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.
Before we start…a wee word about
Ignorance and Incompetence…..
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module
2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Before using my
chemical reagent, what
do I need to do?
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
www.sigmaaldrich.com.
 The MSDS gives you a ‘safety blue print’ for
all the hazards associated with your given
reagent, and is your first point of reference.
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 2015. For more
info. See the below link on www.
 www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center/globallyharmonized.html
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!!!)
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)
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 H.S. assessment for the reagent. This
is done through the completion of a H.S.A.F. (abbv.
Hazardous Substance Assesment 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.
* See http://www4.dcu.ie/science_and_health/safety_info.shtml
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module
2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
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Filling out a H.S.A.F. on a reagent is key to good reagent safety awareness. Completing a
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?
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module
2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
When I am physically
using my chemical
reagent, what do I need
to consider?
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module
2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
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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.
Date chemical reagent container on opening it-preferably apply label - and
use a pencil to write date!!!
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 a fire
extinguisher?
Do I actually know what to do in the event of an emergency with this reagent eg.
Spillage, splash to my body etc?
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module
2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
When I am finally
finished using my
chemical reagent, what
then?
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? What are the storage
options available to me?
 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 academic supervisor, safety adviser, in-house
safety procedures etc. if you cannot answer these
questions!!!
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module
2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
To sum up…..
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module
2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
 Fill out a H.S.A.F. before starting work with that reagent. Send completed
H.S.A.F. to supervisor/safety adviser for approval.
 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
http://www.dcu.ie/chemistry/policy_documents_safety.shtml)
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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! ASK!!
ASK!!!!!!!
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module
2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
Some useful info.
resources….
DCU Faculty of Science and Health-Safe Lab Module
2- Basic Considerations for Chemical Reagent Use
 Irelands Health and Safety Authority- www.hsa.ie.
 Global Harmonised System for chemical Agents :http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center/globallyharmonized.html
 Material Safety Data Sheets from chemical reagent manufacturer
e.g.. www.sigmaldrich.com
 Some useful links for chemical reagent waste disposal
companies:-www.rialta.ie, www.veolia.ie, www.enva.ie,
www.ecosafesystems.ie
 School of Chemical Sciences Safety Handbook and safety
policies
http://www.dcu.ie/chemistry/policy_documents_safety.shtml