2023

Laboratory Safety
Manual
MEON GROUP
V1.1 – 21st September 2023
Emergency
o Emergency – Ambulance, Fire, Police
112

o Environmental Health and Safety Department of Nova School of Science and Technology:

916025546 | 914688658

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Introduction
Following the guidance outlined in this manual will help prevent illness and injury, while
protecting the environment.

The Laboratory Safety Manual meets outlines appropriate practices, university policies, and
other regulations that must be followed in laboratories. The Laboratory Safety Manual is not
intended to be comprehensive but should supplement specific procedures developed by the
person(s) responsible for unique laboratory hazards.

Laboratory personnel must have access to this manual and other health and safety documents,
always.

The Laboratory Check-in Form and Laboratory Check-out Form are resources to help document
regulatory compliance by researchers before laboratory work begins and before laboratory
departure.

Our Laboratories

Our laboratories are located at Nova School of Science and Technology and they are distributed
on three different buildings that are connected to each other (CEMOP-NANOVA-CENIMAT).

A laboratory is defined as, but is not limited to, any location where research or teaching is
conducted using hazardous chemicals, biohazardous, biological materials, radioactive materials,
and/or radiation producing devices. A location used for teaching or research that contains
physical hazards are also be considered a laboratory.

Areas like storage rooms, offices and meeting rooms are NOT considered laboratories under the
Laboratory Safety Manual; however, persons working in these areas are required to follow all
applicable health and safety regulations.

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Responsibilities

Researchers, Laboratory Supervisors, and Professors/Instructors are responsible for ensuring

that the policies and guidelines established in this manual are strictly followed by all employees,
collaborating researchers, visitors, and students under their supervision.

Employees, Students are expected to observe all applicable safety practices and procedures
contained in this Laboratory Safety Manual, complete designated trainings, and report any
unsafe or hazardous conditions to the laboratory supervisor or laboratory safety contact.

The host is responsible for:

- Laboratory security
- Training and notification of potential hazards
- Oversight of users compliance with applicable safety practices and procedures
contained in the Laboratory Safety Manual.

Working at our laboratories

Normal hours of operation are between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, business days (Monday to Friday
except holidays and other closing days declared by FCT-NOVA). Working outside this period
requires a special authorization provided by GL and LM.

Process Planning

Working safely in the laboratory does not happen by accident. Planning laboratory processes
will help you identify hazards, establish hazard control measures, and ultimately keep you and
other lab personnel safe.

Process planning must begin with each researcher or laboratory group completing hazard
assessments and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs). The purpose of a hazard
assessment is to identify and evaluate all chemical, biological, radiological, and physical hazards
associated with laboratory operations and describe safety precautions necessary to avoid
employee exposures and injuries. SOPs must be specific to each laboratory operation.

SOPs must be reviewed and approved by the Group Leader (GL) or the Laboratory Manager (LM).
After approval, SOPs are then incorporated into or attached to written materials and methods.
Laboratory personnel must be trained (document this training) on the elements of the SOP
before performing an experiment or operation.

At a minimum, SOPs must include the following:

• Health and safety information for materials used – list and briefly describe the chemical,
biological, radiological, and physical hazards associated with the operation. Identify available
resources like safety data sheets (SDS) and specify where they can be accessed.

• Hazard control measures – include containment devices, ventilation, specific personal

protective equipment, and hygiene practices as recommended by the SDS or other authoritative
guide. Evaluate whether special procedures discussed below will be required.

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• Waste disposal practices – establish procedures for the safe and timely removal of laboratory
waste. Reference Waste and Recycling as appropriate or develop written procedures, if
necessary.

• Spill/release containment and clean up procedures – develop procedures using Emergency

Plan.

SOPs must be readily available in the laboratory where the experiment or operation will be
performed and should be reviewed and updated annually.

Ordering Materials

Many materials and equipment require special authorization to purchase, use, and store. To
increase laboratory safety, decrease procurement delays, and reduce potential regulatory
deficiencies, include these ordering procedures as part of your process planning:

• Order chemical, biological, or radiological materials only after a hazard access form is written
which outlines special safety precautions for the material that has been approved by the
laboratory supervisor.

• Order only those materials for which adequate safety equipment is available.

• Order the minimum quantity of chemical, biological, or radiological materials required.

• Prepare the laboratory prior to receipt of the substance (establish storage location, post
appropriate signs, obtain necessary personal protective equipment).

To help you with the ordering of chemicals and labware you must use the Quartzy Platform.
After all trainings, you will receive an invite to access it.

Our lab inventory is updated, so you can track all key details for every general supply, lab-made
solutions and chemicals.

Emergency Planning

When planning for emergencies, be sure to communicate hazards through postings/signage and
have procedures in place for personnel to follow.

Posting and Signs

Post the hazard communication signage at the main entrance to each laboratory.

The interior of the laboratory must be posted with the following:

• Hazardous Waste Satellite Accumulation Area sign to designate the location where laboratory
waste will accumulate until it is collected by EH&S (Environment, Health & Safety Department).

• Signs identifying location of safety equipment (fire extinguisher, safety shower, eyewash
fountain).

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• Signs, labels, and/or warning/caution tape identifying designated use and storage areas for
materials or equipment requiring special procedures.

Emergency Action Plan

An Emergency Action Plan have been developed to help address the following emergency:

Alarm System Activation

The locations of alarm pull stations can be found on the building emergency map (fire alarm,
chemical spill, severe weather). Laboratory employees must know how and when to activate
alarms.

Evacuation Procedures

Identify evacuation routes and meeting locations for emergencies such as fire, severe weather,
and chemical large spills. Building Emergency Maps are available on the Emergency Action Plan.

Fire Emergencies

For all fires, personnel are required to: activate alarm, dial 112, and evacuate Only use a fire
extinguisher if it is safe, someone has activated the fire alarm and called 112, and you are
trained in its use.

Spill/Release Containment and Cleanup Methods

Develop cleanup/response procedures for the chemical materials used in the laboratory.
Incorporate any specialized neutralization and decontamination methods for the materials used
(for example: biohazardous materials, hydrofluoric acid). These procedures should be part of
the Emergency Action Plan and the laboratory standard operating procedure. The following
generic spill/release procedures have been developed to provide a basis for laboratory-specific
methods.

• Chemical Releases to the Environment

• Chemical Spill - Small

• Chemical Spill - Large

Intruders

An intruder is any unauthorized person who makes inappropriate or unwanted entry into the
laboratory. Establish a protocol for responding to a laboratory intruder. The following steps
should be included in the protocol for responding to an intruder:

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• require all unknown laboratory entrants to identify themselves and their purpose;

• report all laboratory intruders to lab manager.

Medical Emergencies

Develop a procedure for responding to medical emergencies in the laboratory. Be sure the
procedure includes identification of the emergency, evaluation of the scene before entering (to
avoid rushing into a potentially dangerous condition or atmosphere), specialized neutralization
or treatment methods for specific laboratory hazards (for example: hydrofluoric acid), and
instructions for contacting emergency services.

Report to Laboratory Manager, any laboratory-related accidents, injuries, and

exposures as soon as possible.

Safety Equipment and Supplies

Determine the location of appropriate safety equipment and supplies for managing spills and
accidents involving chemical materials. Safety equipment should include eyewash, fire
extinguisher, first aid kit, PPE, safety shower, and spill control kit.

Utility Outages

Develop procedures to shut down or control hazardous laboratory operations impacted by

unexpected utility outages. Outage examples include electrical, lighting, heating, steam, gas,
water, and/or ventilation.

Ensure that the emergency action plan contains all pertinent information for any special hazards
in your laboratory. Post your completed Emergency Action Plan inside the laboratory, near the
exit(s) for easy retrieval during an incident. The plan should be reviewed and updated at least
annually. All laboratory personnel must be trained on the laboratory emergency action plan.
This training shall be completed prior to working in the laboratory and must be documented.

Equipment

Laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges, glassware, hot plate/stirrers, temperature

dessicators and furnaces are vital parts of any teaching or research laboratory. Selecting and
properly maintaining equipment must be part of laboratory procedures. Consider the following
when using laboratory equipment:

• Operate and maintain equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Handle and store glassware with care and dispose of any damaged glassware by following the
Sharps and Glass Disposal Guide.

• Ensure that centrifuge rotors are properly balanced.

• Ensure vacuum equipment is trapped or filtered.

• Label equipment appropriately (for example: Protection Required to Operate this Equipment).

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• Laboratory equipment must not be used for human food or beverage preparation or storage.

Safety Equipment

Safety equipment protects personnel, ensures proper storage of hazardous materials, and
enables a laboratory to respond to emergencies. Each laboratory should be evaluated for
adequate safety equipment during the development of an Emergency Action Plan and/or
standard operating procedures (SOPs) .

Eyewash Fountains

An eyewash fountain must be readily accessible in all areas where corrosives, hot liquids, or
other eye-irritating materials (formaldehyde) are used or stored. During development of an
Emergency Action Plan, personnel must identify eyewash fountain locations, verify proper
function, and determine if additional eyewash fountains are required in the laboratory. Ensure
that eyewash fountain locations are unobstructed and marked with a sign (typically
green/white) posted at eye level above the fountain. Eyewash fountains must be flushed
weekly by laboratory personnel.

Fire Extinguishers

Annual Fire Safety and Extinguisher Training is required for all laboratory personnel. Hands-on
fire extinguisher training is recommended for new personnel working in laboratories. Laboratory
personnel are responsible for knowing the location of and maintaining clear access to all fire
extinguishers in their vicinity (including common corridors). Environmental Health and Safety
Department of Nova School of Science and Technology is responsible for the selection,
installation, and maintenance of fire extinguishers and related signs. Contact this department
after a fire extinguisher is used.

First Aid Kits

A properly stocked first aid kit shall be available to laboratory personnel. Individual items should
be replenished as they become depleted or expired.

If the laboratory uses materials that require specific first aid materials, these should be stocked
in the kit or nearby (for example for the using of Hydrofluoric acid).

Laboratory Fume Hoods

Fume hoods are designed to protect personnel by preventing chemical contaminants from
escaping into the laboratory environment. Fume hood sashes also provide a physical barrier
from chemicals and their reactions.

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Laboratory Refrigerators/Freezers

Refrigerators and freezers used for flammable liquid storage must be manufactured for that
purpose. General purpose refrigerators/freezers must be labeled to prohibit storage of
flammable materials.

Laboratory refrigerators and freezers must not be used to store food or beverages intended for
human consumption. Affix an appropriate label to the refrigerator/freezer door (Caution: For
Chemical Storage Only, No Food or Drink).

Safety Showers

During development of an Emergency Action Plan, personnel must identify safety shower
locations and verify proper function weekly. Ensure that safety shower locations are
unobstructed and marked with a sign (typically green/white, available from EH&S) posted at eye
level below the shower.

Spill Kits

A properly stocked spill control kit shall be available in each chemical laboratory.

A guide for spill kit assembly can be found here. The spill control kit must contain appropriate
neutralizers for acids and bases stored in the laboratory.

Maintenance, Inspection, and Disposal

Maintenance

All equipment used in the laboratory must function properly and safely. To ensure this,
laboratories must maintain equipment according to a manufacturer’s specifications or
established guidelines, and perform routine inspections for common problems: corrosion,

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damaged electrical cords, excessive contamination, leaks, worn parts, and ensure that alarms,
guards, interlocks, or other safety devices have not been disconnected or disabled.

Inspection

Laboratory personnel should also inspect these items weekly and report any issues to Lab
Manager.

• fire extinguishers (serviced by Environmental Health and Safety Department of Nova School of
Science and Technology annually);

• fume hoods (tested by TradeLabor and TypeSolution annually)

• safety showers/eye washer (tested on Laboratory Inspection Check List - Weekly)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the work conditions must be worn when
working with laboratory hazards. At a minimum this must include:

• laboratory coats or other protective clothing such as aprons, coveralls, scrubs;

• safety glasses or goggles;

• gloves resistant to the material used (check SDS file);

• fully enclosed footwear;

Sandals must not be worn in the laboratory. Other protective equipment, such as aprons, face
shields, hearing protection, respirators, splash goggles, and/or thermal or cut resistant gloves,
must be worn when conditions dictate.

All PPE shall be thoroughly inspected for damage or worn parts before use, cleaned and sanitized
after use if reusable, and properly stored away from sources of heat, sunlight, chemicals, or
contamination.
Single use equipment must be properly disposed of after each use or contact with contaminants
has occurred. Remove all PPE before leaving the laboratory.

Contaminated PPE must NOT be taken home for laundering. Ask to the Lab Manager how to
proceed.

The following paragraphs explains commonly used PPEs.

Body Protection

Body protection must be worn to protect skin from harmful contaminants (for example: dusts,
fogs, fumes, gases, mists, smokes, sprays, splashes, or vapors), limit contamination of “street
clothing,” and aid the decontamination process. Lab coats shall constitute minimum body
protection when working in laboratories. Elastomeric equipment (such as acid-resistant aprons)

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used for chemical resistance must be constructed of elastomers resistant to the material used.
Wearing shorts or short skirts in laboratories is strongly discouraged. The required laboratory
coat or nonpermeable apron must cover the knees.

Eye and Face Protection

Eye and face protection with filtered lenses designed to protect against light radiation are
required when working with lasers, UV lamps, welding, or other sources of light radiation. Select
the appropriate lens shade or filter for the operation performed.

Face Shields

Face shields are required where there is potential face exposure to chemicals, projectiles, and
UV sources. Use of a face shield is not a substitute for eye protection, and it may be necessary
to provide both means of protection (for example, working with corrosive materials).

Hand Protection

Hand protection must be worn to prevent chemical skin absorption, lacerations, abrasions,
chemical burns, punctures, or thermal burns from harmful temperature extremes. Elastomeric
gloves used for chemical resistance must be constructed of elastomers resistant to the material
used. Selection is based on elastomer thickness, permeation breakthrough time (in minutes),
permeation rate and resistance to degradation. Several useful glove selections can be found on
the table below.

Nitrile synthetic rubber (exam type) Advantages

Chemical resistance data available; Good to excellent
dexterity; Uses: Protection from chemical splashes.
Disadvantages
May fatigue hands; Avoid: Prolonged contact with
chemicals.
Butyl synthetic rubber Advantages
Highest permeation resistance to gas or water vapors;
Uses: Hydrofluoric acid, Esters, ketones, alcohols.
Disadvantages
Expensive; Avoid: See manufacturer's selection guide
Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) Advantages
Uses: Acids/bases, aromatic and chlorinated solvents
Disadvantages
Avoid: Contact with water or water-based solutions, water
soluble.
Availability
Off-campus safety supplier
The information provided in the table is a generalization about the performance of each glove
material. Actual performance may vary based on material type and manufacturer. For this
reason, this information must not be the only source used when selecting the appropriate glove
for your process.

Hearing Protection

Hearing protection is recommended when laboratory operations produce noise levels of 85

decibels or greater and is required when noise levels of 90 decibels or greater are encountered.

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Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection may be required to prevent exposure to airborne contaminants when

engineering controls (fume hoods, etc.) prove inadequate.

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses with side shields protect the eyes from flying projectiles and constitute minimum
eye protection when working in laboratories.

Safety Goggles

Safety goggles (unvented or indirectly vented) are required in laboratory operations where there
is potential for chemical vapors, splashes, mists, sprays, or airborne dust exposure to the eyes.

Training

Researchers, professors or laboratory supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all personnel
are properly trained before they begin work in a laboratory and that they receive additional
training when new hazards or procedures are introduced.

Refresher Training

If laboratory personnel exhibit a lack of knowledge, or if work conditions and tasks change,
retraining is required.

General Laboratory Safety Practices

The following general safety practices apply to all laboratories at MEON Group, regardless of the
type of research or work performed.

Safe Laboratory Practices

The following minimum conditions or practices must be observed in the laboratory.

• Ensure laboratory access is controlled at all times (doors must be closed all the time). Ask
unknown persons to identify themselves and state their purpose. Ask unauthorized persons to
leave. Report the unauthorized entry Lab Manager.

• Avoid working alone in the laboratory, but when unavoidable, make arrangements with your
supervisor or a colleague to check on your status periodically.

• Keep hands and other items away from the mouth and eyes, as well as any open skin wounds.

• Food, drink, tobacco products, gum, medications, or cosmetics are not allowed in areas where
chemical, biological, or radioactive materials are used or stored.

• Food intended for research, teaching, or shop activities must be labeled “Not for Human
Consumption.”

• Keep all work areas clean and unobstructed.

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• Keep music at a light level and avoid from using earbuds or headphones on both ears.

• Avoid practical jokes or other disruptive behavior.

• Tie back long hair.

• Ensure hand soap (preferably liquid) and towels are available

at the laboratory sink.

• Wash hands and other exposed skin after using chemical, biological and radiological materials
and before leaving the laboratory, as well as between glove changes.

• Remove and store personal protective equipment in the laboratory or in a place reserved for
that.

Proper Labeling for Materials

All containers used to store chemical, biological, or radiological material in the laboratory must
be labeled to ensure hazard information is readily available to employees, visitors, and
emergency response personnel. The label must include the following components:

• Proper chemical or common name of contents in english. Chemical formulas, symbols, or

acronyms alone are not acceptable. Mixtures or solutions must include a list of constituents
and their concentrations.

• Associated hazard statement(s), (fatal if swallowed, flammable liquid, vapor, etc.).

Include additional information, such as dates received, prepared or opened, storage location,
and owner or user of the material.

Safe Storage of Materials

Below are some general guidelines for the safe storage of chemical materials:

• Store materials according to the manufacturer’s specifications in a designated location.

• Ensure that all stored containers are in good condition, closed, and properly labeled.

• Store all hazardous materials in containers, cabinets, or on shelving compatible with the
associated hazard or material.

• Segregate chemicals by hazard class (flammable liquids, organic acids, oxidizers). Chemicals
that belong in the same hazard class may be stored alphabetically.

• Ensure that storage locations are dry, adequately vented, and away from heat sources.

• Provide inventories of hazardous materials stored in the laboratory annually. Update the
inventory upon significant changes in amounts or processes.

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Safe Use of Materials

Below are some general guidelines for the safe use of chemical materials:

• Before use, review the hazard information found on the container label and in an SDS.

• Follow safety precautions as specified in the approved Hazard Assessment Form.

• Use the appropriate equipment for processes that release hazardous vapors, fumes,
particulates, or aerosols.

• Separate incompatible materials.

• Do not leave hazardous processes unattended.

• Do not pipette or siphon by mouth.

• Do not smell or taste chemical, biological or radiological materials.

• Ensure that all containers are properly closed when not in use.

• Work with the minimum amount necessary for the procedure.

Return excess materials to storage.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

• Avoid working alone in the laboratory, especially if using hazardous materials. When
unavoidable, make arrangements with your supervisor or a colleague to periodically check on
your status.

Safety Practices for Specific Hazards

The following additional safety practices apply to MEON Group laboratories where specific
hazardous materials are used.

Compressed and Liquefied Gases

• Always request the technical assistance to help you with compressed and liquefied gases.

• Ensure gas cylinders and Dewar flasks are capped, secured, and away from heat sources at all
times and capped when not in use.

• Ensure hazardous gas (for example: corrosive, flammable, and toxic) quantities are below
maximum allowed volumes and are stored in a ventilated cabinet, when required.

• Use an appropriate hand truck or cart to transport gas cylinders and Dewar flasks (do not drag
or roll), ensuring the valve protection caps are in place, and handle only one container at a time.

• Ensure proper maintenance and use of regulators, manifolds, and safety valves.

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• Always wear safety goggles when performing any operation with compressed or liquefied
gases. Additional protection may be required, based on the gases used (face shield, insulated
gloves, chemical resistant gloves, and/or an apron).

• After assembly of a gas supply system, test all connections using a soapy water solution or a
gas detection device. Retest the system periodically and when leaks are suspected.

Corrosives

Corrosives react at the point of contact causing eye or tissue damage. Corrosives include acids
and bases and other chemicals, such as phenol.

• Use splash goggles and heavy weight gloves resistant to the chemical and concentration used.
A face shield over eye goggles, resistant apron, and boots may also be appropriate, depending
on the work performed.

• Slowly add acids or bases to water. Never add water to concentrated acids or bases.

• Segregate storage of acids from bases.

• Segregate storage of inorganic and organic acids.

• Segregate storage of oxidizing acids (such as: nitric, perchloric,

and chromic) from all other materials and from each other.

• Store corrosives in secondary containment.

• An eyewash station must be present in the laboratory with corrosives. A safety shower must
be available within 10 seconds travel time from workspace.

• Appropriate neutralizing agents for spill cleanup should be available in adequate quantities.

• Calcium gluconate gel must be available wherever hydrofluoric acid is used. This gel is used to
treat skin exposure and can be obtained by contacting the Laboratory Manager. Seek medical
treatment for exposure to hydrofluoric acid.

• Polyethylene glycol (PEG 300) must be available wherever phenol is used. PEG 300 is used to
treat skin exposure and is available at our chemical cabinet – Laboratory 2 – CENIMAT (With
serial number #A00459). Seek medical treatment for exposure to phenol.

• Perchloric acid use may result in the formation of explosive perchloric acid salts. Perchloric
acid procedures must only be performed in approved laboratory fume hoods.

Explosives

Explosives may be divided into two categories: chemicals designed and produced for use as an
explosive, and chemicals that may become explosive due to dehydration, age, or contamination.
Examples include ammunition, dry picric acid, and trinitrotoluene (TNT).

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• Obtain approval from your supervisor and Group Leader prior to purchasing, using, and
synthesizing explosives in the laboratory.

• Store away from other chemicals in a secure cabinet or magazine.

• Keep wetted or otherwise stabilized.

• Use and store away from sources of heat, friction, or static electricity.

• Use barriers such as blast shields, barricades, and guards to protect personnel and equipment.

• Use of eye protection and flame-resistant lab coats are required.

Never wear synthetic clothing (such as: polyester or nylon) as it may ignite causing severe burns.
Wear heavy leather or kevlar gloves and a face shield that protects the throat when in a
hazardous or exposed position. Refer to information from the chemical manufacturer for
additional PPE requirements.

Flammables

Flammable materials burn readily in the presence of an ignition source. Flammable liquids have
a flash point of less than or equal to 60ºC (140ºF). Vapor from these liquids can reach remote
ignition sources, causing flashback fires.

• Isolate ignition sources, including hot surfaces, electrical equipment, and static electricity from
flammable materials.

• Store flammables away from oxidizers and strong acids.

• Ensure proper bonding and grounding when transferring flammable liquids from a container
or drum.

• Implement additional safety precautions when heating flammable liquids, particularly when
heating to or above their flash points.

• Domestic refrigerators or freezers for flammable liquid storage is NOT permitted.

• Use flammable liquids in a fume hood, when possible to prevent buildup of ignitable vapor/air
mixtures.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology research involves the creation, manipulation, and use of materials with at least
one dimension in the 1-100 nanometer (nm) range. Particles of this size may have hazardous
properties that are not yet fully understood.

Inhaled nanomaterials can cross the lung/blood barrier and deposit in internal organs. Skin
penetration is another potential exposure route for nanoparticles. Because nanomaterial
toxicity is not fully understood, nanomaterials must be treated with a high level of control.

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General Safety Requirements

• Treat all nanomaterials as hazardous substances.

• Mixing, sonication, weighing, or agitation of nanomaterials must be done in a glove box,

biosafety cabinet, or Powder Weighing Cabinets (Cruma P-1, equipped with a double-HEPA filter
that retains particles of up to 0.3 microns).

• Transport and store nanomaterials in sealed containers.

• When appropriate, use soapy water to clean nanoparticles from surfaces. Avoid using solvents
for surface cleaning if possible.

• Review explosion and fire hazards for processes producing airborne dust materials that have
high reactivity.

• Written Hazardous Assessments must be created for laboratory work involving nanomaterials.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• At minimum, a laboratory coat, safety goggles, gloves, and fully closed shoes must be worn
when using nanomaterials.

• To eliminate nanomaterial skin contact, wear appropriate gloves, placing the glove over the
end of the lab coat sleeve. Wash hands after using nanomaterials.

Waste Disposal

Waste nanomaterials must be treated as chemical waste. Follow EH&S protocols for waste
storage and disposal.

Organic Peroxides

Organic peroxides may react with organic material resulting in fires or explosions. Organic
peroxides are highly flammable and extremely sensitive to heat, friction, impact, and light, as
well as to strong oxidizing and reducing agents. In addition, organic peroxides may destabilize
with age, contamination, or improper storage to become self-reactive. Common laboratory
organic peroxides include benzoyl peroxide, butyl peroxide, and lauroyl peroxide.

• Mark containers with date received. Dispose of by the expiration date listed on the container
label, within one year of purchase or within six months of opening.

• Use in a location separated from chemicals and organic materials, such as paper and wood.

• Strictly adhere to manufacturer’s use and storage instructions. Refrigeration and/or hydration
may be required.

• Avoid operations that may concentrate organic peroxides (distillation, extraction, or

crystallization).

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Oxidizers

Oxidizers may react with organic materials resulting in fires or explosions. Common laboratory
oxidizers include perchloric and nitric acids, sodium, ammonium nitrates, and hydrogen
peroxide.

• Use away from chemicals and organic materials (paper and wood).

• Store in secondary containment away from all other chemicals.

• Ensure reactions involving oxidizers and organics are completed prior to placing in sealed
containers.

Peroxide Forming Chemicals

Some chemicals react with oxygen to form peroxides. Impact, heat, or friction can trigger
peroxide explosions. Peroxide forming chemicals include ethyl ether, isopropyl ether, potassium
metal, and tetrahydrofuran.

• Affix warning label, available at chemistry stores, to containers and record dates received,
opened, and tested.

• Dispose of peroxide forming chemicals at or before the expiration date marked on the
container.

• Never handle deformed containers or those with crystal formation. Contact EH&S to remove
the container.

Physical Hazards

Physical hazards include burns, cuts, electrical shock, mechanical, noise, and slips/trips.
Laboratory personnel must identify physical hazards present in the laboratory and implement
safe work practices to avoid injury. Minimum safety practices include the following:

• Keep floors, exits, and aisles unobstructed.

• Ensure laboratory equipment with moving parts are properly guarded (examples; fan belts,
vacuum pump belt drives, etc.).

• Heavy objects should be stored near the ground, whenever possible to minimize lifting/falling
hazards.

• Ensure adequate illumination for all activities, avoiding reflections and glare that could affect
vision.

Pyrophoric Chemicals

Pyrophoric chemicals, such as butyllithium, methyllithium, and white phosphorus ignite

spontaneously in air. Small amounts of pyrophoric chemicals may initiate fires.

• Use and store in an inert environment.

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• Minimize use near flammable solvents.

• Ensure appropriate fire extinguisher is available.

• Eye protection, flame-resistant gloves, and a flame-resistant laboratory coat are required.
Never wear synthetic clothing (such as: polyester or nylon), as it may ignite causing severe burns.
Wear a face shield for additional protection.

• An eyewash must be present in the laboratory. A safety shower must be available within 10
seconds travel time from workspace.

• Perform all transfers in a fume hood and prevent body contact by using a splash guard or shield
where possible.

• Review the safe procedures for handling highly reactive reagents. Everyone working with these
compounds should be familiar with the Aldrich technical bulletins AL-134 “Handling Air-Sensitive

Reagents” and AL-164 “Handling Pyrophoric Reagents.”

• Perform initial work with supervision.

• Practice handling and transfer procedures using a nonpyrophoric material before working with
pyrophoric materials.

• Use the smallest quantity of pyrophoric material possible.

• Never work alone when handling highly hazardous chemicals, especially organolithium
reagents. Notify others in the laboratory when working with these solutions!

Additional Resources

• Working Safety with Organolithium Compounds - Yale University

• Improved Safety during Transfer of Pyrophoric tert-Butyllithium from Flasks with Protective
Seals

Particularly Hazardous Substances

Particularly hazardous substances include select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and

chemicals with a high degree of acute toxicity. Some examples of chemicals with a high level of
acute toxicity include dimethyl mercury, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, and osmium
tetroxide. The following special procedures must be developed and specified on the Hazardous
Assessment Form when working with particularly hazardous substances:

• Identify authorized personnel who may work with these materials or equipment. Authorized
persons must receive training on the unique hazards of these materials or equipment before
use.

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• Establish a designated use area (fume hood, glove box, etc. ) and identify the area by signs or
postings. Restrict access to this area to authorized personnel. If an entire lab is designated, then
access must be restricted to authorized personnel.

• Specify special safety precautions for experiments or laboratory operations where these
materials or equipment are used. Be sure to identify specialized equipment, shielding, or
security requirements to be used. List of carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and teratogens.

Water Reactives

• Water reactive materials combine with water or moisture in the air to spontaneously ignite or
produce flammable or toxic gases. Examples include metals such as sodium and potassium, acid
anhydrides and acid chlorides, and fine metal powders, such as zinc.

• Handle away from water sources.

• Use in well-ventilated area or inert atmosphere.

• Store in a dry and/or inert environment.

• Review safety data sheets to ensure appropriate fire extinguisher agent is available. Contact
EH&S if a special extinguisher is required.

Waste and Recycling

Laboratories generate a large variety of waste, including chemicals materials, appliances, and
equipment. Generators of waste must manage them as outlined in the Waste and Recycling
Guidelines. Waste MUST NOT be poured into the sanitary sewer system (drain) or released to
the environment (trash), unless specifically authorized in writing by EH&S. All laboratory
personnel must be familiar with appropriate decontamination, disposal and Environmental
Health and Safety (EH&S) waste collection procedures.

Chemical Waste Materials

Chemical waste includes used and unused reagents, samples, synthesized items, and unknowns.
At a minimum, researchers generating waste must ensure:

• All personnel have completed the online training course Laboratory Safety.

• Waste materials are collected in a designated satellite accumulation area identified with EH&S
signage.

• Hazardous waste satellite accumulation areas are located at or near the point of generation
(in the same room or suite of connected rooms where the waste is generated).

• Waste containers are appropriately labeled (no abbreviations, formulas, or shorthand) with
contents and hazardous characteristics.

• All liquid hazardous waste containers are used and stored in an appropriate, chemically
compatible leak-proof secondary containment.

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• If empty chemical containers are used to collect hazardous waste, the waste must be
compatible with the original contents. (Do not collect solvents in an empty nitric acid bottle.)

• Remove or mark out the original container label before use.

• Funnels are removed and waste containers are closed immediately after adding new material.
Waste containers must be closed except when in use.

• Hazardous waste tags are affixed immediately when starting a new waste container.

• All hazardous waste will be collected by EH&S. Laboratory Manager should request collection
by submitting an online request (https://bd3.fct.unl.pt/v8/dat.php ).

Equipment Disposal

Unwanted laboratory equipment includes working and non-working appliances, centrifuges,

lasers, ovens, and other items used for research. At a minimum, researchers generating
unwanted equipment must ensure that:

• All hazardous substances have been removed and the equipment has been decontaminated.

• A completed Laboratory Equipment Disposal Form has been forwarded to EH&S.

• EH&S has inspected the equipment and authorized transfer and/or disposal.

Exposure Assessment and Medical Care

Exposure assessment and medical care must be considered when developing laboratory
procedures.

Certain chemical, biological and physical hazards require specific health monitoring. It is the
responsibility of the department to ensure personnel are receiving appropriate monitoring
and/or medical care based on laboratory hazards.

Medical Emergencies

If injury, illness, or exposure is life threatening, dial 112. Be prepared to provide any relevant
safety information, such as a safety data sheet (SDS). Provide assistance to injured or exposed
personnel by following the First Aid Procedures. All incidents requiring first aid must be reported
to Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) as soon as possible.

Work-Related Injuries, Illnesses, and Exposures

Employees and students exposed or injured while at work or in the course of employment must
seek medical attention at the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S).

Reporting

All work related injuries, illnesses, or exposures must be reported to the employee’s / student
supervisor, even when medical attention is not required or is refused by the employee:

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An Incident Report must be completed by the injured employee/student and/or the supervisor
through the Group Leader.

All accidents and injuries sustained by students while in academic classes or events sponsored
by the university must be reported to the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) by the
student.

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