Handling samples and chemicals
Natural samples
Be aware of what is in your samples. You should know if they are likely to be a danger to lab users (e.g. toxic). You should also ensure others working in your lab are aware if they are dangerous. All natural samples should be stored in sealed containers that are clearly labelled. Samples that spill from a container could contaminate your and others work. Samples should be put away in your cupboard after use and not left on the bench. Spillages should be dealt with immediately.
Samples from outside the UK
If you are going to bring soils samples from outside the licence area please ensure you have discussed with Sarah Burdall to ensure they are registered with DEFRA. She will give specific instructions of how to deal with these samples.
After you use chemicals they should be put back in the appropriate storage area. Chemicals should be correctly labelled with concentration if appropriate. Spillages should be dealt with immediately.
Handling concentrated acids
- If handling concentrated acid please double glove:
- Ideally with a neoprene (thicker) glove on top of a nitrile glove
- For small quantities two nitrile gloves is acceptable
- Please only handle concentrated acids in a fume cupboard (which is switched on!).
- Avoid using mechanical pipettes for concentrated acids where possible:
- (plastic) Pasteur pipettes and dispenser pipettes are fine
- Please ask if unsure
- Please make sure any spillages and cleaned up or reported if you do not feel comfortable cleaning them up yourself (or if the spillage is significant).
- If in doubt, ask!
Handling non-aqueous solvents
In Cohen we have available for general use acetone, isopropanol, ethanol, and methanol. All of these have hazards associated with them. However, we strongly encourage the use of ethanol above other non-aqueous solvents in our laboratories. In many ways it is the least bad of the solvents. You should consult the laboratories COSHH form to check on the hazards associated with these chemicals.
We have some general advice for handling ALL solvents:
- Avoid the inhalation of solvent vapours – use in a well-ventilated area or in a fume cupboard for larger volumes
- Keep the storage containers tightly closed and store in vented cabinets
- Never use open flames near flammable solvents
- Never pour solvents down the sink – dispose of as hazardous waste
- Avoid contact of the solvent with the skin — many solvents are easily absorbed through the skin. They also tend to dry the skin and may cause sores and wounds.
- Ensure you are wearing appropriate gloves for the solvent you are handling. Butyl or Viton gloves may be required to properly protect you. Many solvents will diffuse through nitrile gloves very quickly.
Transporting
When transporting chemicals (between labs or out of the labs) the minimum containment is a sealed container. Where large volumes or dangerous materials are being transported (i.e. concentrated acid) secondary containment is vital.
Please ensure that containment is suitable to the chemical being transported. For example, aluminium is not a good material to use for transporting acids.
Labelling samples
Label it or lose it!
Label all chemicals, solutions and samples with name, date, content, concentration, and associated hazards. There are small sample label cards to use with large batches of samples.
Very important here is the disposal date and procedure. This means that if you leave we know whether to dispose of the sample or if it needs keeping for another researcher. Also, it allows us to deal with disposal and any spillage appropriately.
Disposal procedure might be: can be disposed of down sink, can be disposed of in orange (or yellow) bags or, must be disposed of as waste.
Labelling experiments
If you are intending to leave an experiment running over night please fill in one of these cards. This will let everyone know what is happening and who to contact in an emergency.
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Written by Andy Connelly (2/9/2016)
Last updated by Andy Connelly (12/10/2016)