Procedure of Handling and Storage of Laboratory Chemicals especially flammable chemical, corrosive chemical, toxic chemical and oxidizing agents

Follow the General Safety Rules. Treat all chemicals as potentially harmful. Note hazard warnings displayed on labels. The handling of volatile or highly toxic chemicals must be carried out in a fume hood. Wear appropriate protective clothing, laboratory coat, gloves and safety glasses. Read aid procedures relevant to the chemicals being used. Know the location of safety equipment, safety showers, eye washes, spill clean up kits, and fire blankets. Label all reagents clearly, and identify special hazards. Carcinogenic or highly toxic chemicals should be stored in sealed double containers in the lockable "poisons cabinet" in the laboratory. Exceptions are chemicals that are corrosive, flammable, or a gas, which should be stored in appropriate conditions. Do not store strongly interacting chemicals next to each other. Never pipette by mouth. Always use a suction pump, aspirator bulb or safety pipette.

Flammable chemicals

• These should be stored in a fireproof metal box at ground level, preferably in a cool store

Corrosive chemicals

• Store these at low levels.

Toxic, harmful and irritating chemicals

• Store highly toxic chemicals, e.g potassium cyanide in a locked cupboard. Stock solutions should also be stored safely in a cupboard, not on an open shelf

Oxidising agents

• Keep these away from organic materials and reducing agents. They can produce much heat when in contact with other chemicals especially flammable chemicals

Carcinogens

• Label their containers ‘CARCINOGENIC’ and handle with special precautions