Environmental laboratory Safety

Adhere basic safety rules and follow them religiously

• Learn the locations of eye fountain, emergency shower, fire blanket and fire extinguisher.
• Eye protection must be worn at all times.
• In handling all chemicals, avoid contact with skin. In the event of such contact, immediately wash the affected area with copious amounts of water.
• Avoid working alone in a laboratory if the procedures to be conducted are hazardous.
• Do not store food or beverages in storage areas and refrigerators that are used for laboratory operations.
• Always use a bulb to draw chemicals in a pipette. Never use the mouth to provide suction.
• Use fume hoods where toxic or noxious gases or fumes are likely to be evolved.
• Avoid flushing of  heavy metals or poisonous substances down the drain. Collect the lab effluents , treat them and dispose off by following standard practices

Health and Safety Issues When Monitoring and Analyzing Air Pollution

General

1. Accidents do happen so always take all necessary precautions
2. Make sure you know where the medical kit is housed and that it is up to date and well stocked.
3. Never do anything in the laboratory in a rush, if the chemicals are toxic;
4. Never have food and drink when you are analyzing the samples.
5. Do not place bottles, sample bottles or beakers with chemicals near the edge of the laboratory table.
6. Never tamper with electrical connections when the power is on.
7. Avoid making temporary power connections
8. Use electrical insulation tape where appropriate.
9. Do not put bare wires into a live electrical socket
10. If the RDS/ PM2.5 fuse blows do not replace with a piece wire but with an appropriate fuse.

In the Laboratory:

1. Always read the labels on any chemical that you use in the laboratory to establish the health risk and correct handling.
2. Always wear a lab coat when handling chemicals in the laboratory.
3. Always wear gloves when handling dangerous chemicals.

In the Field

1. Take care when using ladders, especially if carrying a load e.g. the Respirable Dust Sampler.
2. Take care when moving heavy equipment, try not to take short cuts and lift something yourself when really there should be two people required.
3. It may be slippery under foot when there has been rain so make sure to wear footwear with a good grip.
4. Equipment, especially the RDS, should be placed on flat stable platform.