1. BASIC SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHEMICAL REAGENT USE
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Safety Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
BASIC SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHEMICAL REAGENT USE
Presented by Damien McGuirk-Senior Technical Officer c/o School of Chemical Sciences-D.C.U.
(Rev. 23.Jan.2017)

2. Before we start…a wee word about Ignorance and Incompetence…..

3. Before using my chemical reagent……..
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Before using my chemical reagent……..

4. DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Obtain a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemical Reagent. You will get this from the manufacturer of the reagent e.g.. Sigma Aldrich
The MSDS gives you a ‘safety blue print’ for all the hazards associated with your given reagent, and is your first point of reference.

5. DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
It should be noted that as from December 2010, the Global Harmonisation System for the labelling of chemical agents will come into effect. What this means for us as users is that there are will be a ‘crossover’ period between the older system for the safety classification of chemical reagents, and the newer G.H.S. system. Total implementation of the new G.H.S. system will be effective by June 1st For more info. See the below link:

6. BASIC CHEMICAL HAZARD SYMBOLS-(PRE G.H.S. VERSIONS!!!)
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
BASIC CHEMICAL HAZARD SYMBOLS-(PRE G.H.S. VERSIONS!!!)

7. DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
NEW CHEMICAL HAZARD SYMBOLS EFFECTIVE FROM 1ST DEC 2010 (AS PER G.H.S. LEGISLATION)

8. DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Identify all the risks associated with the reagent by carrying out a Hazardous Substance Assessment for the reagent. This is done through the completion of a Hazardous Substance Assessment Form.* abbv. H.S.A.F. (formally known as a C.O.S.H.H. form)
Filling out a H.S.A.F. makes you think about how you are actually going to use the reagent in your given workplace, and lets your supervisor know that you have considered all the safety implications in using the reagent.
*(For example see

9. DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Filling out a H.S.A.F. for your reagent is key to good reagent safety awareness. The H.S.A.F. makes you ask yourself the following:
Am I confident/competent enough to work safely with this reagent?
Where do I intend working with this reagent and where will I store it when in use?
What are the Risk Numbers/Phrases , and Safety Numbers/Phrases designated to the reagent?
When G.H.S. is fully in place, these phrases will be replaced by Hazard Numbers/Phrases and Precautionary Numbers/Phrases
Can the substance be replaced by a substance less hazardous to me?
Have I got the glassware, laboratory equipment, Personal Protective Equipment (abbv. P.P.E.) to work safely with the reagent?
How much reagent do I really need to do my work?
Do I know what to do in case of an accidental release of the reagent?
Do I know what basic first aid measures I should follow if I am exposed to the reagent?
How will I disposes of the excess reagent and reagent waste streams I will generate?

10. When I am physically using my chemical reagent in the lab….
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
When I am physically using my chemical reagent in the lab….

11. DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Do I need to work in a fumehood? Is it serviced and functioning correctly?
What Personal Protective Equipment will I need to use? In all cases for chemical reagent use, you will need a buttoned lab coat and safety glasses, as a minimum. Disposable nitrile gloves are also commonly used in the School of Chemical Sciences e.g.. “SemperGaurd” Nitrile Gloves-available from Fischer Scientific Ltd.
Will I need to instruct others that I share the lab with, about this reagent?
Should I work outside normal university hours with the reagent??
Is the substance teratogenic/mutagenic/carcinogenic? Do I need to be monitored for exposure? If I am pregnant is there risk to me and my unborn child?? Who do I need to inform?
Is appropriate first aid/fire fighting equipment available? Am I trained to use same?
Do I actually know what to do in the event of an emergency with this reagent eg. Spillage, splash to my body etc?
What do I do with the wastes????
Filling out a H.S.A.F. makes you think about these aspects!!!

12. When I am finished using my chemical reagent….
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
When I am finished using my chemical reagent….

13. A few tips to consider…………………….
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Where will I store leftover reagent? Return to a central storage area or keep in my lab?
How do I safely clean glassware contaminated with reagent?
If reagent container is empty, how do I safely clean/ dispose of it?
How do I safely remove/dispose of my reagent waste that I generate?
Consult your academic supervisor, safety adviser, in-house safety procedures etc. if you cannot answer these questions!!!
A few tips to consider…………………….

14. Basic chemical reagent tips!!!
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Basic chemical reagent tips!!!
H statements and P statements- (Written on container).
Date chemical reagent container on opening it-preferably apply label - and use a pencil to write date!!!
Keep reaction quantities small. Smaller risks, smaller waste generation. Use safer alternatives.
General basic first aid: Running water for all chemical splashes, or remove victim from lab and get fresh air. Seek help!!!!
Label all wastes clearly with as much detail as possible and use pencil.
Use solvent waste cans,glass winchesters or 2 litre H.D.P.E. plastic containers to store liquid waste streams. LABEL!!!!!!
Do not throw sharps or glassware contaminated sharps into normal glassware bins!!!
Store solids wastes in sealable containers and label clearly.

15. If in doubt…open your mouth!!! Consult, consult, consult!!!!!!!!!!!
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
If in doubt…open your mouth!!! Consult, consult, consult!!!!!!!!!!!

16. If you have any doubt about chemical reagent safety ASK!!!
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Carry out a thorough H.S.A. before starting work with that reagent. Fill out appropriate H.SA. form and send to supervisor/safety adviser for approval.
Filling out a H.S.A.F. is key to every single chemical reagent you will ever use in the Faculty of Science and Health. (For example see
Consult your project supervisor.
Consult your local Safety Rep/Advisor
Consult your technical Support Staff
Consult your colleagues
Consult University Health and Safety Office
If you have any doubt about chemical reagent safety ASK!!!

17. Some useful info. resources….
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Some useful info. resources….

18. DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module 2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Irelands Health and Safety Authority-
Global Harmonised System for chemical Agents :-
Material Safety Data Sheets from chemical reagent manufacturer e.g..
Some useful links for chemical reagent waste disposal companies:
School of Chemical Sciences Safety Handbook and safety policies