injuries to people or the destruction of the place. Therefore, the existence of strict regulations and habits is obligatory. Safe chemical handling means protecting not only students and teachers but also buildings and the entire area.

 When a person is aware of what to do, it leads to increased confidence and better learning. So let’s review the main steps that facilitate this process.

Getting the Basics Right

Before you even work with a chemical, you need to have a plan. Start at the beginning and examine the chemical substances with their corresponding risks. Then, read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical. Usually, the SDS is the first document that comes with the chemical. You will get information on its use, handling precautions, and emergency procedures when something goes wrong. The next stage is to keep the amounts small. Less quantity means less risk in case of a spill or breakage.

Gear Up with Protection

The first line of protection is the personal protective equipment, known as PPE for short. The skin is protected from the chemicals by wearing gloves. The eyes are protected by wearing safety goggles. The body and clothes are protected by wearing a lab coat. However, the protection that is afforded by the equipment is just part of the overall picture. Ventilation matters too. A fume hood is used that not only removes harmful fumes from the face and the room but also prevents them from spreading. Moreover, ensure that your laboratory is well ventilated so that harmful vapors do not remain in the area of occupancy, where people are breathing.

Storing Chemicals the Right Way

• Storage indeed is the point of failure for many laboratories. You cannot just stack the bottles anywhere and magically expect the best outcome. This is the real thing that works out:

• Grouping of the chemicals should be based on their chemical properties rather than their names. 

• Acidic substances should be stored together, and so are alkaline substances. 

• Flammable substances should be stored in a separate cabinet with a lock. 

• Mixing of the groups should be avoided at all times.

• Acquire locked, ventilated cabinets for corrosives and flammables. This method ensures both safety and that the curious fingers do not access them.

• Have a small inventory of your chemicals. Every opened container should carry a date label. Keep a record of what has been used so you are aware of what is left.

• Liquids should be placed in secondary containment trays. These trays prevent spills from getting to the floor.

• Hazard signs and emergency numbers should be posted where they can be seen by everyone.

  
  

Safety Measures for Handling, Transferring, and Refilling Chemicals

Moving chemicals from one place to another is the point where most accidents occur. Always use a funnel or a vapor-sealed transfer system when transferring liquid from one container to another. The spill tray should be the place where you perform this operation. If you are transferring something heavy or unfamiliar, have someone else be there to help you. 

When handling Blood interaction labs, adhere to biosafety measures and keep chemicals away from biological materials to prevent cross-contamination.

For Refill Chemicals Interactions labs, ensure that the newly added chemicals will not react negatively with the ones already present in your containers. A reaction that seems simple can become hazardous very quickly.

When Things Go Wrong

Accidents like spills are inseparable from any workplace. However, if you know how to handle the situation, you can prevent a minor problem from turning into a major one. Initially, clear the area and evacuate the people. In case of small spills, take care using the spill kit. If you are trained to do so, neutralize the spill. For large spills or a situation that may injure someone, call the fire department immediately. Document the incident. Look back at it later to find ways to prevent it from happening again.

Stay Prepared

Chemical safety procedures should be repeatedly practiced within your team. It is not sufficient to train once a year. Have it as a regular practice. Perform a lab check every few months and ensure that all the regulations are being followed. When disposing of chemicals, be sure to label them clearly. Classify them according to their categories. Dispose of them through a certified disposal company. Maintain records of all disposals.

Choosing the right equipment for use intelligently starts even before the chemicals arrive. While selecting the best scientific equipment for your school, consider that proper storage and handling will be required for each item. Good equipment design is a boon to safety.

How To Get Your Supplies

When a system is in place, chemical safety is no longer a challenging task. Be proactive. Use appropriate protective equipment. Store properly. Observe the rules. Train your staff. Now that you are ready to fill your lab with safety supplies and equipment, Geyer Instructional has been a reliable partner for schools for over 60 years. They have safety kits for laboratories, chemical storage, and classroom equipment, all designed for real school environments. Browse their catalog or contact them to find suitable options for your lab.