Risk assessment of chemical, laboratory experiment or
process
The risk assessment shall contain information about current chemicals, storage, handling,
preparation, use, end products, possible intermediate products and waste handling. Personal
security and external environment shall be taken into consideration.
Chemical/Laboratory experiment/Process
Development of catalytic amperometric biosensor for the detection of glucose.
The aim if the exercise is to develop two electrochemical glucosensors by the combination of
commercial screen-printed electrodes, chemical and electrochemical deposited of
catalysts/mediators and enzymes.
Procedure:
Surface of screen-printed electrode will be pretreated electrochemically in a saturated solution of
Na2CO3 and functionalized electrochemically with Prussian Blue or chemically with ferrocene
carboxylic acid. Then, glucose oxidase aqueous solution and Nafion solution in isopropanol will
be mixed, dropped on the surface of electrode and left to dry at 4 °C for 60 minutes.
Amperometric detection of glucose with fabricated biosensor will be performed.
Chemicals:
Na2CO3
FeCl3
HCl
K3[Fe(CN)6)]
FcCOOH
KCl
H2O2
glucose
glucose oxidase
Nafion
isopropanol
PBS –Na2HPO4, KH2PO4, NaCl and KCl
Area/Unit
Biosensors and Bioelectronics
Laboratory/Premises
H302
Risk assessment
X
Low risk
Moderately hazardous
Hazardous
Very hazardous
Inherent chemicals intrinsic hazardous properties (also end products and intermediate products if possible)
Na2CO3
Causes serious eye irritation.
FcCOOH
Irritant in contact with skin and eyes
HCl
Hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive, irritant, permeator), of eye contact (irritant,
corrosive), or ingestion. Slightly hazardous in case of inhalation (lung sensitizer). Thus, safety
measures need to be used, please see below.
H2O2
Does not show hazardous properties at used concentration
isopropanol
Highly flammable. Irritating to eyes. Vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Prussian blue
May cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation. May cause gastrointestinal irritation. Prolonged
skin contact may result in dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Risks with storage, preparation, handling and waste handling shall be described at normal
conditions and regarding unexpected incidents.
All chemical when not in use will be stored (after having been properly labelled) in ventilated
cabinet. During storage mixing between reactive solutions will be minimized.
Avoid inhalation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid prolonged or repeated
exposure.
Always use adequate protection (see below)
Measures to limit risks (safety equipment, handling instructions, etc.)
The worker should use laboratory gloves, lab coat and tightly fit protective eyes glasses.
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge
into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable,
closed containers for disposal.
First aid measures and measures in case of fire and waste
After inhalation
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult,
give oxygen.
After skin contact
In case of skin contact, flush with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove
contaminated clothing and shoes. Call a physician.
After eye contact
In case of contact with eyes, flush with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Assure
adequate flushing by separating the eyelids with fingers. Call a physician.
After ingestion
If swallowed, wash out mouth with water provided
Always report accident or a situation that could have led to an accident to the demonstrators.
Risk assessment performed by:
Date
Valerio Beni
2015/01/29
Employers’ signature
Date