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.
A/P Jaenicke Stephan
Activity being assessed:
Tan Lay San
CM 2264/Expt 4
Polycondensation:
Preparation of an Unsaturated Polyester Prepolymer & Crosslinking to Themoset Resin
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.
List of activities involved in this experiment which inevitably entail risks. The following are the activities being use:
1)
Glass Apparatus. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of Glassware
2)
Heating Mantle. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of Laboratory Heating Equipment
3)
Thermometer. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use, Handling and Clean-Up Procedures for Mercury .
4)
Electricity, Mechanical Stirrer. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Electricity. Refer to prepared risk
assessment on Use of Standard Electrical Equipment
5)
Fume hood. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of Fume Hoods.
6)
Waste disposal: All organic waste have to be disposed of in the appropriately labelled waste container
placed in a secondary containment housed under the designated fume hood.
Phthalic Anhydride: 37g
Causes severe eye irritation. May cause eye burns. Harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Causes skin irritation. May
cause burns if skin is wet. Contains material which causes damage to the following organ: Kidneys, liver, mucous
membranes, respiratory tract, skin, eyes.
Maleic Anhydride: 20g
Harmful if swallowed. Causes burns. May cause sensitisation by inhalation and skin contact.
Propylene Glycol: 34g
Causes respiratory tract, eye and skin irritation.
Distilled Styrene: 40g
Flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin.
Causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Affects CNS, liver and reproductive system.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide: approx. 6 drops
May react violently or explode if heated. Reacts violently with combustibles and organic material.
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Methylated Spirit: 100mL
Highly flammable. Harmful. Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed. Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
Target organ(s): nerves, eyes.
1M Potassium Hydroxide: 10mL
Corrosive. Causes burns. Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Phenolphthalein Indictor: approx. 2-3 drops
Flammable.
Toluene: 20mL
Flammable liquid and vapour. Vapor may cause flash fire. May be fatal if swallowed. Harmful if inhaled. Causes
respiratory tract, eye and skin irritation. Causes damage to the following organs: Kidneys, liver, respiratory tract,
skin, central nervous system, eye, lens or cornea.
Nitrogen gas:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment. On loss of
containment this gas can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas. See
Notes on Reference website.
* Above amount stated are computed for the whole experiment.
Incompatible materials (special precautions):
Phthalic Anhydride:
Reactive with oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis, moisture.
Maleic Anhydride:
Oxidizers, water, alkali metals, amines, strong acids, strong bases and strong reducing agents.
Propylene Glycol:
Reactive with oxidizing agents.
Distilled Styrene:
Vapor is explosive when exposed to heat or flame; reacts with oxygen above 40°C (104°F) to form a heatsensitive explosive peroxide. On exposure to light and air, styrene slowly undergoes polymerization and oxidation
with formation of peroxides. Violent polymerization may be initiated by alkali metal-graphite composites,
butyllithium, dibenzoyl peroxide, azoisobutyronitrile or di-tert-butyl peroxide. Styrene reacts violently with
chlorosulfonic acid, oleum, sulfuric acid, chlorine + iron(II)chloride and can react vigorously with oxidizing
materials. Dissolves rubber. Corrosive to copper and copper alloys. Incompatible with peroxides, aluminum
chloride, strong acids, metallic salts, halogens, polymerization catalysts and accelerators. Conditions to avoid:
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Heat, flame, ignition sources, air, light.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide:
Incompatible with flammables, strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents, promoters such as Cobalt
compounds, brass, mild steel, aluminium alloys, natural and synthetic rubbers and chemical accelerators, heavy
metals, acids and bases.
Methylated Spirit:
Oxidizing agents, peroxides, acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, alkali metals, e.g. sodium, potassium, lithium.
Do not store in aluminium containers.
1M Potassium Hydroxide:
Acids, organic materials, acrolein, nitro compounds, chlorinated solvents, acid anhydrides, phosphorus,
potassium, metals. Absorbs CO2 from air.
Phenolphthalein Indictor:
Conditions to Avoid: Heating.
Further information: Inflammable; Explosive with air in a vaporous/gaseous state.
Toluene:
Reactive with oxidizing agents, acids.
Nitrogen gas:
Reacts with oxygen and hydrogen on sparking forming nitric oxide and ammonia.
Combines directly with lithium and at red heat with calcium, strontium and barium to form nitrites. Forms cyanides
when heated with carbon in presence of alkalis or barium oxides.
The risk of injury and its severity likely to arise from these hazards:
Phthalic Anhydride:
Eye Contact: Extremely hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant). Inflammation of the eye is characterized by
redness, watering, and itching. Hazardous in case of eye contact (corrosive). May cause burns.
Skin Contact: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant). Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling,
reddening, or, occasionally, blistering. May cause burns due to reaction with body moisture.
Inhalation: Hazardous in case of inhalation.
Ingestion: Hazardous in case of ingestion. May cause burns to mouth, throat and stomach.
Maleic Anhydride:
Skin Contact: Irritates
Skin Absorption: No information available
Eye Contact: Causes burns
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Inhalation: Irritates
Ingestion: Toxic, blistering.
Propylene Glycol:
Eye Contact: Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant). Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness,
watering, and itching.
Skin Contact: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant). Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling,
reddening, or, occasionally, blistering. Not absorbed by skin.
Inhalation: Hazardous in case of inhalation (lung irritant).
Ingestion: No known acute effects of this product resulting from ingestion.
Distilled Styrene:
Inhalation: Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. A
central nervous system depressant. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary
edema), a medical emergency.
Ingestion: May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea, lethargy, drowsiness, staggering and sleepiness. May cause central nervous system depression,
possible convulsions and risk of pulmonary edema.
Skin Contact: Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain. May produce blisters. May
be absorbed through the skin.
Eye Contact: May cause irritation, redness, pain, and corneal damage. Chronic Exposure: Repeated exposure
may cause nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, a sensation of drunkenness, general weakness, and functional
disorders of the nervous system and liver. May cause dermatitis. Women may experience ovulation and
menstrual disorders. May cause mutagenic and teratogenic effects. Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders, eye problems, liver disease, central nervous system disorders, or
impaired respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of the substance.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide:
May act as a tumorigen. May act as a systemic poison. Harmful by ingestion, inhalation and through skin contact.
Very destructive of mucous membranes. Severe irritant. Lachrymator.
Methylated Spirit:
Swallowed: The liquid is discomforting and harmful if swallowed and may cause dizziness, disorientation, mental
confusion, slurred speech but is toxic if swallowed in large quantity and may even be fatal. Ingestion may result in
nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting. Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial
environments.
Eye: The liquid may produce eye discomfort causing transient smarting, blinking The vapour is discomforting to
the eyes.
Skin: The liquid is discomforting to the skin if exposure is prolonged and may cause drying of the skin, which may
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lead to dermatitis. Contact with cuts, abraded skin is painful, but this is transient. Open cuts, abraded or irritated
skin should not be exposed to this material The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.
Inhaled: The vapour is discomforting to the upper respiratory tract. Inhalation hazard is increased at higher
temperatures. Acute effects from inhalation of high concentrations of vapour are pulmonary irritation, including
coughing, with nausea; central nervous system depression - characterised by headache and dizziness, increased
reaction time, fatigue and loss of co-ordination with dizziness, disorientation, mental confusion, slurred speech. If
exposure to highly concentrated solvent atmosphere is prolonged this may lead to narcosis, unconsciousness,
even coma and possible death. Symptoms may be same as intoxication, drunkenness.
Chronic Health Effects: Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact with the material and inhalation of
vapour. Prolonged or continuous skin contact with the liquid may cause defatting with drying, cracking, irritation
and dermatitis following. Ingestion may result in intoxication, drunkenness. In chronic form this may result in
alcoholism, liver damage. Prolonged exposure to ethanol may cause damage to the liver and cause scarring. It
may also worsen damage caused by other agents. Large amounts of ethanol taken in pregnancy may result in
"foetal alcohol syndrome", characterised by delay in mental and physical development, learning difficulties,
behavioural problems and small head size. A small number of people develop allergic reactions to ethanol, which
include eye infections, skin swelling, shortness of breath, and itchy rashes with blisters.
1M Potassium Hydroxide:
Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin. Potassium hydroxide solution is extremely destructive to
tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Inhalation may result in spasm,
inflammation and oedema of the larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema. Symptoms of
exposure may include burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea
and vomiting.
Phenolphthalein Indicator:
Eye Contact: Slight irritations
Skin Contact: After long-term exposure to the chemical – dermatitis.
Inhalation of vapours: Slight mucosal irritations. Risk of absorption.
Ingestion of large amounts: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
Systemic effects: Euphoria.
After absorption of large quantities: Dizziness, Inebriation, Narcosis, Respiratory Paralysis.
Further data: The product should be handled with the care usual when dealing with chemicals.
Toluene:
Eye Contact: Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant). Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness,
watering, and itching.
Skin Contact: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant). Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling,
reddening, or, occasionally, blistering.
Inhalation: Hazardous in case of inhalation (lung irritant).
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Ingestion: Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. May be fatal if swallowed.
Nitrogen gas:
Overexposure by inhalation may lead to unconsciousness, weakness, death.
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 laboratory attire and safety measures must always be used in order to reduce the level of risk. Wash
hands thoroughly after handling. Do not take internally. Eye wash and safety equipment should be readily
available. Styrene should be handled in a fume hood.
Eye protection: Chemical safety goggles.
Hand protection: Gloves.
Please
refer
to
PSSO
Safety
Information
Centre
http://www.chemistry.nus.edu.sg/PSSO/index.htm#undergrad
website
on
safety
measures:
Training prerequisites:
This assessment should be read by everyone who will be using the above mentioned chemicals. Please refer to
Completed Risk Assessment on Common Activities:
http://www.chemistry.nus.edu.sg/PSSO/safety/risk/risk.htm#Common
Level of risk remaining:
The level of risk is low although constant vigilance is necessary to avoid injury.
Emergency action if :
Spill:
Phthalic Anhydride:
Small Spill: Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container.
Large Spill: Stop leak if without risk. Do not get water inside container. Do not touch spilled material. Prevent
entry into sinks or drainages. Eliminate all ignition sources. Call for assistance on disposal.
Maleic Anhydride:
Leak or Spill Clean-up: Before dealing with spillages take necessary protective measures, inform others to keep
at a safe distance and, for flammable materials, shut off all possible sources of ignition. Spread soda ash liberally
over the spillage. Transfer to container and arrange removal by disposal.
Propylene Glycol:
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. Finish
cleaning by spreading water on the contaminated surface and evacuate through the sanitary system.
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Styrene:
Ventilate area of leak or spill. Remove all sources of ignition. Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel from
entering. Contain and recover liquid when possible. Use non-sparking tools and equipment. Collect liquid in an
appropriate container or absorb with an inert material (e. g., vermiculite, dry sand, earth), and place in a chemical
waste container. Do not use combustible materials, such as saw dust. Do not flush to sinks! If a leak or spill has
not ignited, use water spray to disperse the vapors, to protect personnel attempting to stop leak, and to flush
spills away from exposures.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide:
Ventilate area of spill. Eliminate all sources of ignition. Remove all non-essential personnel from area. Clean-up
personnel should wear proper protective equipment and clothing. Absorb material with suitable absorbent and
containerize for disposal.
Special Precautions
Section 8
Methylated Spirit:
Minor Spills: Remove all ignition sources. Clean up all spills immediately. Avoid breathing vapours and contact
with skin and eyes. Control personal contact by using protective equipment. Contain and absorb small quantities
with vermiculite or other absorbent material. Wipe up. Collect residues in a flammable waste container.
Major Spills: Clear area of personnel and move upwind. May be violently or explosively reactive. Wear protective
gloves. Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering sinks or drainages. Consider evacuation (or
protect in place). No smoking, naked lights or ignition sources. Increase ventilation.
Stop leak if safe to do so. Water spray or fog may be used to disperse /absorb vapour. Contain spill with sand, or
earth. Collect recoverable product into labelled containers for recycling. Absorb remaining product with sand, or
earth. Collect solid residues and seal in labelled drums for disposal. Wash area and prevent runoff into drains.
1M Potassium Hydroxide:
Evacuate area. Wear rubber boots and gloves. Absorb on sand or vermiculite and place in closed containers for
disposal. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup is complete.
Phenolphthalein Indicator:
Do not inhale vapours/aerosols. Ensure suply of fresh air in enclosed rooms. Do not allow to enter sinks or
drainages! Take up with liquid-absorbent material. Forward for disposal. Clean up affected area.
Toluene:
Small Spill: Absorb with an inert material and put the spilled material in an appropriate waste disposal.
Large Spill: 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.
Use water spray to reduce vapors. Prevent entry sinks or drainages. Call for assistance on disposal.
Nitrogen gas:
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Ventilation (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).
Fire:
Phthalic Anhydride:
Small Fire: Use DRY chemical powder.
Large Fire: Use water spray, fog or foam. Do not use water jet.
Maleic Anhydride:
Noncombustible.
Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry powder or carbon dioxide.
Propylene Glycol:
Small Fire: Use DRY chemical powder.
Large Fire: Use water spray, fog or foam. Do not use water jet.
Styrene:
Explosion: Sealed containers may rupture when heated. Above the flash point, explosive vapor-air mixtures may
be formed. Vapors can flow along surfaces to distant ignition source and flash back. Sensitive to static discharge.
Fire Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide. Material floats on water
and may travel back to an ignition source and spread fire. Water spray may be used to keep fire exposed
containers cool. Do not allow water runoff to enter sinks or drainages.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide:
Not Available.
Methylated Spirit:
Extinguishing Media: Water spray or fog. Alcohol stable foam. Dry chemical powder. Carbon dioxide.
1M Potassium Hydroxide:
Non combustible. Use extinguishing media appropriate to surrounding fire conditions. Do NOT use water.
Phenolphthalein Indicator:
Suitable extinguishing media: CO2, foam, powder.
Special risks: Combustible. Vapours heavier than air. Formation of explosible mixtures possible with air. Keep
away from sources of ignition.
Other information: Cool container with spray water from a save distance. Take measures to prevent electrostatic
charging.
Toluene:
Flammable in presence of open flames, sparks and static discharge, of shocks, of heat, of oxidizing materials.
Small Fire: Use DRY chemical powder.
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Large Fire: Use water spray or fog. Cool containing vessels with water jet in order to prevent pressure build-up,
autoignition or explosion.
Nitrogen gas:
Fire extinguishing materials: Non-flammable, inert gas. Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire.
Unusual fire and explosion hazards: Nitrogen does not burn; however, containers, when involved in fire, may
rupture or burst in the heat of the fire.
Explosion: In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.
Is the experiment suitable for out-of-hours operation ?
Yes
No
References if any:
Phthalic Anhydride: http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9926546
Maleic Anhydride: http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927565
Styrene: http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9925112
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide:
http://www.carolina.com/category/teacher%20resources/material%20data%20safety%20sheets%20(msds)/msds%20m-o/methyl%20ethyl%20ketone%20peroxide.do
Methylated Spirit: http://www.abbey-chemicals.co.uk/MSDS/Industrial-Methylated-Spirits-MSDS.pdf
1M Potassium Hydroxide:
http://www.reagent.co.uk/uploads/msds/POTASSIUM%20HYDROXIDE%201M%20(1N).pdf
Phenolphthalein Indicator: http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9926477
Propylene Glycol: http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927239
Toluene: http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927301
Nitrogen gas: http://www.airgas.com/documents/pdf/001040.pdf
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:
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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