Department of Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering
University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City

Laboratory Safety Manual 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Emergency Information:
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Basic First Aid
First Aid Responder
First Aid Boxes
Emergency (Fire) Alarms
Coping with an Emergency
Health and Safety Procedures in the ChE Department
Risk Assessments

Local Rules and Advice:

Preventing Fires and Floods
Personal Safety
Safety Checklist for Laboratory Users
Personal Protective Equipment
Laboratory Chemical Fume Hood
Chemical Storage Cabinets
Safety Showers
Eyewash Stations
Safety with Chemicals
Safety with Electricity
Safety with Machines and Transport
Safety with Glassware
Safety with Refrigerators, Freezers & Cryogenics
Safety when Heating and Cooling Down
Noise and Safety
Outside Regular Working Hours
Unattended Experiments
Pregnancy
Tidiness
Reporting Accidents and Incidents
Chemical Waste Disposal
Security in the Department
 Emergency Telephone Numbers

UP DILIMAN POLICE /FIRE 928 3615

981 8500
local 4008; 113

UP Health Service/Ambulance 928 3608 (Direct)

981 8500
local 2701, 2702, 2704

Nearest Hospital (East Avenue Medical Center) 928 0611

Bureau of Fire Protection

Quezon City Hall 928 8363 / 924 1922
Libis 441 8279
Loyola Heights 492 7576
New Era 931 9894

Philippine National Red Cross Quezon City Chapter 920 3672

433 2151 to 52 / 434 3751

Bomb Squad 436 0948 / 924 3101

MMDA (Office of Public Safety) 882 0851 / 882 4151 to 70

local 374

Campus Maintenance Office 0949 733 6916

(Quick Response Team)

PLDT 171 / 173

MERALCO 631 1111

162 11

ChE Department Office 981-8500 local 3113-3114

 Basic First Aid

If anyone falls unconscious following an injury, get the attention of the security guard on-
duty. If after office hours, notify the UP Diliman Police at 928 3615.

Cuts
Control the bleeding by applying pressure over the wound with a pad of paper tissue or towel
roll.
Do not attempt to remove any broken glass, splinters, etc.
Seek medical attention. Avoid contact with blood.

Burns
Douse the burn with copious amounts of cold water (e.g., under a running tap).
Do not attempt to remove anything sticking to the burn.
Seek medical attention.

Chemicals
On Skin: Wash off with copious amounts of water. Seek medical attention as needed.

In Eyes: If available, use an eye-wash spray with the eyelids held open. Otherwise use a cold
running tap. Seek medical attention as needed.

Inhaled: If possible, move to fresh air. Seek medical attention.

Swallowed: Seek medical attention. Identify the chemical.

Electricity
Switch off power. Get the attention of the security guard on-duty for help.

Other injuries - falls, blows

Call for medical attention.

First Aiders

In the event of a serious injury, use the emergency number 928 3608 which accesses the UP
Health Service, or 928 3615 which accesses the UPD Police both on a 24-hour line.

For minor injuries, First Aid Responders may be called.

Name of First Aid Responder Local No. Room No.

Julie Anne del Rosario C302
Diwata Ronda A202
Karl Ezra Pilario B304
Myron Alcanzare C303
 First Aid Boxes

First Aid Boxes should be kept stocked according to the list posted on the front or within the
box. All First Aid material should be available from the Department of Chemical
Engineering Administrative Office. Each Research Laboratory Head is to ensure that the
stock of the First Aid box is regularly maintained.

Emergency (Fire) Alarms

The buildings in the Department of Chemical Engineering are equipped with a fire detection
system that will sound the alarms if a sensor detects flame, heat or smoke, or if the pull lever
alarm is activated.

Note that false alarms may sound due to ageing or defective fire detectors. In the event of an
alarm, spend a few seconds only in turning off heating equipment or making your
experiment safe before leaving the building by the route that has been described to you.
Assemble at the designated muster area for a roll-call.

Do not attempt to enter the building until you have been told by any member of the Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management (DRRM) Committee that it is safe to do so. The members of the
DRRM are as follows:
Asst. Prof. Julie Anne del Rosario
Engr. Karl Ezra Pilario
Engr. Myron Alcanzare
Engr. Charlimagne Montealegre
Mr. Mark Batadlan

Coping with an Emergency

Regular Working Hours: These are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday.

Precautions Know at least two routes from your workplace to an Exit.

Know the locations of Telephones, Fire Extinguishers and
Blankets, Fire Alarm Points, Safety Showers, Eye Wash Stations
and First Aid Boxes.
Know how to contact Campus Security.
Know how to switch off electricity, gas, water, etc. in and around
your workplace.
.
Evacuation Procedure All evacuation drills will be notified in advance (except for the exact
time).
 In the event of an evacuation, follow the route given in the
Department of Chemical Engineering Emergency Evacuation
Route map. Assemble away from danger and clear of the building.
Do not re-enter the building until you are told that it is safe to do so.

Fire If the fire is clearly minor, deal with it using an extinguisher but do
not endanger yourself. Normally the sensors will detect any fire and
the Alarm will operate automatically. Otherwise, operate the nearest
Alarm Point and call 928 3615 for UPD Police.

Escape of Toxic Leave the area immediately. Close all doors on exit. Operate the
Material nearest Fire Alarm Point. Warn people to avoid the affected area
and call 928 3615 for UPD Police.

Aiding an injured Person Either phone for a First Aid Responder or if more serious, call 928
3615 for UPD Police, then a First Aid Responder. Even if the
Alarms sound, do not attempt to move the injured person out of
the building unless there is imminent danger. Stay with the
injured person until help arrives. If the injury is slight they should be
taken by taxi with a First Aid Responder in attendance, or if the
injury is more serious by Ambulance.

Flood If the leak is obvious, stop it; call 928 3615 for UPD Police. Warn
people in labs below to safeguard papers and equipment. Do not
attempt to move wet electrical equipment until it is disconnected
from the mains.

Failure of Mains Service Failure of fume-hood, gas, water, electricity during working hours,
look for the Building Administrator (local 3113-3114). Outside the
regular working hours, call Campus Security 928 3615.

Health and Safety Procedures in the Department of Chemical

Engineering
The online version of the DChE Health, Safety and Environment Management System may be
found at http://www.dche.coe.edu.ph/Health Safety and Environment/DChE HSE-MS.pdf

People who work only in an Office or who do only Computing need not study every aspect
discussed in this handbook. But those working in Laboratories, Boiler Rooms, and/or
Machine shops must take the time to read the Safety Manual and take to heart the
information therein on Health and Safety procedures in consideration of the greater potential
hazards in said areas.
 Risk Assessments
If you are a faculty member, research staff, or laboratory staff, you should read the information
that follows and that applies to different classifications of personnel.

Risk assessments are procedures aimed at estimating risks to health and safety associated with
any activities one performs. Having estimated the risks, workers are expected to devise rules and
protocols to minimize identified risks. Safety-compliant chemical engineering plant practice
requires that risk assessments be carried out for all work that will be done, and that workers are
informed of the outcome of the assessment, and trained to carry out their duties safely. The Risk
Assessment procedure applies to all kinds of work activities.

If you are working only in a regular office

If you are part of the clerical staff or a researcher doing a project which is purely computational,
then the only risk assessments you need to read are the following:

General Office Work

Visual Display Equipment
Standard Electrical Equipment

If you are a Researcher, you will need to put in writing that you have read these assessments by
filling up the appropriate form and submitting to the Office of the HSE Officer.

If you are working in a Laboratory

If you are working on a research project, your supervisor or project leader should supply you
with a copy of your Project Risk Assessment. This will give you guidance regarding the risks
you must be aware of and be trained to handle. A good reference for prepared risk assessments
on the use of typical laboratory equipment, for chemicals and materials may be found in
www.chemistry.nus.edu.sg/PSSO/index.htm while the ChE Department is preparing its own.

After going through the prepared risk assessments, workers are to complete a comprehensive
activity-based risk assessment (LAB FORM 3) for their particular work, considering every step
in their activity.

Preventing Fires and Floods

Each laboratory must have a laboratory door sign posted outside each lab, containing the names
and contact information of persons to contact in case of an emergency. The sign must also
identify the type(s) of hazards to be expected in the lab.
Fire: Fires can result in disfiguring and disabling injury or death. A fire may consume or
destroy all your work, leaving you with nothing to continue on.

The Fire Detection System: The Department of Chemical Engineering Building is equipped
with a fire detection system. A red light appears/blinks when a detector is activated. When the
alarm sounds, you must leave the building before the alarm is over.

Take care NOT to cause false alarms. However, if you happen to cause a false alarm, inform the
Department Office at 981-8500 loc 3113-3114 immediately.

Solvents in the Laboratories. Only a working minimal amount of flammable solvents may be
stored in any laboratory. Excess amounts of solvents in a room could endanger life and property
in case of fire. Typical regulations recommend a maximum quantity in liters of flammable
liquids stored in any one laboratory to be 1.6 x floor area of the lab in square meters. As much
as possible, especially overnight, solvents should be stored in the ventilated safety cabinet
provided for the purpose.

Leaving a Laboratory or Machine Shop: When leaving the workplace for the night, or when
going away for a long time even during the day, workers have the responsibility to ensure that:
there are no obvious problems with reactions or equipment left running (these should be
properly labeled)
unnecessary electrical equipment, e.g., ovens, is turned off and no naked flame or
flammable gas is left on.
flammable solvents are properly stored in closed storage cupboards.
fume-hoods are closed
lights are turned off
fire doors and other doors are closed.

Floods: Floods damage equipment, paperwork and fixtures. Floods can also be dangerous by
causing ceiling boards to loosen up and fall or causing electrocution by wetting live electrical
equipment. Floods should be avoided.

Water Cooling Connections: Plastic/rubber tubings that carry cooling water to any set-ups
must be fastened securely onto the apparatus and the water taps using suitable clamps, wires,
tags or clips. The exit tube must deliver the water down a drain that is large enough to
accommodate the flow without overflowing. The exit tube must likewise be securely anchored
to prevent splashing or ejection in case water pressure rises.
 PERSONAL SAFETY
Safety Checklist for Laboratory Users1
YES NO
1. Do you wash your hands before leaving the laboratory?
2. Do you wear appropriate attire in the laboratory (lab coat, safety googles,
gloves, shoes)?
3. Are the appropriate hazard signs and emergency numbers posted on the
outside of the laboratory door?
4. Are all containers in your lab properly labeled? Do you know how to interpret
these labels?
5. Do you know where to find Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for all
chemical used in your laboratory?
6. Are the chemicals in your lab properly stored?
7. Have you been instructed in the proper use and handling of the chemicals in
your laboratory?
8. Have you been instructed in the location and use of safety devices (safety
showers, eye washes, laboratory hoods, etc.) in your laboratory?
9. Are you aware of emergency procedures in the event of a chemical exposure,
spill, fire, or explosion?
10. Do you know how to properly segregate and dispose of chemicals that you
will use?
11. Are all mechanical engineering controls (e.g., fume hoods) operating
properly?
12. Do you know whom to notify if working in a laboratory alone after normal
hours?
13. Have you attended the Laboratory Use Orientation and Safety Seminar
conducted by the Department?
14. Have you attended laboratory specific training provided by your laboratory
supervisor?
15. Do you know where your laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
is stored and how to use them?
16. Are you familiar with the protocol that you are following? Do you feel
comfortable performing the procedure without additional information or
demonstration?

If you answered NO to any of these questions, read this laboratory safety manual. If you still
have questions, see your laboratory supervisor or contact DChE at 981 8500 loc 3113/3114.

1
https://www.des.umd.edu/ls/labguide/lg.pdf
 PERSONAL BEHAVIOR

Do not prepare, store (even temporarily), or consume food or beverages in any chemical
laboratory.
Avoid wearing or bringing lab coats outside the laboratory.
Do not smoke in any chemical laboratory. Additionally, be aware that tobacco products
in opened packages can absorb chemical vapors.
Do not allow visitors, including children and pets, in laboratories where hazardous
chemicals are stored or are in use, or hazardous activities are in progress.
Confine long hair and loose clothing while performing experiments.
Do not apply cosmetics when in the laboratory.
Do not use mouth suction to pipette chemicals or to start a siphon. Use a pipette bulb or a
mechanical pipetting device to provide a vacuum.
Do not distract or startle other workers.
Wash well before leaving the laboratory.
Keep work areas clean and free from obstruction.
Do not block access to exits, emergency equipment, controls, electric panels, etc.
Do not working alone.
Avoid loitering, especially when conducting experiments.
 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT2

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a special gear used to protect the wearer from specific
hazards of a hazardous substance. It is a last resort protection system, to be used when
substitution or engineering controls are not feasible. PPE does not reduce or eliminate the hazard,
protects only the wearer, and does not protect anyone else.

Figure 1. Personal protective equipment3

PPE includes protective clothing, footwear, eye protection, gloves, and respiratory protection.
The need for PPE is dependent upon the type of operations and the nature and quantity of the
materials in use, and must be assessed on a case by case basis. Workers who rely on PPE must
understand the functioning, proper use, and limitations of the PPE used.

2
http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/labsafetymanual/sec6c.htm
3
http://ehs.ucmerced.edu/sites/ehs.ucmerced.edu/files/public/images/cal-osha_labcoat_standard2.jpg
 Table 1: Personal protective equipment

Protective Clothing When the possibility of chemical contamination exists, wear

protective clothing that resists physical and chemical hazards over
your casual clothes.
Lab coats are appropriate for minor chemical splashes and solids
contamination, while plastic or rubber aprons are best for
protection from corrosive or irritating liquids.
Footwear Wear closed-toes shoes at all times in the laboratories where
chemicals are stored or used or equipment are being operated.
Use chemical-resistance overshoes or boots when handling
corrosive chemicals or large quantities of solvents or water that
might penetrate normal footwear.
The following are strictly not allowed:
sandals cloth shoes
doll shoes open-toed shoes
flip-flops high heeled shoes
clogs stiletto-heeled shoes
backless shoes
Eye Protection Wear safety glasses whenever you are performing experiments,
especially those involving chemicals, pressure apparatus, or
mechanical equipment.
Do not wear contact lenses.
Gloves Wear protective gloves when handling hazardous materials,
chemicals of unknown toxicity, corrosive materials, rough or sharp-
edge objects, or very hot or very cold materials.
Make sure to use the gloves appropriate for the type of work that
you will be doing. You may refer to Table 2Table 1 for a few glove
materials and their general uses; the list is not exhaustive.
While wearing gloves, be careful not to handle anything aside from
the materials in your procedure. Touching equipment, phones,
wastebaskets, or other surfaces may cause contamination.
Do not wear rubber or plastic gloves when working with a naked
flame.
Before removing them, wash the outside of the glove. To avoid
accidental skin exposure, remove the first glove by grasping the cuff
and peeling the glove off the hand so that the glove is inside out.
Repeat this process with the second hand, touching the inside of the
glove cuff, rather than the outside. Wash hands immediately with
soap and water.
Respiratory protection Use a respirator when engineering controls (e.g., general ventilation,
fume hood) are not feasible or do not reduce the exposure of a
chemical to acceptable levels.
 Table 2: Glove materials and their general uses

Glove Material General Uses

Butyl Offers the highest resistance to permeation by most gases and water vapor.
Especially suitable for use with esters and ketones.
Neoprene Provides moderate abrasion resistance but good tensile strength and heat
resistance. Compatible with many acids, caustics and oils.
Nitrile Excellent general duty glove. Provides protection from a wide variety of
solvents, oils, petroleum products and some corrosives. Excellent resistance
to cuts, snags, punctures and abrasions.
PVC Provides excellent abrasion resistance and protection from most fats, acids,
and petroleum hydrocarbons.
PVA Highly impermeable to gases. Excellent protection from aromatic and
chlorinated solvents. Cannot be used in water or water-based solutions.
Viton Exceptional resistance to chlorinated and aromatic solvents. Good resistance
to cuts and abrasions.
Silver Shield Resists a wide variety of toxic and hazardous chemicals. Provides the highest
level of overall chemical resistance.
Natural rubber Provides flexibility and resistance to a wide variety of acids, caustics, salts,
detergents and alcohols.

LABORATORY CHEMICAL FUME HOOD

Chemical fume hoods capture, contain, and expel emissions generated by hazardous chemicals.
Some fume hoods channel captured air from the room to the outside, while other fume hoods
capture only the pollutants and return the air to the room. In general, it is advisable to conduct
all experiments involving chemicals in a fume hood. Fume hoods offer an extra measure of
protection, especially for experiments that involve the release of undesirable or hazardous
effluents.

Table 3: Laboratory chemical fume hood

Operation Use the fume hood only when you are familiar with its
operation.
Maintain the sash at or below the optimum operating height
as designated by the label with an arrow.
Raise large objects that must be in the hood (e.g., water bath)
to allow airflow beneath and on all sides of the object.
Always work back into the hood, six inches beyond the sash
line, keeping the sash line between your body and your work.
Maintenance Keep the inside of the hood clean and uncluttered.
Make sure that the hood is always in good condition and
capable of routine use.
If you detect strong odors released from materials in the
 hood, check to make sure that the ventilation fan is on.
If the fume hood is malfunctioning, discontinue work and
inform lab head, UR, or supervisor.
Aside from the standard PPE, wear a face shield or explosion
shield when handling reactive substances.
Prevent any solid objects or materials from entering the
exhaust ducts to avoid clogging.
Do not use the fume hood for long-term chemical storage.

CHEMICAL STORAGE CABINETS

Storage of flammable and corrosives in the lab should be limited to the least possible quantity.
Flammable materials should be stored in properly constructed wooden or metal storage cabinets.
Storage cabinets for flammable materials shall be conspicuously labeled, "Flammable - Keep
Fire Away."

Table 4: Chemical Storage Cabinets

Use and Maintenance Do not arrange chemicals in alphabetical order without

consideration of their chemical compatibilities.
Limit storage outside of the cabinet to materials that are in
current use.
Store glass containers in the bottom shelf of storage cabinets.

SAFETY SHOWERS

Safety showers provide an effective means of treatment in the event that chemicals are spilled or
splashed onto the skin or clothing.

Safety showers should be in a clearly marked location. The facility should be no more
than 10 seconds away from every laboratory workbench.
Laboratory workers should be able to locate the nearest shower with their eyes closed.
Safety showers should be able to supply a continuous stream of water to cover the entire
body.
Safety showers should be located away from electrical panels or outlets.
If at all possible, safety showers should be installed near appropriate drainage system.

Table 5: Safety Showers

Operation Stand below the showerhead and pull down the ring chain or
triangular rod to activate the shower.
Remove contaminated clothing, including shoes and jewelry,
while under an operating shower.
 For the laboratory personnel: Drain and test eye wash
stations weekly, and inspect every six months.

EYEWASH STATIONS

Eyewash stations provide an effective means of treatment when chemicals come in contact with
eyes.

The eyewash facility should be clearly marked and no more than 10 seconds away from
every lab work station.
Laboratory workers should be able to locate the nearest eye wash facility with their eyes
closed.
An eye injury is usually accompanied by a skin injury. For this reason, eye wash stations
should be located near safety shower and/or drench hose so that the eyes and body can be
washed.

Table 6: Eyewash stations

Use and Maintenance Aim water or eye solutions at the base of the nose between
the eyes, not directly into the eyeball. This increases the
chance of effectively rinsing the eyes free of chemicals.
Harsh streams of water may drive the particles further into
the eyes.
You may need to forcibly open the eyelids to attempt eye
rinse.
Flood your eyes and eyelids with water or eye solution for a
minimum of 10 minutes.
For the laboratory personnel: Drain and test eye wash
stations weekly, and inspect every six months.

SAFETY WITH CHEMICALS

It is mandatory for safety to do a health risk assessment prior to handling chemicals.

Follow MSDS recommendations and heed warnings regarding the use and storage of chemicals.

As a matter of safety, MINIMIZE the amount of reactants used in an experiment. SUBSTITUTE

hazardous chemicals as much as possible.

The following are emphasized:

Common Solvents Are they toxic?

Are there flammability or explosion danger limits on vapor concentration
in air?
 Use an effective fume-hood particularly in handling volatile solvents.
Fine powders or substances that release dust during handling can be toxic
and explosive!
Spills Use absorbent granules, sawdust or sand to mop up solvent spills.
When using large amounts of acid or base or any amount of strongly
smelling material, keep a neutralizing agent within reach.
Carcinogens Category 1 known carcinogens to humans. Warning Label: Toxic
Category 2 strongly presumed carcinogen, based on long-term animal
studies and other information. Risk Phrase: R45 (May cause cancer) or R49
(May cause cancer by inhalation)
Category 3 possibly carcinogenic. Warning Label: Harmful. Risk
Phrase: R40 (Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect).

When working with Category 1 or 2 carcinogens, worker must be fully

informed of the grave cancer risk and the procedures for proper handling
and disposal.

Project Leader or Laboratory Head must keep a record of all user exposure
to carcinogens.

Disposal: DO NOT dispose along with the waste solvents. SPECIAL

ARRANGEMENTS must be made by the project leader/lab head with a
chemical waste disposal company.
Mercury Because mercury is VERY TOXIC, all glass apparatus containing mercury
(highly toxic) should be provided with a secondary containment to catch mercury in the
event of a breakage.
If there are mercury-containing items in the lab, have a MERCURY SPILL
KIT (sulfur powder and suction devices) on hand. Other things that may
be used to clean up mercury include: latex or vinyl gloves, zip-lock bags or
plastic trash bags, wide tape (masking, duct, or clear), paper towels,
eyedropper, two index cards or pieces of stiff cardboard, water to moisten
the paper towels.
Mercury spills should be collected up immediately before they roll into
cracks, crevices, or get into clothing, shoes and other porous materials from
which it would be very difficult to remove.
Avoid spreading spilled mercury! Do not use brooms, mops or vacuum
cleaners to clean up a mercury spill; cordon off the spill area so nobody
walks through it, and take off any contaminated clothing, shoes, and other
items and leave it in the spill area (do not bring them to other areas).
Contaminated clothes, rags, carpets, shoes, and other porous items will
likely need to be disposed as hazardous waste wrap these in double
plastic trash bags, carefully seal with tape, and label.

Small spills (e.g., from a thermometer or thermostat)

For liquid mercury spills, refer to
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/chemicals/hsees/mercury/
 cleaning_up_a_small_mercury_spill.htm
For shattered fluorescent bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs, see
http://chemistry.about.com/od/metalsalloys/a/how-to-dispose-of-
mercury.htm

Large spills EVACUATE the spill area; SEEK professional help (fire
department or a contractor). TEST clothing and personal belongings that
may have been contaminated. Refer to the following webpage:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mercury/lgspills.htm

Cyanides Cyanides MAY NOT BE USED outside regular working hours.

(highly toxic)
Hydrofluoric acid HF MAY NOT BE USED outside regular working hours.
(highly corrosive) HF can cause very painful burns at concentrations above 1M or 2% in
water without immediately observable effects.
When working with HF, have a tube of HF Antidote Gel/Calcium
Gluconate at hand, apply if concentrated acid contacts the skin.
Inhalation of anhydrous HF can be fatal.
Other Chemicals Liquid Nitrogen can cause severe burns upon eye or skin contact. Use
safety goggles and gloves when handling cryogenic liquids. Be wary of
explosions due to sudden expansion of condensed gases or vapors.
Highly reactive substances (e.g., sodium metal, metal hydrides) quench in
a fume hood in the absence of water or solvents.
Flammable (e.g. Acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol, hexane, etc)
solvents Store in Safe containers inside cabinets designed for flammables (fire
resistant).
NEVER heat flammables using an OPEN FLAME.
When using flammables, KEEP AWAY from IGNITION SOURCES.
ALWAYS use a FUME HOOD while working with flammable liquids.
Oxidizers (e.g., Peroxides, nitrates, nitrites, perchlorates, chlorates, chlorites,
hypochlorites, dichlorates.)
STORE AWAY from flammables, organic compounds and combustible
materials
STORE AWAY from processing and handling areas.
STORE AWAY from other materials especially organic or reducing
agents.
STORE in glass or other inert containers, and use compatible secondary
trays. For larger containers, provide dikes around storage areas and ramps
at door openings.
STORE below eye level to reduce risk of accidental dropping of
containers.
Some oxidizing agents (e.g. 8% or higher H2O2 in water) generate oxygen
gas and water during storage need to store in vented containers. DO
NOT STACK vented containers on top of one another.
STORE away from exits.
Perchloric acid may only be used in a fume hood designed for perchloric
 acid. Purchase or use of anhydrous perchloric acid in the ChE department
is forbidden.
Corrosives (e.g., Sulfuric acid, chromic acid, stannic acid, hydrofluoric acid, NH4OH)
STORE separate from bases and flammables. Many acids are also strong
oxidizers
Add acid to water, never the other way around.
Store corrosives BELOW or AT EYE LEVEL.
USE SECONDARY containers for storage to contain leaks.
STORE in a WOODEN CABINET or one with corrosion-resistant coating.
Store NITRIC ACID in a separate cabinet of compartment.
Other Reactives Water-reactives store and isolate away from any water source
Phosphorics store in a clearly marked, isolated part of the lab
Peroxide-forming (e.g. ethers, acetals, ketals, cyclic ethers, aldehydes,
benzylic hydrogens, allylic hydrogens, vivinyl, vinylidene compounds,
dienes) should be labelled for date received and expected shelf life.
NEVER OPEN any chemical containers if peroxide formation is
suspected, or if cover is stuck up. Visually inspect for crystals and
unusual viscosity before opening.
Shock-sensitive - (e.g., trinitro glycrine, . see Appendix D for a more
complete list of shock-sensitive materials). Store in explosion-proof
containers where there is minimal human activity and little risk of getting
unnecessarily disturbed. Be wary of bottles or containers with signs of
crystal formation which may indicate peroxide formation. Do not force-
open these, DO NOT shake the bottle.

SAFETY WITH ELECTRICITY

Electrical hazards can cause burns, shock and electrocution.

Never assume that a wire is safe to touch!
Never operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water, or when your feet are
soaking wet.
If you are not an electrician, do not attempt to repair electrical cords or equipment.
Always use caution when working near electricity.

Notice the danger When using any electrical equipment, WATCH for worn out cables and
signs insulations, loose connections, loose plugs, etc... RECTIFY or REPLACE
immediately when necessary.

Plugs and Fuses

Water and Wet electrical equipment is VERY DANGEROUS. DISCONNECT from
Electricity the mains before touching it.
Safety Testing Have portable electrical equipment tested regularly by an authorized
electrician.
New, second-hand, and old equipment must be tested before being used.
Clearly mark failed equipment as FAILED and do not attempt to use.
 SAFETY WITH MACHINES AND TRANSPORT

Carrying solvents Observe safety when transporting Winchester or reagent bottles of solvents
by using appropriate carriers or trolleys.
Rotary equipment Be wary of getting ones hair, clothing, wires or tubing caught in rotating
equipment.
Gas cylinders Use appropriate trolleys in transporting large cylinders of compressed gas.
Gas cylinders should be securely strapped at all times (during transport,
storage and use).
Keep only the minimum number of gas cylinders in a room or station.
On the gas regulators, mark the maximum safe pressure allowed for regular
use in the laboratory.

SAFETY WITH GLASSWARE

Evacuated/ Glassware under vacuum poses implosion risks. In the event of an

Pressurized glassimplosion, glass pieces may be sprayed around COVER any evacuated
glass with strong sticky tape, plastic net, or a metal shroud.
Glassware under pressure is MORE DANGEROUS. Use only with TOTAL
CONTAINMENT.
Broken glass and Put broken glassware ONLY in dedicated waste bins labelled SHARPS,
empty bottles which should be taped up at all sides and bottom before use.
All bottles for disposal should be inspected and treated prior to disposal:
Remove and destroy any sodium residues found in bottles, then
wash the bottles with water.
Completely empty all bottles of solvents and chemicals, wash and
dry them until there is no residual odor in them.
Put cleaned bottles without lids or stoppers into the waste bins

Glassware for All glassware for repair should be thoroughly cleaned first. Use appropriate
repair degreasers as needed.

SAFETY WITH REFRIGERATORS, FREEZERS & CRYOGENICS

Refrigerators and Check contents frequently and regularly purge of unwanted samples.
Freezers Use only an explosion-proof refrigerator for storing chemicals.
Never store food in a refrigerator used for chemicals.
Tightly seal all containers that are put in the refrigerators and freezers.
Liquid Nitrogen Be aware of the danger of asphyxiation in closed environments (elevators,
and Solid CO2 air-conditioned laboratories, storage rooms, etc.) when boil off occurs. A
block of dry ice can completely sublime and reduce oxygen levels to
 suffocation level in an elevator. Use stairs where possible, or transport
without humans in the elevator.
Beware of sudden boil-off of O2 that condenses from air due to low
temperatures.

SAFETY WHEN HEATING AND COOLING DOWN

Heating Use Heating jackets or oil baths.

Due to the danger of fire and explosion, DO NOT use ovens or furnaces for
heating autoclaves that contain organic solvents.
Where such reactions are needed, perform in a fume hood labelled
adequately with the contents of the reaction vessel and the explosion risk.
Cooling down Heated sealed tubes or bottles should be allowed to cool completely to
room temperature before opening.

NOISE AND SAFETY

The sense of hearing will be able to detect a change in operation of an equipment or machinery
earlier that the sense of vision. Try to keep background noise (from pumps, shakers, compressed
air jets, etc.) at lowest level possible so as not to impair hearing.

The use of personal audio equipment (e.g., radios and earphones) is NOT allowed.

OUTSIDE REGULAR WORKING HOURS

When working outside of the regular working hours, there are additional risks involved since
help may not be available in the event of an accident. All research advisers should be aware of
the work being undertaken by their students. They should also ensure that work outside the
regular hours is properly regulated.

For work outside of regular lab hours:

Undergraduates are forbidden to be in the laboratories unless a supervisor is present with
them.
Working alone is NOT allowed. Make sure there is always someone within earshot.
Experiments that have a risk level beyond 3 must be performed only during the regular
working hours. No work involving cyanides or HF may be done outside normal work
hours.
 UNATTENDED EXPERIMENTS

Experiments left running unattended pose special risks in terms of fires and floods and must be
carefully controlled. The following must be observed:
Unattended running of experiments may be carried out only when absolutely necessary.
Experiments involving overnight refluxing of solvents must be within a ducted fume
hood. All water lines must be securely fastened.
All experiments left running must have a notice on it
o stating EXPERIMENT IN PROGRESS, PLEASE LEAVE RUNNING
o and indicating POTENTIAL HAZARDS in understandable language (e.g.,
Flammable Solvent, Contains Toxic Material). Give Filipino translation as well.
o the name and telephone number of the person responsible for the experiment.
This telephone number must be accessible and one which is with the concerned
person at all times.
o If at all possible, the above information must be posted in a prominent position
outside the laboratory.
o Keep the light of the fume hood ON if the set-up is in a fume hood.
o Electrical equipment left on should be labeled DO NOT SWITCH OFF
o For large, permanent equipment (e.g., SEM), post contact numbers outside the
laboratory and clearly identify EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL OFF switches.

PREGNANT AND BREASTFEEDING WOMEN

Pregnant and breastfeeding women must inform their adviser in writing in order to avoid
exposure to agents or tasks that may endanger the unborn child or infant.

TIDINESS

Keep your working area reasonably tidy and free of obstacles to minimize risks of accidents,
fires, and floods.

Reporting Accidents and Incidents

Any dangerous event in the Department ChE Laboratories must be reported immediately
to the HSE Officer or the Assistant Chair, to avoid recurrence of said event.

Dangerous incidents are unplanned events in which no one was hurt, but which had the
potential to cause injury or damage to property.
Accidents are defined as events in which someone gets hurt.

All incidents, accidents and even near-misses must be reported to the HSE Officer or
Assistant Chair. Please note that the aim is NOT to apportion blame for an accident or
incident, but rather to put up measure to prevent recurrence. No one should be afraid to
report such events. It is mandatory in industry practice.

Chemical Waste Disposal

Environmental regulations require proper disposal of chemical waste. Such entails
additional cost and inconvenience, hence as a matter of practicality and economics, it is
good practice to design experiments such that waste generation is minimized. As much
as possible and practicable, substances or materials should be recovered and recycled.

At the conclusion of research projects, workers must dispose of all unwanted products or
other chemicals, including leftover unused reagents. Proper chemical waste disposal is a
requirement for laboratory clearance.

Waste Chemicals

As much as possible, the lead researcher of individual or group research project is to

make arrangements with a chemical waste disposal company for disposal of unwanted
chemicals. A list of such companies may be obtained from the Environmental
Management Bureau of the DENR.

All substances to be disposed of should be identified by chemical name and molecular

formula. For mixed waste, the character of the mixture must be accurately defined (e.g.
organic amines and their salts, no compound boiling below 100 C, some suspected
carcinogens). Descriptions that are not acceptable are mixture of organic liquids,
smells of nitrobenzene. IMPORTANT: known hazards associated with the water
should be clearly stated on the label, including hazardous drying agents.

Container must be leak-proof, clearly labeled with identity or category of the contents,
any known hazards, some indication of the boiling point range. Trade names alone are
not acceptable. The chemical nature must be indicated.

If packed into used boxes, ENSURE OLD LABELS ARE ERASED OR

OBLITERATED. Also, mark the container as to which SIDE UP. Total weight should
NOT exceed 5 kg and the dimensions should be about one foot cube. Organic or aqueous
liquids should be in glass or plastic containers, solids in metal drums or plastic tubs.

Waste Solvents

Prior to disposal, submit a form listing the type and quantity of waste to be disposed.
There are 2 categories of waste solvents Chlorinated and non-Chlorinated. Put only
approved waste solvents (with limited amounts of solute at worst) in the containers. DO
NOT put reaction mixtures containing drying agents, oxidants or solutions of oxidants
must never be put into the waste solvent containers. Acids and bases must be placed in
separate containers, never into containers for organic solvents.

No substance that is category 1 or 2 carcinogens may be put in the waste solvents in any
form.

For details on waste disposal and classification of chemical waste, please see the Waste
Management System of the ChE Department.

Security in the Department

All students, faculty and staff should wear their IDs at all times when within the
premises of the building. All visitors and guests should log in at the security guards
logbook at the lobby, and must wear their visitors pass at all times.

All doors and windows should be locked when no one is in the lab or office. Be alert for
suspicious persons (e.g. non-students without visitors passes) in the premises, especially
outside regular working hours. Ask what he/she wants. Contact security personnel or the
UP Police at 928-3615 if unsure about the persons intention.

Observe greater caution when working outside regular working hours. Report to the
security personnel any person within the premises who does not bear an authorization
pass. Suspicious movements, especially in areas immediately surrounding the building,
should also be alerted to security personnel. For added security, CCTV cameras are
installed in various locations.

For research laboratory heads, regularly update the roll call or list of persons authorized
to work in your lab, and post the list on a prominent location outside your lab (e.g. door).
 First version authors:
Dr. Rizalinda de Leon
Asst. Prof. Patrick Ramoso
Asst. Prof. Marjorie Baynosa
Asst. Prof. Julie Anne del Rosario
Engr. Jonas Karl Christopher Agutaya
Engr. Joseph Jimievard Abuan
Engr. Myron Alcanzare
 APPENDIX D
Acetylene -- flammable
Acetyl peroxide -- flammable
Ammonium picrate -- requires >10% water to reduce shock hazard
Benzoyl peroxide -- requires 25%-35% water to reduce shock hazard
Bouin's solution -- yellow solution containing picric acid
Chlorotrifluoroethylene -- flammable
Dinitrophenylhydrazine -- requires >10% water to reduce shock hazard
Dipicrylamine (syn: Hexanitrodiphenylamine) -- explosive and poisonous
Dipicryl sulphide (syn: Hexanitrodiphenyl sulfide) -- requires >10% water to reduce shock hazard
Nitrofluoride -- strong oxidizer
Nitrogen trifluoride (syn: Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide) -- poisonous gas
Nitroglycerin -- skin irritant
Nitromethane (syn: Nitrocarbol)
Picramide (syn: Trinitroaniline)
Picric acid (syn: Melinite, Trinitrophenol) -- requires >10% water to reduce shock hazard
Picryl chloride
Picryl sulphonic acid (syn: trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid) -- flammable solid, corrosive
Trinitroanisole (syn: trinitrophenylmethyl ether) -- explodes by heat or shock
Trinitrobenzene -- requires >10% water to reduce shock hazard
Trinitrobenzoic acid -- an explosive
Trinitrotoluene (syn: Picryl sulphonic acid, TNT) -- moderate explosion hazard; requires strong
shock
Urea nitrate -- requires >10% water to reduce shock hazard