इंटरनेट मानक

Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to
information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities,
in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority,
and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest
to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of
education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the
timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार” “प0रा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”

Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan Jawaharlal Nehru
“The Right to Information, The Right to Live” “Step Out From the Old to the New”

IS 4209 (1987): Code of Safety in Chemical Laboratories

[CHD 8: Occupational Safety, Health and Chemical Hazards]

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”

Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda
“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता ह”

है”
ह
Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam
“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”
 IS 4209 : 2013

Hkkjrh; ekud
jlk;u ç;ksx'kkyk — lqj{kk lafgrk
( nwljk iqujh{k.k )

Indian Standard
CHEMICAL LABORATORIES — CODE OF SAFETY
( Second Revision )

ICS 13.100;13.300;71.040.10

© BIS 2013
B U R EAU O F I N D IAN S TAN DAR D S
MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002

January 2013 Price Group 8

Occupational Safety and Health and Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee, CHD 8

FOREWORD

This Indian Standard (Second Revision) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft
finalized by the Occupational Safety and Health and Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee had been approved
by the Chemical Division Council.

The need for a code of safety for chemical laboratories stems from two factors, first due to hazards inherent
in the nature and handling of chemicals, and second due to hazards from inadequacy or handling of instrumental
facilities necessary in chemical laboratories, such as electricity, glassware, machinery equipment, gas, steam,
water, apparatus for high/low temperature and pressure. Innumerable chemicals used as reagents and solvents
are flammable/toxic/corrosive/poisonous, etc, and are harmful/irritants to body tissues.

The standard was originally published in 1966 and subsequently revised in 1987 to incorporate the general
rules of conduct concerning safety, reference for handling highly toxic materials, emergency alarm system,
etc, in laboratory designing, safety details for fire, emergency and rescue procedures; evacuation of site
reporting systems under organization of laboratory and general laboratory techniques and fires under specific
techniques. The Committee decided to revise this standard in view of incorporating the latest safety practices
in the standard. In this revision general guidelines on safe disposal, incompatible materials, safe procedures
to deal with spillage, electrical installations, and handling of chemicals at very low temperature are incorporated.
Moreover format for material safety data sheet and list of chemicals and their incompatible materials are given
in Annexes A and B.

This standard is one of a series of Indian Standards on safety in laboratories. The other standards in this
series are IS 4906 : 1968 ‘Code of safety for radiochemical laboratory’ and IS 12035 : 1986 ‘Code of safety in
microbiological laboratories’.

The composition of the Committee responsible for formulating this standard is given in Annex C.
 IS 4209 : 2013

Indian Standard
CHEMICAL LABORATORIES — CODE OF SAFETY
( Second Revision )

1 SCOPE 3.1.3 Every effort should be made to recognize areas

of potential hazards and corrective action should be
1.1 This standard recommends a Code of safety for
taken expeditiously to minimize accidents.
chemical laboratories.
3.1.4 A complete record of accidents should be
1.1.1 This standard does not cover hazards relating
maintained by the institution to identify causative
to radioactive substances.
factors and to provide valuable guidance for the
2 REFERENCES future.

The standards listed below contain provisions which 3.2 Rules of Conduct
through reference in this text constitute provisions
3.2.1 Smoking is strictly prohibited in working areas
of this standard. At the time of publication, the
other than those specified.
editions indicated were valid. All standards are
subject to revision and parties to agreements based 3.2.2 Reporting to work in an intoxicated condition
on this standard are encouraged to investigate the is strictly forbidden and punishable.
possibility of applying the most recent editions of
the standard indicated below: 3.2.3 All other activities detrimental in maintaining
safety in the laboratory should be strictly prohibited.
IS No. Title
3.2.4 Work in isolation shall be avoided in a
2148 : 2004/ Electrical apparatus for explosive
laboratory; always a second person should be within
IEC 60079-1 : 2001 gas atmospheres — Flameproof
call.
enclosures ‘d’
2190 : 1992 Selection, installation and 3.2.5 Handling or consuming food or drinks in
maintenance of first-aid fire laboratories shall be avoided.
extinguishers — Code of practice
3.2.6 Good personal hygiene such as washing the
(second revision)
hands thoroughly before handling or consuming
2206 (Part 1) : 1984 Flameproof electric lighting food or drinks, having a thorough body wash or bath
fittings: Part 1 Well-glass and at the end of shift wherever insisted are essential.
bulkhead types (first revision)
2379 : 1990 Colour code for identification of 3.2.7 Good housekeeping is considered as the
pipe lines (first revision) backbone of laboratory safety. Returning equipment
not in use to their proper storage place, clear labelling
3 FACTORS INVOLVING SAFETY of chemicals, keeping laboratory floor free of
3.1 General obstruction and other good house-keeping practices
should be strictly followed.
3.1.1 The rules of safety embodied in this standard
should be ingrained in every employee so that their 3.2.8 A periodic check of windows, store wells, fire
practice becomes a matter of day-to-day habit. appliances, first-aid boxes, etc, in the laboratory
should be made.
3.1.2 It will be the responsibility of the institution/
organization to force safety rules. Senior members 3.2.9 A suitable fire extinguisher should be located
are required to be vigilant to ensure that adequate close to each laboratory.
infrastructural facilities are available for safe working 3.2.10 All substances should be regarded as
and adequate information and guidance is available potential sources of hazards and handled with care.
to junior members concerning a variety of chemical
work being performed in laboratories. It will also be 3.2.11 Safety carriers should be used for
the responsibility of workers to adhere to safety transporting glass or plastic containers with a
rules and point out to senior members any unsafe capacity of two liters or greater. Incompatible
condition/spots prevailing in and around the chemicals should never be transported together.
laboratory. They should be transported in separate carriers.

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IS 4209 : 2013

3.2.12 All safety equipment shall be properly category-wise and properly disposed off as per
labelled and maintained in good operating condition approved written procedures. Each laboratory should
and be regularly checked and inspected for correct have a comprehensive safety manual.
operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and record of such checks/inspections 3.2.25 Gas cylinders should never be dragged while
should be maintained. transporting; when kept vertical, they should be
chained to avoid their fall. While storage the valve
3.2.13 Allowable maximum quantities of dangerous cap should be in place. Pressure regulators specific
substances, consistent with efficient operation shall to the gas only should be used.
be established for each laboratory and never
exceeded. 3.2.26 In case of fire, lift should not be used.

3.2.14 Safety information and emergency 4 LABORATORY DESIGN FOR SAFETY

procedures should be prominently displayed. 4.1 Functional Design
Emergency procedures should be posted in each
laboratory giving telephone numbers of, 4.1.1 General

a) Fire brigade; Only those aspects of laboratory design which are

relevant to make them safe places of work and are
b) Ambulance; pertinent to accident hazards have been discussed
c) Supervisor/Safety coordinator; and in this standard. A laboratory is not a haphazard
d) Hospital. collection of rooms; but a well planned and designed
building, where each room has a definite function
3.2.15 Spills should be cleaned immediately and and whose arrangement relative to the others also
thoroughly. The nature of spills should be serves a definite objective. Thus in the design of
ascertained and spills treated accordingly. each room as also of the whole laboratory there has
to be a proper appreciation of the purpose. It is
3.2.16 In case of an injury, the supervisor and safety
important that, in the planning of the laboratory, there
coordinator should be informed and prompt first-aid
should be consultation and collaboration between
should be taken/provided.
the architect and the engineer on the one hand, and
3.2.17 All accidents should be reported to the the senior workers in the laboratory on the other.
immediate supervisor. All accidents should be Even in old laboratories quite a lot may be achieved
investigated and recorded. by minor alterations and adjustments to make them
safe places for work.
3.2.18 Standard operating procedure (SOP) should
be available. 4.1.2 Laboratory Rooms
3.2.19 All unsafe conditions and unsafe acts by 4.1.2.1 The design of the laboratory will depend
fellow workers, which are likely to cause an accident, upon the specific needs of a particular laboratory.
should be reported, to the supervisor. Thus, student laboratories should normally consist
of large rooms, where a number of students can work,
3.2.20 In case of an emergency such as a fire, while a research or specialized analytical laboratory
explosion, etc, the supervisor should be informed or should consist of separate small units. From safety
arrangement is to be made to inform the supervisor point of view the bay layout is preferable to separate
or safety coordinator or head of the department suite of rooms because, in case of an accident, there
nearest available and laid down procedure is to be is a greater chance of some other worker being in
followed. sight. Moreover, every laboratory should be
3.2.21 All the exits are to be kept free of obstructions provided with a few minimum necessities to ensure
to facilitate quick escape in an emergency. safety in working. Each laboratory room shall have
two easily accessible exits (a fire escape, if a second
3.2.22 Proper lift (meant for carrying materials) is to door cannot be provided). If a bay layout is provided
be used while carrying dry ice or liquid nitrogen. for each semi-enclosed cubicle, there should be an
Liquid oxygen should not be used as a substitute escape arrangement from the side away from the
for liquid nitrogen. workbenches. The arrangement of immovable fittings
should be such as to provide adequate moving space
3.2.23 Separate cans should be kept to deposit
between benches. There should be no fittings on
broken glass as otherwise the person cleaning the
the floor, which would hinder or obstruct free
laboratory can sustain cuts from glass, if mixed with
movement. The design and arrangement of benches
other wastes like paper, rubber, etc.
will naturally vary according to the function of each
3.2.24 Chemical wastes should be segregated laboratory but adherence to certain minimum

2
 IS 4209 : 2013

requirements would go a long way to reduce so arranged as to sweep everything to the exhaust.
accidents. Benches should not be too deep (widely It is desirable to have at least one such cupboard in
accepted width is 75 cm) and the service line controls every chemical laboratory. For fume cupboard, the
should be placed at the front below the bench top. exhaust fan should be able to create a face velocity
The reagent shelves should be easily accessible and of 30 m/min at normal working height (say 0.3 m).
should not be unduly high. The reagent shelves Cupboards for highly toxic materials require higher
should be provided with beading (and with centre face velocities (45 m/min).
partitions in the case of double-side shelves) to
prevent bottles falling off due to vibrations. 4.1.3.2 Hot concentrated perchloric acid should be
Wherever necessary, flame-proof electrical fittings handled in separate fume cupboards where its vapour
conforming to IS 2206 (Part 1) should be provided in does not contact any organic matter. (Separate fume
the laboratory. This should be the feature especially hoods should be designed for perchloric acid hoods,
where large amount of solvents are handled. cleaning should be done twice a week and record of
Laboratories should also be provided with adequate cleaning should be available. Material of
ventilation and efficient exhaust to prevent the build- construction of the fume cupboard and allied
up of the concentration of toxic vapours in the implements/fixtures should not contain any organic
atmosphere. constituents.)

4.1.2.2 Ante-rooms 4.1.4 Service Connections

A chemical laboratory should have, besides the actual All pipe lines in the laboratory should be differently
laboratory rooms, separate rooms for: (a) doing coloured as specified in IS 2379 and each room of
pressure reactions and other hazardous operation; the laboratory should be provided with main valves
(b) overnight reactions; and (c) work involving large at an easily accessible and prominently visible places
quantities of solvents. These rooms should so that, in an emergency, all services to a room can
preferably be located at the end of the main be cut-off from one point. There should also be
laboratories. The furniture used in the rooms should arrangements for cutting-off the service connections
be made of fire resistant material and the room should of the entire laboratory from one place. Sinks and
be provided with exhaust fans. There should be a drains should be made of chemically resistant
separate room (preferably air-conditioned) for materials and the drains should be properly trapped
handling other specialized analytical instruments like and vented. The sinks should, wherever feasible, be
chromatograph, spectrometer, etc. flushed with liberal quantity of water after the
contents from reactions vessels are discharged into
4.1.3 Fume Cupboards/Fumehoods them. Water immiscible solvents must not be poured
in drains. Draining boards should be made of, or at
4.1.3.1 Each laboratory should be provided with
least covered, with non-absorbent material. Drain
efficient fume cupboards, sufficiently large to permit
boards made of wood absorb chemicals easily and
complete enclosure of apparatus normally used, and
tend to give vapours for a long period, hence wood
provided with a sink for the washing of apparatus
as drain board, is not recommended.
used for handling toxic materials. For laboratories
where large numbers of digestions are to be carried 4.1.5 Laboratory Furnishings
out, a separate ante-room equipped with efficient
fume cupboard may be provided. The cupboard Furnishing (curtains, etc) which will easily catch fire
should not be too deep so that the fittings inside are should be avoided. Fire resistance properties of
easily accessible while the controls of the service materials used for these should be carefully checked.
connections should be provided outside. The fume 4.1.6 Stores
cupboard should have corrosion-proof fittings. It
should be provided with a light, so placed that the Where large quantities of explosive materials (but
whole cupboard is illuminated. The shutter pans not explosives), inflammable substances, solvents
should be made of shatterproof or reinforced glass. or gas cylinders are to be stored, reference should
The front shutter may be provided with small be made to rules and regulations in force. The store
windows so that apparatus can be manipulated should be provided with separate ante-rooms for
through these without lifting the shutter. The keeping: (a) explosive materials; (b) inflammable
cupboard should be so designed that there is strong substances; (c) poisonous substances; (d) solvents
upward draught even when the shutter is open and in bulk; (e) gas cylinders; and (f) acids. Care must be
there is no chance of any fumes entering the taken that incompatible materials are stored
laboratory. In rooms where work with extremely separately. Stores storing flammable solvents and
poisonous gases is done, it is advisable to have an chemicals should have flameproof equipment
air inlet at the bottom (balanced-draught cupboard) including switches conforming to IS 2148. Both the

3
IS 4209 : 2013

main stores and its ante-rooms should be well lighted b) Chemicals for disposal must be placed in a
and well ventilated with proper exhausts to prevent non-reactive, sealed container with a screw
build-up of the concentration of toxic agents. The type cap. Waste container must be kept closed.
ante-rooms should preferably be small separate Attach a tag to each and every container of
blocks; however, if they have to be part of main the chemical waste. The outside of the
stores building, their exit and entrance should be containers must be clean and free of chemical
towards the outside of the main store rooms, and contaminants and residues. Date and label
these rooms should be well protected from heat and each container. All chemical waste containers
direct sunlight. The electric light fittings should must be conspicuously labelled with the
conform to IS 2206 (Part 1). Smoking shall not be following information:
permitted in the stores. Utmost care should be taken
in the issue of bulk items. These should never be 1) Hazardous waste;
directly poured from carboys or drums but always 2) Full name(s) of chemical contents and
be siphoned out. Explosive materials like sodamide, approximate percent if necessary [IUPAC
picric acid, etc, should be handled gently and and common names are acceptable,
carefully. Suitable equipment and materials should abbreviations or chemical formulas are not
be kept handy to deal with any spillage problems.
acceptable];
4.2 Incompatible Material 3) Responsible person or supervisor; and
While storing chemicals, it is necessary to know the 4) Building, room number and contact phone
incompatibles — those that react exothermally with number.
one another. For example, fuels and reducing agents
c) Separate wastes into the different waste
are incompatible with oxidizing agents. No two
incompatibles should be stored together. Annex A categories that collect acids in a separate
gives an elaborate list of incompatible chemicals. container from solvents, etc. Incompatible
Some of these incompatible chemicals are: materials should not be mixed (see Annex A)
in the same container. Corrosive or reactive
a) Acid Chemicals versus Basic Chemicals — chemicals should not be put in metal cans.
Free acids like HCl, H2SO4, CH 3COOH or d) For liquids, fill containers to about 90 percent
chemicals like potassium bisulphate should
of container volume. Containers should not
not be stored with bases like ammonia, lime,
be filled to the brim.
soda, metal oxides, etc.
b) Ammonium Salts versus Basic Oxides or e) Metal barrels should not be stored outside
Carbonates — These will react, may be with where they will rust. Smaller containers of
tragic end like fire or explosion; hence should chemicals should not be packed into a large
not be stored together. drum for disposal.
c) Bleaching Powder versus Turpentine — f) Regarding some of the specific substances,
Bleaching powder liberates chlorine, which the following must be noted while planning
reacts exothermally with ammonia, ammonium disposal.
carbonate or unsaturated organic substances
like turpentine or linseed oil. This may be a 1) Ignitable liquids and organic solvents —
source of fire. Hence adequate care should be Halogenated wastes should be separated
taken while storing such chemicals. from non-halogented solvent wastes.
Separate organic solvents from aqueous
4.3 Disposal solutions. Keep acidified solvents
Safe disposal of chemicals is a specialized field. In separate from other solvents and acid
many cases the method of disposal is substance- wastes.
specific. The chemical properties, hazards, 2) Acids, bases, and aqueous solutions —
incompatibles, etc, should be studied and expert- Strong inorganic acids or oxidizers with
advice should be sought. Planning for safe disposal organic compounds should not be mixed .
has to be meticulous and the procedure should be Keep acids, bases or aqueous solutions
approved by the competent authority. Execution containing heavy metals separate from
should be under the guidance of experts. The other wastes. Avoid mixing concentrated
following general guidelines could complement the acids and bases together in the same
safe disposal of chemicals: container.
a) Liquid and solid wastes should be kept 3) Wastes containing mercury salts should
separate. be separated from all other wastes.

4
 IS 4209 : 2013

4) Corrosive materials — Corrosive liquids 5 ORGANIZATION OF LABORATORY SAFETY

shall not be mixed with any other
hazardous waste under any 5.1 Separate committee should be available to review
circumstances. the laboratory chemical safety. The nature of the
organization required for implementation of good
5) Perchloric acid and perchlorates — Keep laboratory practice in a chemical laboratory will
perchloric acid and perchlorate wastes depend on the size of the establishment and the
separate from other wastes. nature of the work carried out. However, regardless
6) Toxic wastes — Separate toxic wastes from of the size, every laboratory worker should be
other hazardous wastes. imparted at least a basic training on safety with regard
7) Paint and paint thinner — Separate solid to health and safety hazards of chemicals, and the
sludge from paint thinners by pouring off hazards which may occur from the equipment and
thinners into a separate waste container. techniques one is likely to employ.
Brushes, rollers, paper or other debris
5.2 No employee or laboratory worker shall
should not be put in paint wastes. Water
commence work involving highly dangerous
and water-base paint wastes should be
materials or processes without first acquainting
separated from oil-base paint wastes.
himself with the appropriate safety practices.
Label wastes as paint stripper waste or
paint sludge. 5.3 Emergency Response
8) Oils, lubricating fluids and cooling fluids
5.3.1 Emergency Planning
— Flammable solvents, halogenated
solvents (degreasers), water or antifreeze 5.3.1.1 During the course of normal laboratory
should not be mixed with waste oils. operations there is always the potential for an
emergency situation to arise. These emergencies can
4.4 Safety Equipment
be a result of chemical spill and exposure, or fire.
The following items should be available as protective Each and every laboratory should develop written
equipment in all chemical laboratories. The main emergency response plan based on nature of
items are: chemicals handled. Emergency response plan should
be clearly defined and posted in a prominent place.
a) Safety Glasses/Face Shields — Eye protection It is essential that all employees should know how
at minimum level implies safety goggles. to act and react during the emergency. Periodic
b) Aprons — Various types of aprons are appraisal of the circumstances, which can lead to
available like PVC, rubber or cotton to protect emergency situation, will reveal many avoidable
against specific hazards. problems.
c) Gloves — Wear protective gloves to handle 5.3.1.2 Major/emergency spills
chemicals (rubber, PVC, etc). To handle sharp
objects use gloves made out of leather, canvas, A chemical spill is classified as a major spill whenever
etc. Other items for specialized protection it causes personal injury or chemical exposure that
should be available and all personnel must be requires medical attention, causes a fire hazard or
aware of their location and use. They are, uncontrollable volatility; requires a need for
breathing apparatus of the supplied air or self-
1) Safety equipment: contained type to handle the material involved;
i) Fire blankets; contaminates a public area; causes airborne
contamination that requires local or building
ii) Eye wash devices; and
evacuation; causes a spill that cannot be controlled
iii) Safety showers. or isolated by laboratory personnel; cannot be
2) Personal protective equipment: properly handled due to lack of local trained
personnel and/or equipment to perform a safe,
i) Breathing apparatus; effective cleanup; requires prolonged or overnight
ii) Positive pressure hoods; cleanup; involves an unknown substance; or enters
the land or water.
iii) Helmets; and
iv) Gas masks. The following general procedures should be used
for all major/emergency spills:
All the personal protective equipment for common
use should be kept in their proper places, and cleaned a) If the spill presents an immediate danger, leave
thoroughly after use. Defective equipment should the spill site and warn others, control entry to
be immediately replaced. the spill site, and wait for safety officer.

5
IS 4209 : 2013

b) Attend to any persons who may have been f) Leave on or establish exhaust ventilation if it
contaminated. Remove contaminated clothing. is safe to do so.
Flush skin/eyes with water at least for 15 min g) Secure supplies to effect cleanup.
to 30 min; use soap for intermediate and final
cleaning of skin areas. 5.3.2 Emergency Alarm
c) Protect yourself, and then remove injured A fail-safe emergency alarm system, which is audible
person(s) to fresh air, if safe to do so. in all parts of the building, should be available in all
d) Notify nearby persons and evacuate as chemical laboratories. The alarm system should be
necessary. Prevent entry, as necessary, by periodically tested for operational performance and
posting a guard in a safe area and/or shutting audibility in the specified range.
doors.
5.4 Evacuation of Site
e) If flammable vapours are involved, do not
operate electrical switches. Try to turn off or Apart from fire, other situations such as spilling of
remove heat sources, where it is safe to do so. chemicals, leaking cylinders of toxic and corrosive
gases also may require evacuation of personnel.
f) If the substance involved is an unknown, then
emergency spill response procedures are 5.5 Reporting Systems
limited to self-protection, isolation of the
chemical, and evacuating and securing the area All accidents should be reported without delay to
involved. the laboratory supervisor or safety coordinator with
all essential details to ensure prompt action.
g) Do not touch the spill without protective
clothing. 5.6 Safety Awareness
h) Where the spill does not present immediate 5.6.1 A survey of industrial accidents has shown
personal danger, try to control the spread or that a very large majority of accidents is due to human
volume of the spill. It means shutting a door, factors and can, therefore, be avoided. The two most
moving nearby equipment to prevent further important causes are ignorance of precautions to be
contamination, repositioning an overturned taken and disregard of safety rules. For eliminating
container or one that has a hole in the bottom these causes, proper instructions are necessary; but
or side, creating a dike by putting an absorbent written rules and regulations, and safety equipment
around a spill. by themselves are not enough to ensure safety in
j) Never assume gases or vapours do not exist laboratory.
or are harmless because of lack of smell.
5.6.2 The first essential is to create an atmosphere
k) Absorbents should be used to collect
of constant care and attention to even the smallest
substances. Reduce vapour concentrations
detail. This cannot come by itself but should be
by covering the surface of a liquid spill with
nurtured and developed by the person in-charge,
absorbent. Control enlargement of the spill
who should set an example, and insist on its being
area by diking with absorbent. followed by everybody else. Each newcomer should
5.3.1.3 Minor spill be trained to reach and then live up to the standard
already set. In most laboratories, while care and
Minor spills are those spills, which do not fit the accuracy are the primary considerations, speed is
requirements for major spills. The following general often of importance and there might be a tendency
procedures should be used for all minor spills: for even sufficiently trained staff to take chances.
This should be discouraged at once, not only by the
a) Attend to any persons who may have been
immediate associates of a newcomer but by those in
contaminated. If these persons require medical
charge of the laboratories.
attention then it is an emergency spill.
b) Notify persons in the immediate area about 5.6.3 In some schools or technical colleges, the
the spill. students might have been imparted some rudiments
in safe working. It will be useful to include in
c) All non-essential personnel from the spill area
students’ practical curriculum a course in ‘Safety in
should be evacuated.
chemical laboratories’. The students should be
d) If the spilled material is flammable, turn off required to fit up different types of glass apparatus
ignition and heat sources. after the procedure had been demonstrated by a
e) Breathing vapours of the spilled material laboratory assistant. This also applies to the working
should be avoided. If respiratory protection of electric circuits and many other kinds of laboratory
is necessary this is an emergency spill. work.

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 IS 4209 : 2013

5.7 Handling of Apparatus the front edge of benches. While pipetting, always
use pipette fillers (propipettes).
5.7.1 Glassware
5.7.1.7 Wash-bottles or Winchester bottles made of
5.7.1.1 A laboratory worker should always be aware colourless glass should not be left on benches where
of the fact that glassware is likely to break, if handled direct sunlight may fall, because they may act as
roughly. Glass breakage is a common cause of injuries lenses and focus sunlight on certain spots and cause
in laboratories. The importance of handling glass fire. Such instances have been reported in literature.
apparatus in the proper manner cannot be over- Also the windowsill area should be free of any
emphasized. While setting up an apparatus, it is apparatus/bottles.
necessary to ensure that all pieces are clamped and
supported properly, different components may fall 5.7.1.8 The laboratory floor should be kept free of
apart even with the smallest bumping and endanger any glass apparatus or glass bottles containing
both the experiment and the worker. chemicals.

5.7.1.2 When cutting, tube or rod, make a simple 5.7.2 Electrical Apparatus
cut at the point of fracture with a triangular file or a
5.7.2.1 Electrical apparatus, should be leak proof
cutter. Place a cloth over the glassware to protect
and properly earthed. New furnace packing may be
the hands. Then, hold the tube or rod with the thumbs
damp and the furnace should be run for some hours
together, opposite to the cut and, bend towards the
at a moderate temperature until it is quite dry. The
body to get uniform and right angle break. To cut
floor near electrical apparatus shall be dry and the
large-bore tubing, wound a piece of nichrome wire at
workers shall not touch the apparatus with wet hands.
the point of cut and heat it electrically.
Insulated wire should be used for all electrical
5.7.1.3 All glass fractures should at once be fire connections. Electrical apparatus, which produce
polished in a Bunsen flame so as to round off the even the slightest shock, presents a potential danger
sharp corners, especially in case of glass tubing and shall be disconnected and checked up
which is to be pushed through a rubber bung. When immediately. Care should be taken to use only right
this is done, the size of hole in the bung should allow kind of electric fuses. The fuse in use should be of
the glass to pass through with reasonable ease, after appropriate current rating and lighter than the one
the glass has been lubricated with water or glycerine. installed by electrical staff in the mains wiring
The tube should be held in a cloth or leather gloves system. At no time the fuses of higher rating should
should be worn. The bung should not be held in be used. Charge accumulators in a separate room,
such a way that the glass tube may be pushed into not on a laboratory bench where a nearby spark or
the hand holding the bung. The same care should be flame might cause the evolved gases to explode. With
taken when withdrawing a glass tube or rod from a a glass accumulator such an accident can be quite
bung. If difficulty is met with, push a cork borer, of harmful. Acid accumulators should be charged some
the size which will just pass over the tube into the distance away from the place where nickel iron
bung, between the tube and the bung. Then withdraw accumulators, using an alkaline electrolyte, are
the tube from inside the cork borer. If the tube is charged. The mixing of the two electrolytes could
broken off short, it is better to scrap the bung. have very serious consequences. All leads should
be kept as short as possible. Electrical cables should
5.7.1.4 Winchesters should be carried in suitable never be allowed to come in contact with hot surface,
carriers made of wood provided with suitable handles. which would burn the insulation, cause a short-
A cage should always be provided while using circuit and create a fire hazard. No water points or
vacuum desiccators. rubber connections should be kept near the electrical
plugs and switches; it is best to fix all electrical
5.7.1.5 When glass containers have been used, they
fittings at a small height over the bench, either
should be cleaned by the person who has used them.
against the wall or on the reagent rack so that
This ensures that other workers will not be
accidental spillage of water on the bench cannot get
endangered by small amounts of any harmful material
to the electric connections.
remaining in the container. It is absolutely necessary
that apparatus handed over for glass blowing has 5.7.2.2 An electric hair-drier should never be used
been cleaned thoroughly. to hasten the evaporation of an inflammable liquid,
the coil can get over-heated and thus cause ignition
5.7.1.6 Test tubes should be held properly with test- of the vapours.
tube holder while heating with the mouth pointing
away from others and oneself, and should not be 5.7.2.3 Electricity is dangerous and care should be
more than half full while being heated. Pipettes taken while using it. The following literature reports
should not be left so that their ends protrude across death at 60 V ac:

7
IS 4209 : 2013

a) All electrical equipment shall be properly should be carefully opened and isolated from the
grounded. surrounding.
b) Extension chord shall not be used as a
5.8.10 Whenever chemicals are transferred from old
substitute for permanent wiring.
containers to new containers, all relevant details
c) Electrical cords or other lines shall not be should be transferred to labels on new containers.
suspended unsupported across rooms or
passageways. Cords should not be routed 5.8.11 Low temperature (cryogenic ) liquids like
over metal objects such as emergency liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, dry ice, etc, are also
showers, overhead pipes or frames, metal commonly used in laboratories. The hazards
racks, etc. Cords should not be ran through associated with the handling of cryogenic liquids are,
holes in walls or ceilings or through door ways
a) cold ‘burns’ to the person;
or windows. Cords should not be placed under
carpet, rugs or heavy objects. Cords should b) explosions due to the vapourization of
not be placed on pathways or other areas liquefied gas into an enclosed space;
where repeated abuse can cause deterioration c) explosions due to chemical reaction or
of insulation. condensation of air;
d) Multi-outlet plugs shall not be used unless d) asphyxiation due to exclusion of oxygen/air;
they have a built-in circuit breaker. This causes and
overloading on electrical wiring, which will e) oxygen enrichment of the surrounding
cause damage and possible overheating. atmosphere in case of liquid oxygen.
5.8 Working with Chemicals Always handle low temperature (cryogenic) liquids
5.8.1 Most of the chemicals could be regarded as in well-ventilated areas to prevent excessive
hazardous and could be explosive, corrosive, concentration of gas. Excessive amounts of liquid
flammable or a poison under certain circumstances. cryogens except liquid oxygen reduce the
concentration of oxygen and can cause suffocation/
5.8.2 Always use the safety appliances asphyxiation in a confined space. Portable oxygen
recommended while handling chemicals and avoid detectors should be available with personnel
skin contact with chemical substances. associated with handling of cryogenic liquids.
Personnel, including rescue workers, should
5.8.3 Chemicals should only be used when the
not enter areas where oxygen concentration is below
drums, sacks, containers or pipelines containing them
19.5 percent, unless provided with self-contained
are clearly labelled and their identity confirmed. In
breathing apparatus or airline respirator. No oil and
case of doubt, or when a mix-up has actually occurred,
grease shall be present on clothing or equipment
inform supervisor immediately.
when working with or around liquid cryogens
5.8.4 Avoid spillage of chemicals by careful specially liquid oxygen.
handling. Keep suitable materials to chemically treat
Skin contact with cryogenic liquids should be
spillage, or physically containing if necessary.
avoided as serious cold burns may occur. Care must
5.8.5 Ensure that the clips/clamps are properly fixed be taken with gloves, wristbands or bracelets, which
while transferring chemicals through rubber, PVC or may trap liquid cryogen close to the skin. Do not
teflon hoses. carry liquid cryogens in an open Dewar on any
elevator.
5.8.6 It is advisable to keep a water hose close by,
whenever a chemical’s transfer through drums, 6 GENERAL LABORATORY TECHNIQUES
carboys, etc, is being performed (not in case of water
6.1 If it is necessary to continue an experiment
sensitive chemicals).
overnight, leave precise and adequate information
5.8.7 Chemicals storage must always be done after to night shift assistants or security staff.
considering their compatibility. Once a place for
6.2 Use proper equipment for experiments carried
storing a particular chemical is fixed, it should not be
out under reduced or elevated pressure.
altered without purpose.
6.3 Vacuum flasks and desiccators should be
5.8.8 Observe precautions concerning handling of
regularly checked for signs of damage.
chemicals as given in 3.2 and use safety equipment
as given in 4.4. 6.4 All experiments involving use of toxic chemicals
should be carried out in a fume cupboard.
5.8.9 The containers of chemicals that are highly
volatile or decompose or are moisture sensitive 6.5 Use a cloth for protection when inserting glass

8
 IS 4209 : 2013

tubing, rods or thermometers into bungs or tubing. 7.2.3 Evacuate the apparatus and check for leaks
Use a lubricant, wherever necessary. before commencing heating. Avoid heating by direct
flame.
6.6 Compressed gas cylinders, when standing
upright, should always be properly supported. Never 7.2.4 Never subject the apparatus to rapid changes
connect a gas cylinder directly to the apparatus, of pressure; at the end of distillation, allow it to cool
always interpose a system of traps. Always turn off before slowly admitting air.
a gas cylinder at the main valve after use and release 7.2.5 Do not use water-cooled condenser, if the
any excess pressure in the regulator. distillate is entering the condenser above 160°C.
6.7 It is to be ensured that condenser tubing does 7.3 Organic Preparative Reactions
not become trapped. Make sure that all rubber
connections to a condenser are well secured. 7.3.1 Special conditions must be complied with for
experiments continued outside normal working
6.8 Highly volatile/inflammable chemicals should hours; leave special instructions to the night shift
not be stored indefinitely inside refrigerator, unless assistants and security staff.
suitably modified by removing the bulb and the
thermostat outside the refrigerator cabinet. On no 7.3.2 It should be ensured that the stirring gear is in
account must any food or drink be kept in laboratory good order before starting an experiment. Do not
refrigerators. restart a stirrer, if it has been stopped for any length
of time in a heated reaction flask; allow it to cool
6.9 Labels on reagent bottles should not be altered first.
or tampered with.
7.3.3 Condenser capacity should be in excess of
6.10 Nitrogen should be preferred to air on all requirements. Always make provisions for rapid
capillary bleeds as a large number of organic removal of the heating source.
substances oxidize at high temperatures.
7.3.4 In order to study the behaviour of new
6.11 Use proper stirring system after taking the experiments, testing material quantity should be as
volume of the flask into account. minimum as possible in case of the following:

7 SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES a) First time experiments;

b) Experiments with alkali metals, cyanides, etc;
7.1 Solvent Extraction and Solvent Stripping
c) Halogenations, alkylations;
If extraction is carried out in a separating funnel, d) Reactions involving fluorine, HF, BF3, etc;
release the pressure at frequent intervals by inverting e) Reactions involving alkylene oxides;
the funnel with the stopper securely held and f) Polymerization reactions;
opening the top with care. Point the funnel away
g) Nitric acid oxidants;
from the eyes and naked flames.
h) Reactions involving the use of H2O2; and
7.1.1 Always ensure that the condensing systems j) Exothermic reactions.
are adequate to cope with solvent use.
7.3.5 The bench should be kept dry in the vicinity
7.1.2 Chemicals like dialkyl ethers, tetrahydrofuran of an experiment involving alkali metals. It should be
form peroxides in contact with air and sunlight. They ensured that pieces of the metal do not fall into water
should be stored in dark bottles. or oil baths during addition.
7.1.3 Do not attempt to distil solvents nearly to 7.4 Pressure Reactions
dryness since these concentrates may contain
Utmost care should be taken in carrying out sealed
explosive peroxides.
tube reactions. When the pressure is likely to
7.1.4 Naked flame should not be used for reactions develop, a sealed tube should never be filled up more
involving inflammable solvents. than one-third of its volume. The initial runs should
be done with very small quantities of reactants.
7.2 Vacuum Distillation Sealed tubes should be protected by a steel tube or
7.2.1 Distillation under reduced pressure should a wire cage and the temperature should be raised
gradually. These reactions should be carried out in a
always be carried out behind adequate shields.
separate room behind a safety screen. Before opening
7.2.2 Always use a suitable trap between the sources the tube, it should be well-cooled in ice, tip is then
of vaccum and the apparatus. blown off with a pointed flame and when the pressure

9
IS 4209 : 2013

has been released, the tube may be cut. Autoclave be taken for prevention of such accidents in future.
and other pressure vessels should be set up in
separate rooms and not in the general laboratory. 8.2 Fire Safety
The autoclaves should have safety valves in proper 8.2.1 The rules involving smoking, electrical work,
working conditions. open flames, handling flammable material and static
8 MEASURES IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS electricity should be strictly followed. Fire fighting
equipment and emergency exits should be kept clean
8.1 General and ready for immediate use. Emergency siren should
be in working condition.
8.1.1 Inspite of all precautions, accidents sometimes
occur and it is then necessary to take immediate steps 8.2.2 Good housekeeping will do much to prevent
to help the injured persons, and to do everything fires. Proper disposal of waste material and clean up
possible to prevent further damage. Only those on of spillage are essential. Flammable waste should be
the spot can take a decision as to which of these stored in glass or metal containers and not in paper
objectives is more important. If there is little risk or or wooden barrels.
condition of the injured becoming serious, it might
be necessary to send for a doctor, and to apply first- 8.2.3 If a fire starts on the job, raise alarm and
aid as the first job. In case of a hazardous situation, simultaneously use the fire extinguisher provided in
it may be advisable to summon fire-fighters and to the area to bring down a small blaze and try to
warn others in the building. extinguish fire before arrival of plant fire squad. A
delayed alarm may cause the loss of precious minute
8.1.2 Information regarding an accident should reach and allow a fire to grow to such proportions that it
the supervisor/safety coordinator or any other may destroy the entire building, in spite of all efforts
authority as early as possible. of organized fire fighting forces.
8.1.3 It is, of course, imperative that, at the earliest 8.2.4 In the event, if a fire occurs and is extinguished
possible moment, all sources of danger shall be without an alarm being sounded, immediately notify
eliminated. If the trouble is electrical, switch off the to the fire/security officer. This will enable them to
mains. If a fire has broken out, turn off the gas at the inspect the area and replace any fire extinguisher
main, and switch off the electric power so that, if that may have been emptied.
insulation is burned off from wires, an electrical fire
may not start. Remove the combustible materials in 8.2.5 Unless a person is a member of the plant fire
the laboratory or put them away from the source of squad or belong to the laboratory, he should not go
danger. Leaking containers of poisonous gas or near fire; it will only cause obstruction and may
liquid should be removed to the open air after wearing endanger him and others.
self-contained breathing apparatus and area is to be 8.2.6 Every person would be able to recognize the
cordoned off. Somebody should be posted to guard different types of fire and learn the right kind of
and to see that no one goes near them. extinguisher to use. The details of different classes
8.1.4 While every effort is being made to make the of fires and types and number of fire extinguishers
laboratory safe, it is equally important to bring all required for each area/section are given in IS 2190.
possible help to those who are injured. The doctor 8.2.7 Each person may be required to be trained to
should be summoned at once, and pending his use fire extinguisher and first-aid fire fighting
arrival, those who are trained in first-aid should give measures. Speed is essential in fighting a fire. Most
immediate treatment to those injured. In any case, fires start small and can be confined, if acted promptly.
remove the victims to fresh air and keep them warm
and at rest. If there is a fire, or a risk of fire, they 8.3 First-Aid
should be removed out of danger zone.
8.3.1 First-Aid Facility
8.1.5 The actual treatment to be given would have
8.3.1.1 First-aid must be provided in any chemical
to be decided upon by the persons carrying out first-
laboratory. However minor, an injury always must be
aid, as there may be two or more kinds of injury, such
attended to and first aid be given/taken. Incidents
as a cut or asphyxiation and a bruise. Some first-aid
arising as a direct result of work performed are
treatments for more common injuries are given in 8.3.
avoidable if one observes the principles of safe
8.1.6 As soon as the situation permits, the details working conditions. Failure to observe safe working
of the accident should be entered in the accident principles results in accidents. No matter how minor
book. It should not be overlooked that a full an incident, it will need proper examination and
description including minor details about an accident corrective measures to avoid recurrence of such
might throw light on its causes and measures could incidence. Constant supervision and improvement

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 IS 4209 : 2013

of working methods is the best defence against the taste from mouth. Do not give liquids to a drowsy,
occurrence of hazards. convulsing or unconscious person. If vomiting
occurs spontaneously, keep head below hips to
8.3.1.2 Information regarding the location of first- prevent aspiration of liquid into the lungs. Seek
aid and first-aider should be displayed in all places medical attention immediately or arrange for transport
of work. All laboratories should maintain prescribed to hospital for immediate medical attention and
number of first-aid boxes containing copy of leaflet treatment. Information regarding the chemical
giving advice on first aid treatment. First-aid boxes swallowed, its concentration and quantity, material
should contain sufficient number of sterilized, safety data sheet of the chemical should accompany
unmedicated dressings of various sizes, adhesive the patient.
wound dressings, plaster, sterilized absorbent
cotton, eye pads, approved eye ointment and safety 8.3.3 Special Treatments
pins. In addition, eye wash bottles with clean water
should be placed at strategic points. 8.3.3.1 For hydrogen fluoride, hydrofluoric acid
or related compounds
8.3.2 First-Aid Measures
These chemicals cause destructive and extremely
8.3.2.1 Inhalation painful burns on tissues when they come in contact.
Immediate action should be taken, if splashed.
Remove victim from exposure and move to fresh air
immediately. Remove contaminated clothing and a) Splashes in the eye — Splashes of hydrogen
loosen remaining clothing. Allow victim to assume fluoride or hydrofluoric acid in the eyes must
most comfortable position and keep warm. Keep at be treated immediately by flooding for at least
rest until fully recover. If breathing is difficult, 15 min with large volumes of gently running
qualified personnel should administer oxygen. If not water from a tap. The urgent removal of patient
breathing, give artificial respiration. Do not use to hospital is essential since failure to treat
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation without knowing the correctly may result in loss of vision.
chemicals inhaled by the victim. In case of HCN, gas b) Splashes on the skin — All contaminated
only use the Silvester method. Do not give anything clothing should be removed and flood the skin
to drink or do not induce vomiting if person is with large volumes of running water.
unconscious. In event of cardiac arrest, apply Thereafter 2 percent calcium gluconate gel
external cardiac massage. Seek immediate medical should be applied liberally to the affected parts
assistance. and massaged into the skin till medical aid is
8.3.2.2 Skin contact available. If nails have been penetrated by the
acid the gel be liberally applied over and
Move person away from contamination. Flush around the nail and the area, and massaged
immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 min continuously for at least 15 min. All cases of
while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. If hydrogen fluoride or hydrofluoric acid
necessary, arrange for transport to hospital or to a splashes must be referred to hospital after
doctor for medical attention. The information washing the skin and starting the above
regarding the hazardous chemical along with details treatment with the ointment.
of first-aid given should accompany the casualty.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. 8.3.3.2 For hydrogen cyanide

8.3.2.2.1 Eye contact Observe the following rules in case of hydrogen

cyanide inhalation:
Flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 min.
Hold the eyelids open and away from the eyeballs to a) Care should be taken so that rescuer does
ensure that all surfaces are flushed thoroughly. Call not fall a victim to the same gas.
a physician, preferably an ophthalmologist, b) If conscious and breathing, remove the patient
immediately or arrange for transport to hospital for immediately to the hospital.
immediate medical attention and treatment of eye c) If breathing stops, place the casualty in the
injury. Information regarding the chemical that is prone position with the mouth down with a
material safety data sheet should accompany the clear breathing passage. Give artificial
patient. respiration by the Silvester method. Do not
use the mouth-to-mouth method because the
8.3.2.3 Ingestion
first-aider may inhale the hydrogen cyanide
Do not induce vomiting. Have victim rinse out mouth gas himself. Artificial respiration should be
with water, and then drink sips of water to remove given by a trained first-aider.

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IS 4209 : 2013

8.3.4 Electric Shock down carefully, protecting his head with a

pillow or clothing.
Power supply should be isolated. If the victim is
unconscious or has stopped breathing, begin 8.4 Material Safety Data Sheets
artificial respiration without delay. The patient is to
be shifted to hospital for treatment of, 8.4.1 Material safety data sheets should be prepared
for all chemicals handled in laboratory as per the
a) Unconsciousness — Always victims should format given in Annex B. Copies of it should be placed
be placed on their sides to prevent at all locations where they are used and handled.
suffocation.
8.4.2 Labelling Hazardous Chemical Containers
b) Broken bones, dislocations — Keep the victim
still. Do not manipulate the injury. All chemicals should be labelled according to
c) Shock, heart attack — If the face is white, standard practice and placed at their earmarked
place upper part of the body in low position. locations. In their labelling, various safety points
If the face is red, place upper part of the body should be included like nature of chemical that is
in a high position. fire/explosion hazards and index, corrosive,
flammable, toxic, flash point etc, as per material safety
d) Convulsions/fits — Patient should be laid
data sheet.

ANNEX A
[Clauses 4.2 and 4.3 (c)]
INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS

A-1 LIST OF INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS

Chemical Incompatible with

Acetic acid Chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxyl compounds, ethylene glycol,
perchloric acid, peroxides, permanganates
Acetone Concentrated nitric and sulphuric acid mixtures
Acetylene Chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine, silver, mercury
Alkali and alkaline earth metals (such as Water, carbon tetrachloride or other chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon
powdered aluminum or magnesium, dioxide, halogens
calcium, lithium, sodium, potassium)
Ammonia (anhydrous) Mercury (for example, in manometers), chlorine, calcium hypochlorite,
iodine, bromine, hydrofluoric acid (anhydrous)
Ammonium nitrate Acids, powdered metals, flammable liquids, chlorates, nitrates, sulphur,
finely divided organic combustible materials
Aniline Nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide
Arsenical compounds Any reducing agent
Azides Acids
Bromine See chlorine
Calcium oxide Water
Carbon (activated) Calcium hypochlorite, all oxidizing agents
Carbon tetrachloride Sodium
Chlorates Ammonium salts, acids, powdered metals, sulphur, finely divided
organic or combustible materials
Chromic acid and chromium trioxide Acetic acid, naphthalene, camphor, glycerol, alcohol, flammable liquids
in general
Chlorine Ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane, methane, propane (or other
petroleum gases), hydrogen, sodium carbide, benzene, finely divided
metals, turpentine
Chlorine dioxide Ammonia, methane, phosphine, hydrogen sulphide
Copper Acetylene, hydrogen peroxide

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 IS 4209 : 2013

Chemical Incompatible with

Cumene hydroperoxide Acids (organic or inorganic)
Cyanides Acids
Flammable liquids Ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium
peroxide, halogens
Fluorine All other chemicals
Hydrocarbons (such as butane, propane, Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic acid, sodium peroxide
benzene)
Hydrocyanic acid Nitric acid, alkali
Hydrofluoric acid (anhydrous) Ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous)
Hydrogen sulphide Fuming nitric acid, oxidizing gases
Hypochlorites Acids, activated carbon
Iodine Acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous), hydrogen
Mercury Acetylene, fulminic acid, ammonia
Nitrates Acids
Nitric acid (concentrated) Acetic acid, aniline, chromic acid, hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen
sulphide, flammable liquids and gases, copper, brass, any heavy metals
Nitrites Acids
Nitroparaffins Inorganic bases, amines
Oxalic acid Silver, mercury
Oxygen Oils, grease, hydrogen, flammable liquids, solids, or gases
Perchloric acid Acetic anhydride bismuth and its alloys, alcohol, paper, wood, grease,
oils
Peroxides, organic Acids (organic or mineral), avoid friction, store cold
Phosphorous (white) Air, oxygen, alkalis, reducing agents
Potassium Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water
Potassium chlorate Sulphuric and other acids
Potassium perchlorate (see also chlorates) Sulphuric and other acids
Potassium permanganate Glycerol, ethylene glycol, benzaldehyde, sulphuric acid
Selenides Reducing agents
Silver Acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, ammonium compounds, fulminic
acid
Sodium Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water
Sodium nitrite Ammonium nitrate and other ammonium salts
Sodium peroxide Ethyl or methyl alcohol, glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride,
benzaldehyde, carbon disulfide, glycerin, ethylene glycol, ethyl acetate,
methyl acetate, furfural
Sulphides Acids
Sulfuric acid Potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium permanganate
(similar compounds of light metals, such as sodium, lithium)
Tellurides Reducing agents
NOTE — The following list is not a complete list of incompatibles; this has to be used only as a guide.

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IS 4209 : 2013

ANNEX B
(Clause 8.4.1)
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET FORMAT

B-1 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET FORMAT

Identity (As Used on Label and List) and Maximum Quantity handled at any time.

1. Chemical Identity
Chemical Name Chemical Classification
Synonyms Trade Name
Formula CAS No. U.N. No.
Regulated Identification Shipping Name Hazchem No:
Codes/Label
Hazardous Waste
I.D. No:
Hazardous CAS No. Hazardous CAS No.
Ingredients Ingredients
1. 3.
2. 4.
2. Physical and Chemical Data
Boiling Range/Point oC Physical State Appearance
Melting/Freezing Point C Vapour Pressure @35 C mm Hg Odour
o o

Vapour Density Solubility in water @30OC Others

(Air=1)
Specific Gravity pH
Water = 1
3. Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
Flammability Yes/No LEL % Flash Point oC Autoignition o
C
Temperature
TDG Flammability UEL % Flash Point oC
Explosion Sensitivity to Impact Explosion Sensitivity Hazardous
to Static Electricity Combustion
Products
Hazardous Polymerization
Combustible Liquid Explosive Corrosive
Material Material
Flammable Material Oxidiser Others

Pyrophoric Material Organic Peroxide

4. Reactivity Data
Chemical Stability
Incompatibility with other
material
Reactivity
Hazardous Reaction
Products
NOTE — Blank spaces are not permitted. If any item is not applicable, or no information is available, the space must be marked
to indicate that.

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 IS 4209 : 2013

5. Health Hazard Data

Routes of entry
Effects of Exposure/
symptoms
Emergency
treatment
TLV (ACGIH) ppm mg/m3 STEL ppm mg/m3
Permissible
Exposure Limit ppm mg/m3 Odour Threshold ppm mg/m3
LD50 LD50

NEPA Hazard Health Flammability Stability Special

Signals
6. PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Personnel
Protective
Equipment
Handling and Storage
Precautions
7. Emergency and First-Aid Measure
Fire Fire Estinguising
Media
Fire Special procedures
Unusual hazards
Exposure First-Aid Measures
Antidotes/Dosages
Spills Steps to be taken
Waste Disposal Method
8. Additional Information/References

9. Manufacturer/Suppliers Data
Name of Firm Contact person in emergency
Mailing Address Local bodies involved
Telephone/Telex Nos. Standard packing
Telegraphic Address
Tremcard Details/Ref
Other
10. Disclaimer
Information contained in this material safety data sheet is believed to be reliable but no represen-
tation guarantee of warranties of any kind are made as to its accuracy, suitability for a particular
application or results to be obtained from them. It is upto the manufacturer/seller to censure that
the information contained in the material safety data sheet is relevant to the product manufactures/
handled or sold by him as the case may be. The government makes no warranties expressed or
implied in respect of the adequacy of this document for any particular purpose.

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IS 4209 : 2013

ANNEX C
(Foreword)
COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
Occupational Safety and Health and Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee, CHD 8
Organization Representative(s)

National Safety Council, Navi Mumbai SHRI K. C. G UPTA (Chairman)

Airport Authority of India, New Delhi SHRI A. N. K HERA

S HRI M. D URAIRAJAN (Alternate)

Alkali Manufacturers’ Association of India, New Delhi DR Y. R. S INGH

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai SHRI R. BHATTACHARYA

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai SHRI S. SOUNDARARAJAN

S HRI S. D. B HARAMBE (Alternate)

Central Boiler Board, New Delhi REPRESENTATIVE

Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai SHRI G. S WAMINATHAN

Central Mining Research Institute, Dhanbad SHRI J. K. P ANDEY

Central Warehousing Corporation, New Delhi SHRI F. C. C HADDA

S HRI S. C. GUPTA (Alternate)

Century Rayon, Thane SHRI H. G. U TTAMCHANDANI

S HRI S. K. M ISHRA (Alternate)

Confederation of Indian Industries, New Delhi SHRI A. K. GHOSE

S HRI S HIKHAR J AIN (Alternate)

Consumer Education & Research Centre, Ahmedabad DR C. J. S HISHOO

SHRI S. YELLORE (Alternate)

Department of Space (ISRO), Sriharikota SHRI S HYAMAL KUMAR KANUNGO

S HRI V. K. SRIVASTAVA (Alternate)

Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, New Delhi DR D. R. C HAWLA

Directorate General Factory Advice Service & Labour Institute, SHRI S. S. GAUTAM
Mumbai S HRI S USHIL K UMAR (Alternate)

Directorate General of Health Services, New Delhi DR P. H. ANATHANARAYANAN

D R A. N. S INHA (Alternate)

Directorate General of Mines Safety, Dhanbad DIRECTOR OF M INES (MSE)

D EPUTY D IRECTOR OF M INES S AFETY (HQ)
(Alternate)

Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, Mumbai SHRI S. D. J AGTAP

Directorate of Standardization, Ministry of Defence, SHRI P. S. AHUJA

New Delhi LT-COL TEJINDER SINGH (Alternate)

Employees State Insurance Corporation, New Delhi DR A. M. P ATIL

D R G. N. B ANKAPUR (Alternate)

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Bangalore SHRI S. V. S URESH

Hindustan Lever Ltd, Mumbai SHRI B. B. D AVE

S HRI A DITYA J HAVAR (Alternate)

Indian Association of Occupational Health, Bangalore REPRESENTATIVE

Indian Chemical Council, Mumbai SHRI PRAKASH WAGLE

S HRI A. A. P ANJWANI (Alternate)

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 IS 4209 : 2013

Organization Representative(s)
Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad S HRI RAJESHWAR RAO

Indian Institute of Safety and Environment, Chennai D R M. R AJENDRAN

DR G. VENKATARATHNAM (Alternate)

Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow DR V IRENDRA M ISHRA

DR V. P. S HARMA (Alternate)

Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad P ROF D. C. P ANIGRAHI

Ministry of Defence (DGQA), New Delhi SHRI M. S. S ULTANIA

S HRI S UJIT G HOSH (Alternate)

Ministry of Defence (R&D), Kanpur D R A. K. S AXENA

DR R AJINDRA SINGH (Alternate)

Ministry of Environment & Forest, New Delhi REPRESENTATIVE

Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi S HRI O M PRAKASH

S HRI D. K. S HAMI (Alternate)

National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad D R H. R. R AJMOHAN

DR A. K. M UKHERJEE (Alternate)

National Safety Council, Navi Mumbai S HRI P. M. R AO

S HRI D. B ISWAS (Alternate)

NOCIL, Mumbai D R B. V. B APAT

S HRI V. R. N ARLA (Alternate)

Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), New Delhi S HRI M ATHURA P RASAD
S HRIMATI SUNITA K UMAR (Alternate)

Oil Industry Safety Directorate (Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas), SHRI SHASHI VARDHAN
Delhi S HRI S. C. GUPTA (Alternate)

Ordnance Factory Board, Kolkata S HRI V. RAMANAN

DR S. P. S AXENA (Alternate)

Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization, Nagpur JOINT CHIEF CONTROLLER OF EXPLOSIVES

Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai D R P. R.T IPNIS

Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association, Mumbai S HRI M. K ANT

S HRI K IRIT M ARU (Alternate)

SIEL Chemical Complex, New Delhi S HRI N. S. B IRDIE

S HRI R ABINDRA N ATH S AHU (Alternate)

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd, Chennai SHRI V. J AYARAMAN

S HRI S. M URUGANANDAM (Alternate)

Steel Authority of India Ltd, Ranchi S HRI V. K. JAIN

Tata AIG Risk Management Services Ltd, Mumbai S HRI U RMISH D. S HAH

Tata Chemicals Ltd, Mithapur SHRI S ANJIV LAL

S HRI B. K. D EBATA (Alternate)

BIS Directorate General S HRI E. D EVENDAR , Scientist ‘F’ and Head (CHD)
[Representing Director General (Ex-officio)]

Member Secretary
S HRI N. K. P AL
Scientist ‘E’ (CHD), BIS

17
IS 4209 : 2013

Chemical Hazards Subcommittee, CHD 8 : 2

Organization Representative(s)

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai SHRI R. BHATTACHARYA (Convener)

SHRI K. R AMPRASAD (Alternate)

Alkali Manufacturers’ Association of India, New Delhi DR Y. R. SINGH

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai SHRI S. SOUNDARARAJAN

SHRI A. P. SATHE (Alternate)

Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore DR M. N. MANJUNATH

SHRI ARUN KUMAR (Alternate)

Century Rayon, Thane SHRI H. G. UTTAMCHANDANI

SHRI S. K. MISHRA (Alternate)

Crop Care Federation of India, New Delhi DR P. S. RAMANATHAN

SHRI D. K. ARORA (Alternate)

Directorate General Factory Advice Service & Labour Institute, SHRI R. K. ELANGOVAN
Mumbai DR E. LAXMINARAYANA (Alternate)

Excel Industries Limited, Mumbai SHRI VIPIN B. DOSHI

SHRI D HANANJAY V. JOSHI (Alternate)

Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd, Hyderabad SHRI Y. KRISHNA KUMAR

Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited, Raigad DR S. T. LONKAR

SHRI S. N. BAILWAR (Alternate)

Indian Chemical Council, Mumbai SHRI B. S. P UNIA

SHRI P. N. PARMESHWAR MOOTHATHU (Alternate)

Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad SHRI K.V. RAMANAYYA

Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun DR M. P. SAXENA

SHRI G. S. DANG (Alternate)

Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow DR. VIRENDRA MISRA

DR J AI RAJ BEHARI (Alternate)

Indian Petrochemical Corporation Ltd., Vadodora SHRI P. VIJAIRAGHAVAN

Indian Space Research Institute, Bangalore SHRI SHYAMAL KUMAR KANUNGO

SHRI V. K. SRIVASTAVA (Alternate)

Ministry of Defence (DGQA), New Delhi SHRI A. K. SINHA

SHRI R. S. DIWAKAR (Alternate)

National Chemical Laboratory, Pune DR G. S. GROVER

DR B. B. IDAGE (Alternate)

National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad DR. H. R. RAJMOHAN

DR. A. K. MUKHERJEE (Alternate)

National Safety Council, Navi Mumbai SHRI V. B. PATIL

Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization, Nagpur JOINT CHIEF CONTROLLER OF EXPLOSIVE

Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, New Delhi SHRI RAVINDRA KAMATH

Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai SHRI N. K. VALECHA

SHRI S. G. PATEL (Alternate)

Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, Delhi REPRESENTATIVE

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd, Chennai SHRI S. MURUGANANDAM

SHRI M. PARTHIBAN (Alternate)

18
Bureau of Indian Standards

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development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and attending to
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‘BIS Catalogue’ and ‘Standards: Monthly Additions’.

This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc No.: CHD 8 (1669).

Amendments Issued Since Publication

______________________________________________________________________________________
Amendment No. Date of Issue Text Affected
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