University of Hull - Faculty of Science

AN ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A PROCEDURE, INCLUDING THE USE OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH. THIS
DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES A WRITTEN RISK ASSESSMENT

The procedure detailed in this document will require a complete reassessment one year from the date of signing. Please enter the review date here (one year from the date of signing). Review on _______________.
This unique reference number should be recorded in your laboratory book each day when carrying out this procedure.

Description of the procedure (what you are going to do, the hazards that exist and how you will control the hazards to keep everyone safe). Title and description of the procedure (include all reaction conditions and apparatus used):
Spin Coating of Electroluminescent Organic Compounds The following procedure is carried out in a nitrogen glovebox; all materials and equipment should be collected together and placed in the glovebox before commencing the procedure. Solution Preparation. The required amount of the compound to be used is weighed and placed in a small sample vial. Solvent (one only from the list overleaf) is then added from a syringe, the cap is placed on the vial, and the vial is gently agitated until the compound dissolves. Spin-Coating. A glass, quartz or other appropriate substrate is placed on the rotating chuck of the spin-coater, where it is held in place by a vacuum system. The spin-coater controls are set as required to control the spin time, spin speed etc. The compound solution is drawn into a syringe or pipette. A few drops of the solution are applied to the surface of the substrate, and the spin-coater started. (Substrates are typically spun at 2000rpm for 30 seconds, although this is variable according to compound, required layer thickness etc.) The spin-coater will stop automatically at the end of the spin. The substrate is then released from the vacuum chuck and placed on a hotplate to cure the material. (The hotplate temperature is typically 40-50C for most compounds, but again, this is variable.)

Explanation of the risks associated with the procedure (what are the potential hazards that could occur?):
The solvents used in this procedure are generally flammable, so should be kept away from sources of heat or flame. Fumes/vapours may be emitted by the solvents used handle under extraction in a fume cupboard, or in a glovebox.. A considerable amount of material will be ejected from the sample surface as it spins provision must be made so that this excess material is contained

Control measures to be used during the procedure (to prevent the procedure becoming hazardous to yourself and others). Primary controls (these are fundamental controls which have been designed into the experiment to reduce the risk, e.g. use a condenser, coolant, nitrogen atmosphere etc, or any other same time activity that should not happen in the vicinity):
Keep solvent bottles tightly closed when not in use. Solvents should be stored in a purpose designed flammables cabinet, away from sources of heat or flame. A shield should be placed around the spin-coater chuck to collect excess solution which is ejected from the sample surface during the spinning process. Dispose of this waste according to the procedure described overleaf. Ensure that the glovebox is properly closed and sealed before commencing the procedure. Monitor the nitrogen gas supply throughout. The exhaust gas from the glovebox should not vent into the laboratory, but should be piped into a fume cupboard for extraction. Ensure that the spin-coater is working properly before commencing procedure. In particular, ensure that substrates are held securely by the vacuum chuck (carry out a test spin before applying solution).

Mitigating controls (elements of control put into place to reduce exposure within the procedure e.g. use of fume cupboard, use of personal protective equipment or shields):
The entire procedure described above should be carried out in a nitrogen glovebox. If solvents are handled outside the glovebox, they should be handled in a fume cupboard. Wear gloves, lab coat and eye/face protection when handling chemicals.

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Assessment reference number: _AL 1____________________

Reagents to be used (what are you going to use, how much and what are the hazards of each one - remember it is important to think about incompatibilities as well).

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Assessment reference number: _AL 1____________________

Amoun t to be used <0.1g

<0.1g

Substances (also list reaction products) Various electroluminescent organic compounds (synthesised inhouse) P3HT [Poly(3hexylthiophene-2,5dyle)]

Hazards

Exposure limit (WEL) Not available

Precise toxicological properties unknown. Treat as toxic/harmful.

Source of information (should be MSDS) Not available

Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. Avoid breathing dust/ fume/ gas/ mist/ vapours/ spray.

No information

Sigma-Aldrich, MSDS

<0.1g

PVP [Poly(4vinylphenol)]

Not a dangerous substance according to GHS. This substance is not classified as dangerous according to Directive 67/548/EEC. However, still take precautionary measures when using. Avoid contact with eyes and skin, and avoid breathing dust/ fume/ gas/ mist/ vapours/ spray.

No information

Sigma-Aldrich, MSDS

<2ml

<2ml

<2ml

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Hexamethyldisilazane Flammable substance. No Sigma-Aldrich (HMDS) Excessive inhalation of vapours information can irritate the respiratory tract and possibly lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Not considered a serious hazard when ingested. However, gastrointestinal upset may follow the ingestion of appreciable amounts. Moderate skin irritant. May be absorbed through skin. Eye irritant. May cause severe burns on direct contact with liquid HMDS. Chloroform Toxic OEL-UK: Sigma-Aldrich, Harmful if swallowed. TWA 2 ppm MSDS Irritating to skin. (9.9 mg/m3), Possible risk of irreversible effects. skin, Harmful: danger of serious damage Sep2000 to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and if swallowed. Possible carcinogen and mutagen. Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions. Toluene Highly flammable OEL-UK: Sigma-Aldrich, Harmful TWA 50 ppm MSDS Toxic by inhalation, in contact (191 mg/m3), with skin and if swallowed. STEL 150 Risk of serious damage to eyes. ppm, Skin, Assessment reference number: Sep 2000 Irritating to respiratory system and _AL 1____________________ skin - high concentrations are

Carefully think about the following questions and answer them fully. Risk implications: Identify any substances used or formed that might give rise to an explosion. ___no metals etc. used___ Will the control measures be sufficient to prevent an explosion? ___________Yes______________ If gas is produced during the reaction, could the quantity produced lead to vessel rupture or its contents being ejected or overflowing? ___________No____________ If yes, how will you prevent any hazards? _____________________________ In the event of catastrophic failure of the apparatus, the effect will be confined to the work area*/fume cupboard*/laboratory*/building.* (* please select only one) Will the control measures be sufficient to prevent the exposure limits being exceeded? YES/NO Do you intend to carry out this procedure outside normal working hours? YES*/NO *if yes, you must report in and out to Security (tel. 6868) and ensure someone else is close by while you work.

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Assessment reference number: _AL 1____________________

Disposal of waste (how are you going to dispose of the waste produced during the procedure). All waste produced during this procedure must be disposed of in an appropriate manner, and detailed below. The waste produced will be disposed as (using an appropriately labelled waste bottle): Flammable solvent waste __________ Chlorinated solvent waste __________ Ether solvent waste __________ General chemical waste __________ Incompatibility risk of waste __________

If any waste is suitable for disposal to drain, state which waste AND why:

What to do if it all goes wrong. Emergency procedures (emphasis any special hazards) Emergency shut down procedure in your absence:
Turn off all electrical equipment (spin-coater, hotplate). Turn off the nitrogen gas supply to the glovebox. Turn off vacuum pumps.

Action in event of fire (include class of fire extinguisher):

Evacuate the area. Wear breathing apparatus and protective clothing (including gloves and goggles or face shield) if an attempt is made to tackle a fire. Use CO2, dry powder or appropriate foam extinguisher. Water may be effective for cooling, but may not effect extinguishment.

Action in event of spillage or uncontrolled release:

Evacuate the area, unless the amount of material spilled is small. Absorb spillage on sand or vermiculite and place in a closed container or sealed bag for disposal. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup is complete.

Treatment for personnel in the event of contamination, exposure to fumes or any other adverse effects:
In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately. If fumes/vapours are inhaled, remove to fresh air. In case of skin eye contact, flush with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, and call a physician. In case of skin contact, wash with soap and copious amounts of water. Remove contaminated clothing. If swallowed, wash out mouth with water. Seek medical advice immediately.

Have you checked all above equipment is available in your work area?

The following checklist must be completed before the safety officer will sign your form; if the form is not complete it will NOT be signed. 1. All sections have been fully completed and with sufficient detail. 2. The review date has been completed. 3. All pages show the unique assessment reference number for the form.

4. The assessor has signed the form. A member of academic staff must countersign the form (as supervisor) if any signatory on the form is not a member of staff (i.e. undergraduate or postgraduate student or visitor). 5. Other users of this risk assessment have also signed the form.

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Assessment reference number: _AL 1____________________

The signatories of this document are permitted to perform the procedure described on this form. Name of Assessor:______________________ Signature: ______________________ Status of assessor: Undergraduate , Postgraduate , Academic , Post-doctoral , Technical , other____________ Supervision requirement (please select one of the following options): 1. The experimental procedure can be undertaken by a signatory whenever there are one or more additional persons within easy contact distance. Date: ___/___/___

2. A member of academic or post-doctoral staff must be present in the laboratory (but not necessarily directly supervising the person undertaking the procedure). 3. All or part of the procedure requires direct supervision by a member of academic or post-doctoral staff (please give details below). _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Name of Supervisor: ______________________ Signature:_______________________ Assessment Received by Safety Officer Signature:__________________________ Date: ____/_____/____ Date: ___/____/

Note: This risk assessment is valid for one year from receipt by the Safety Officer. One copy must be lodged with the safety officer before work is undertaken, and copies of the assessment are to be retained by the student, the supervisor and any other staff involved. The persons listed below are also permitted to carry out the above procedure on condition that they read the assessment and sign below to indicate this, and that the safety officer has signed the appendix in the adjacent column (each person should make a copy of this form for their personal use). Name (printed) Signature Date Signed and dated by DSO

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Assessment reference number: _AL 1____________________