DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
TEACHING LAB EXPERIMENT RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
This form must be completed jointly by the Lab Officer in charge and the Lecturer in charge. A hardcopy
of the completed form should be kept in a file together with the Project Risk Assessment.
Name of Lecturer in Charge
Name of Lab Officer in Charge
Module / Expt No.
Dr Hoang TG
Activity being assessed:
Mdm Irene Teo
CM 1191/Expt 6
Separation of the components of an analgesic tablet
Known or expected hazards associated with the activity:
Hazards of reagents, solvents and known reaction products.
State each substance and the approximate amounts to be used/produced.
Aspirin: 500 mg
Hazardous in case of skin or eye contact (irritant)
Acetaminophen: 500 mg
Slightly hazardous in case of skin and eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation
Caffeine 200 mg:
Hazardous in case of skin or eye contact (irritant), of inhalation
Starch 1g
Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of
inhalation.
Methylene chloride: 20 mL
Potential Acute Health Effects: Very hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of
inhalation. Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, permeator). Inflammation of the eye is
characterized by redness, watering, and itching.
Potential Chronic Health Effects: CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Classified + (Proven.) by
OSHA. Classified 2B (Possible for human.) by IARC. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. DEVELOPMENTAL
TOXICITY: Not available. The substance is toxic to lungs, the nervous system, liver, mucous
membranes, central nervous system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can
produce target organs damage.
Ethanol: 20 mL
Eye: Causes severe eye irritation. May cause painful sensitization to light. May cause chemical
conjunctivitis and corneal damage.
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Skin: Causes moderate skin irritation. May cause cyanosis of the extremities.
Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause
systemic toxicity with acidosis. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by
excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may
cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to respiratory failure.
Inhalation: Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects
characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Causes respiratory
tract irritation. May cause narcotic effects in high concentration. Vapors may cause dizziness or
suffocation.
Hexane: 2 mL
Hazardous in case of skin contact (permeator), of ingestion, of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in
case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant).
Ethyl acetate: 4mL
Hazardous in case of ingestion, of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant,
permeator), of eye contact (irritant).
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: A4 (Not classifiable for human or animal.) by ACGIH.
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. The substance is toxic to mucous membranes,
upper respiratory tract. The substance may be toxic to blood, kidneys, liver, central nervous
system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs
damage.
Acetic acid: 0.5 mL
Potential Acute Health Effects:
Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of
inhalation. Hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive, permeator), of eye contact (corrosive).
Liquid or spray mist may produce tissue damage particularly on mucous membranes of eyes,
mouth and respiratory tract. Skin contact may produce burns. Inhalation of the spray mist may
produce severe irritation of respiratory tract, characterized by coughing, choking, or shortness of
breath. Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness, watering, and itching. Skin
inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling, reddening, or,
occasionally, blistering.
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Potential Chronic Health Effects:
Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. CARCINOGENIC
EFFECTS: Not available. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells.
Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. The substance may be toxic to kidneys,
mucous membranes, skin, teeth. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce
target organs damage. Repeated or prolonged contact with spray mist may produce chronic eye
irritation and severe skin irritation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to spray mist may produce
respiratory tract irritation leading to frequent attacks of bronchial infection.
Sodium bicarbonate (5 g):
Potential Acute Health Effects: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye
contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation.
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available.
Repeated or prolonged exposure is not known to aggravate medical condition.
Sodium sulphate: 1g
Potential Acute Health Effects:
Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant). Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of
ingestion, of inhalation.
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available.
Repeated or prolonged exposure is not known to aggravate medical condition.
TLC plates
NOTE: The hazard information listed is for the material bonded to the TLC plate.
Inhalation: May cause dryness and irritation to mucous membranes, nose, and throat. Symptoms
may include coughing, sore throat, dysphea, wheezing, and non-specific chest illnesses.
Ingestion: No adverse effects expected. Skin Contact: May cause irritation with dryness and
abrasion. Eye Contact: Causes irritation, redness, and pain. Chronic Exposure: Chronic
inhalation of silica dust can produce silicosis, a disease of the lungs. Cardiopulmonary
impairment may occur. Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: No information found.
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Iodine: Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of
inhalation. Hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive), of eye contact (corrosive). Eye contact
can result in corneal damage or blindness. Skin contact can produce inflammation and blistering.
Inhalation of dust will produce irritation to gastro-intestinal or respiratory tract, characterized by
burning, sneezing and coughing. Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness, watering,
and itching. Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally,
blistering.
UV lamp (as the illuminator for TLC plates): Skin injury and eye injury upon prolonged
exposure.
Incompatible materials (special precautions):
Dichloromethane: Avoid strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, chemically active metals.
Ethanol: Avoid oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis.
Ethyl acetate: Avoid oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis
Hexane: Avoid oxidizing agents.
Silica gel: Avoid moistures.
Iodine: Avoid oxidizing agents, reducing agents, metals.
Acetic acid: Avoid strong bases, chemically active metals
The risk of injury and its severity likely to arise from these hazards:
Accidental breakage of flasks may lead to cuts while spillage of the solvents/reagents may cause
irritation to eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
Who is at risk?
Persons handling the chemicals as well as those in the vicinity.
Measure to be taken to reduce the level of risk:
Proper PPE must be worn.
Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of Glassware.
Please
refer
to
PSSO
Safety
Information
Centre
website
on
safety
measures:
http://www.chemistry.nus.edu.sg/PSSO/Safety.htm.
Training prerequisites:
Please
refer
to
Completed
Risk
Assessment
on
http://www.chemistry.nus.edu.sg/PSSO/Safety/Risk/risk.htm#Common.
Level of risk remaining:
Low.
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Common
Activities:
Emergency action if :
Spill: Methylene Chloride
Small Spill: Dilute with water and mop up, or absorb with an inert dry material and place in an
appropriate waste disposal container.
Large Spill: Absorb with an inert material and put the spilled material in an appropriate waste
disposal. Be careful that the product is not present at a concentration level above TLV. Check
TLV on the MSDS and with local authorities.
Spill: Ethanol
Absorb spill with inert material (e.g. vermiculite, sand or earth), then place in suitable container.
Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation. A vapor suppressing
foam may be used to reduce vapors
Spill: Hexane
Small Spill: Absorb with an inert material and put the spilled material in an appropriate waste
disposal.
Large Spill:
Flammable liquid, insoluble in water. Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition.
Stop leak if without risk. Absorb with DRY earth, sand or other non-combustible material. Do
not get water inside container. Do not touch spilled material. Prevent entry into sewers,
basements or confined areas; dike if needed. Call for assistance on disposal. Be careful that the
product is not present at a concentration level above TLV. Check TLV on the MSDS and with
local authorities.
Spill: Ethyl acetate
Small Spill:
Dilute with water and mop up, or absorb with an inert dry material and place in an appropriate
waste disposal container.
Large Spill:
Flammable liquid. Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Stop leak if
without risk. Absorb with DRY earth, sand or other non-combustible material. Do not touch
spilled material. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas; dike if needed. Be
careful that the product is not present at a concentration level above TLV. Check TLV on the
MSDS and with local authorities.
Spill: Acetic acid
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Small Spill:
Dilute with water and mop up, or absorb with an inert dry material and place in an appropriate
waste disposal container. If necessary: Neutralize the residue with a dilute solution of sodium
carbonate.
Large Spill:
Flammable liquid. Corrosive liquid. Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition.
Stop leak if without risk. If the product is in its solid form: Use a shovel to put the material into a
convenient waste disposal container. If the product is in its liquid form: Absorb with DRY earth,
sand or other non-combustible material. Do not get water inside container. Absorb with an inert
material and put the spilled material in an appropriate waste disposal. Do not touch spilled
material. Use water spray curtain to divert vapor drift. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or
confined areas; dike if needed. Call for assistance
on disposal. Neutralize the residue with a dilute solution of sodium carbonate. Be careful that the
product is not present at a concentration level above TLV. Check TLV on the MSDS and with
local authorities.
Sodium bicarbonate:
Small Spill:
Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container. Finish
cleaning by spreading water on the contaminated surface and dispose of according to local and
regional authority requirements.
Large Spill:
Use a shovel to put the material into a convenient waste disposal container. Finish cleaning by
spreading water on the contaminated surface and allow to evacuate through the sanitary system.
Fire: Use ABC extinguishers available in the lab.
Is the experiment suitable for out-of-hours operation?
References if any:
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/b5380.htm
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/MSDS/MSDS/DisplayMSDSPage.do
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Yes
No
Signature of Lab Officer in charge:………………………..……………………..
Date:…………………………
Signature of Lecturer in Charge:………… ……………………………………..
Date:… ……………………...
Prepared Risks Assessments for standard equipment and operation are with the kind permission
of Dr. Ken MacNeil, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol.
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Activity being assessed:
Note any activity to be used which entail risk (e.g. use of glass vacuum apparatus, high
pressures, high voltage, radiation, high temperatures). Give reference to any special protocols to
be followed, and if appropriate attach copies to the risk assessment form. State any additional
precautions taken to minimise risk.
Known or expected hazards associated with the activity:
FOR EACH CHEMICAL, read the MSDS and note:a) Particular hazards (e.g. highly toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, flammable, pyrophoric,
explosive, volatile, dust hazard). Note any dangerous combinations of properties (e.g. volatile
and toxic).
b) Requirements for safe handling (e.g. fume cupboard, inert atmosphere, low temperature).
c) How to dispose of residuals
 Dispose to drain, with water dilution
 Neutralise, then to drain with suitable dilution
 To flammable liquid waste receptacle
 To non-flammable liquid waste receptacle
 Keep for recovery/recycling
 Keep for special disposal later (e.g. heavy metals)
 Double bag and dispose to dry waste
 Special procedure (specify)
Incompatible materials (special precautions)
Note any dangerously incompatible materials and hazards arising from contact of any reagents
and substances used with common materials such as paper, benches, hoses, etc.
Measures to be taken to reduce the level of risk
Include hazards of previously unknown products.
Location of work – laboratory, open bench, fume cupboard
Level of risk remaining:
Likelihood and consequences of any accident or unforeseen events whilst carrying out the
activity. When this has been done, choose the appropriate procedure:a) Close supervision and/or attendance of trained first-aider needed.
b) Specific approval of supervisor needed.
c) Training is needed prior-to or during the operations specified.
d) Training is complete and only general laboratory competence required.
e) No risk perceived.
Emergency action:
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a) Any special requirements to deal with accidental spillage or leakage.
b) What to do in the event of accidental exposure (skin contact, inhalation, etc.).
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