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 Chuah Gaik Khuan
Activity being assessed:
Ms Toh Soh Lian
CM3193/94
Organic Project
Thermally Stable Polymer: Preparation of poly[2,6-dimethyl-1-4-phenyleneoxide] using CuClPyridine-O2
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)
Hotplate/Stirrer, Oven Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of Laboratory Heating
Equipment
3)
Vacuum Oven, High Vauum Pump. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of
Reduced Pressure or Vacuum
4)
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)
Disposal of Pasteur Pipettes. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use and Disposal of
"Sharps"
Coprous Oxide
Danger! Harmful if swallowed. Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause eye and skin
irritation.
Copper Oxide (Cupric Oxide): 0.5 gm
Warning! Harmful if swallowed. Causes respiratory tract, eye and skin irritation. Contains
material which causes damage to the following organs: respiratory tract, skin, eye, lens or
cornea.
Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid: ~20 ml
Danger! Poison! May be fatal if inhaled or swallowed. Causes severe eye and skin burns.
Page 1 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
Causes severe respiratory tract irritation. Causes damage to the following organs: lungs,
respiratory tract, skin, eye, lens or cornea.
Flammable hydrogen gas may be produced on prolonged contact with metals such as
aluminum, tin, lead and zinc.
Copper Chloride: 1 gm
Danger! Poison! May be fatal if swallowed. Harmful if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract, eye and
skin irritation.
Copper Turning: 1 gm
Caution! May be harmful if swallowed. Contains material which causes damage to the following
organs: kidneys, liver, respiratory tract, skin, eyes, eye, lens or cornea.
Nitrobenzene: 30 ml
Danger! Poison! May be fatal if inhaled, absorbed through skin or swallowed. Possible cancer
hazard. May cause cancer based on animal data. Birth defect hazard. Contains material which
can cause birth defect. Causes respiratory tract, eye and skin irritation. Contains material which
causes damage to the following organs: blood, kidneys, reproductive system, liver,
cardiovascular system, skin, eyes. Combustible liquid and vapor. Vapor may cause fire.
Pyridine: 9 ml
Warning! Flammable liquid and vapor. Vapor may cause flash fire. Harmful if inhaled, absorbed
through skin or swallowed. Causes respiratory tract, eye and skin irritation. Causes damage to
the following organs: kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, skin, eyes, central nervous system.
2,6-Xylenol: 0.977 gm (0.008 mmol)
Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed. Causes burns.
Methanol: ~200 ml
Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant). Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness,
watering, and itching. Hazardous in case of skin contact (permeator, irritant). Skin inflammation
is characterized by itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally, blistering. Hazardous in case of
inhalation (lung irritant). Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. May be fatal if swallowed.
Highly flammable & explosive in presence of open flames, sparks and static discharge, of heat,
of oxidizing materials. Flammable & explosive in presence of shocks.
Chloroform:
Danger! May be fatal if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin. Causes irritation to skin,
eyes and respiratory tract. May affect central nervous system, cardiovascular system, liver and
Page 2 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
kidneys. Suspect cancer hazard. May cause cancer. Risk of cancer depends on level and
duration of exposure.
Purified Nitrogen
Nitrogen is colourless, odourless gas. The main health hazard associated with releases of this
gas is asphyxiation, by displacement of oxygen.
Symptoms of over-exposure by route of Exposure: The most significant route of over-exposure
for Nitrogen is by inhalation.
Purified Oxygen
Oxygen is a colorless, odorless gas. The main health hazard associated with releases of this
gas is its powerful oxidizing power. In high oxygen content atmospheres, common combustible
materials can become highly flammable. Emergency responders must practice extreme caution
when approaching oxygen releases because of the extreme fire potential.
Symptoms of over-exposure by route of Exposure: The most significant route of over-exposure
for oxygen is by inhalation.
*amount stated are computed for the whole experiment.
Incompatible materials (special precautions):
Cuprous Oxide & Copper Chloride
Not available.
Copper Oxide (Cupric Oxide)
Reactive with reducing agents, metals.
Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid
Reactive with metals, alkalis.
Copper Turning
Slightly reactive to reactive with oxidizing agents.
Nitrobenzene
Reactive with oxidizing agents, reducing agents.
Pyridine
Highly reactive with oxidizing agents.
2,6-xylenol
Page 3 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
Substances to be Avoided: Oxidizing agents.
Methanol
Highly reactive with oxidizing agents. Reactive with metals, acids.
Chloroform
Strong caustics and chemically active metals such as aluminum, magnesium powder, sodium,
or potassium; acetone, fluorine, methanol, sodium methoxide, dinitrogen tetroxide, tert-butoxide,
triisopropylphosphine.
Conditions to Avoid: Light, heat, air and incompatibles.
Purified Nitrogen
Stability: Normally stable in gaseous state.
Materials with which substance is incompatible: Titanium is the only element that will burn in
Nitrogen. Lithium reacts slowly with Nitrogen at ambient temperatures.
Conditions to avoid: Contact with incompatible materials. Cylinders exposed to high
temperatures or direct flame can rupture or burst.
Purified Oxygen
Normally stable.
Condition to Avoid: Avoid exposing cylinders to extremely high temperatures, which could cause
the cylinders to rupture.
Materials with which substance is incompatible: Oxygen is incompatible with combustible and
flammable materials, chlorinated hydrocarbons, hydrazine, reduced boron compounds, ethers,
phosphine, phosphorous tribromide, phosphorous trioxide, tetrafluorethylene, and compounds
which readily form peroxides. Oxygen may form explosive compounds when exposed to
combustible material, or oil, grease, and other hydrocarbon materials.
Condition to Avoid: Avoid contact with incompatible materials. Cylinders exposed to high
temperatures or direct flame can rupture or burst.
The risk of injury and its severity likely to arise from these hazards:
Cuprous Oxide, Copper Oxide, Copper Chloride, Nitrobenzene, Pyridine & Methanol
Eyes: Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant). Inflammation of the eye is characterized by
redness, watering, and itching.
Skin: 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).
Indigestion: Hazardous in case of ingestion.
Page 4 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid
Eyes: Extremely hazardous in case of eye contact (corrosive). Causes severe eye burns.
Skin: Extremely hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive). Skin contact produces severe
burns.
Inhalation: Extremely hazardous in case of inhalation (lung irritant). May be fatal if inhaled.
Indigestion: Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. May be fatal if swallowed.
Copper Turning
Potential Acute Health Effects: No known acute effects of this product.
2,6-Xylenol
After Inhalation: Irritations of mucous members, coughing, and dyspnoea.
After Skin Contact: Irritant and caustic effects.
After Eye Contact: Irritant and caustic effects.
After Ingestion: Damage of: mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, gastrointestinal tract. Irritant and
caustic effects, absorption.
Chloroform
Inhalation: Acts as a relatively potent anesthetic. Irritates respiratory tract and causes central
nervous system effects, including headache, drowsiness, dizziness. Exposure to higher
concentrations may result in unconsciousness and even death. May cause liver injury and blood
disorders. Prolonged exposure may lead to death due to irregular heart beat and kidney and
liver disorder.
Ingestion: Causes severe burning in mouth and throat, pain in the chest and vomiting. Large
quantities may cause symptoms similar to inhalation.
Skin Contact: Causes skin irritation resulting in redness and pain. Removes natural oils. May be
absorbed through skin.
Eye Contact: Vapors causes pain and irritation to eyes. Splashes may cause severe irritation
and possible eye damage.
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated exposure to vapors may cause damage to the
nervous system, the heart and the liver and kidneys. Contact with liquid has defatting effect and
may cause chronic irritation of skin with cracking and drying, and corresponding dermatitis.
Chloroform is a suspect carcinogen. Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems,
or impaired liver, kidney or respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of the
substance.
Purified Nitrogen
Inhalation: High concentrations of this gas can cause an oxygen-deficient environment.
Individuals breathing such an atmosphere may experience symptoms which include headaches,
Page 5 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
ringing in ears, dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, and depression of
all the senses. Under some circumstances of over-exposure, death may occur. The following
effects associated with various levels of oxygen are as follows:
Concentration symptom of exposure
12-16% Oxygen: Breathing and pulse rate increased, muscular coordination slightly
disturbed.
10-14% Oxygen: Emotional upset, abnormal fatigue, disturbed respiration.
6-10% Oxygen: Nausea and vomiting, collapse or loss of consciousness.
Below 6%: Convulsive movements, possible respiratory collapse, and death.
Health effects or risks from exposure: ACUTE: The most significant hazards associated with this
gas are inhalation of oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Symptoms of oxygen deficiency include
respiratory difficulty, ringing in ears, headaches, shortness of breath, wheezing, headache,
dizziness, indigestion, nausea, and, at high concentrations, unconsciousness or death may
occur. The skin of a victim of over-exposure may have a blue color.
CHRONIC: There is currently no known adverse health effects associated with chronic
exposure to this gas.
TARGET ORGANS: Respiratory system.
Purified Oxygen
Inhalation: High concentrations (80% or more) of this gas can cause an oxygen-rich
environment. Individuals breathing such an atmosphere for durations of 17-24 hours may
experience symptoms which include nasal stuffiness, nausea, dizziness, bronchial irritation
(cough), sore throat, hypothermia, increased depth of respiration, bradycardia, pulmonary
discomfort (including chest pain), peripheral vasoconstriction, amblyopia (loss of vision).
Inhalation of pure oxygen at atmospheric pressure or less can cause pulmonary irritation and
edema after 24 hours.
Health effects or risks from exposure: Over-exposure to Oxygen may cause the following health
effects:
ACUTE: Individuals breathing oxygen-enriched atmospheres may experience nasal stuffiness,
nausea, dizziness, coughing, sore throat, hypothermia, disturbed breathing, chest pain, and loss
of vision.
CHRONIC: There are currently no known adverse health effects associated with chronic
exposure to this gas.
TARGET ORGANS: Respiratory system.
Who is at risk?
Persons handling the chemicals and as well as those present in the vicinity.
Measure to be taken to reduce the level of risk:
Page 6 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
Proper laboratory attire and safety measures must always be used in order to reduce the level
or risk. Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not take internally. Eye wash and safety equipment
should be readily available.
Eye protection: Chemical safety goggles.
Hand protection: Gloves.
Please refer to prepared PSSO SAFETY Information Center website:
http://www.chemistry.nus.edu.sg/PSSO/Safety.htm
The experiment should be carried out in a fume hood.
Training prerequisites:
This assessment should be read by everyone who will be using the above mentioned
chemicals.
Refer to Completed Risk Assessment forms for 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:
Cuprous Oxide, Copper Oxide (Cupric Oxide), Copper Chloride, Copper Turning
Small Spill & Leak: Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal
container
Large Spill & Leak: Stop leak if without risk. Do not get water inside container. Do not touch
spilled material. Prevent entry into sink. Call for assistance on disposal.
Conc. Hydrochloric Acid, Nitrobenzene, Pyridine & Methanol
Small Spill & Leak: Dilute with water and mop up, or absorb with an inert dry material and place
in an appropriate waste disposal container.
Large Spill & Leak: Stop leak if without risk. Absorb with DRY earth, sand or other noncombustible material. Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray curtain to divert vapor drift.
Use water spray to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sink. Eliminate all ignition sources.
2,6-Xylenol
Carefully take up dry. Forward for disposal. Clean up affected area.
Chloroform
Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in
Section 8. Isolate hazard area. Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel from entering.
Contain and recover liquid when possible. Collect liquid in an appropriate container or absorb
Page 7 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
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.
Purified Nitrogen
Leak response: Evacuate immediate area. Uncontrolled releases should be responded to by
trained personnel using pre-planned procedures. Proper protective equipment should be used.
In case of a leak, clear the affected area, protect people, and respond with trained personnel.
Locate and seal the source of the leaking gas. Allow the gas, which is lighter than air to
dissipate. If leaking incidentally from the cylinder or its valve, contact your supplier.
Purified Oxygen
Leak response: Evacuate immediate area. Uncontrolled releases should be responded to by
trained personnel using pre-planned procedures. Proper protective equipment should be used.
In case of a leak, clear the affected area, protect people, eliminate sources of ignition, and
respond with trained personnel. Adequate fire protection must be provided.
Attempt to close the main source valve prior to entering the area. If this does not stop the
release (or if it is not possible to reach the valve), allow the gas to release in-place or remove it
to a safe area and allow the gas to be released there. Remove sources of heat, ignition, and, if
possible, separate combustibles from the leak. If leaking incidentally from the cylinder or its
valve, contact your supplier.
Fire:
Cuprous Oxide, Copper Oxide & Copper Turning
Non-flammable.
Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid
May be combustible at high temperature. Use water spray or fog.
Copper Chloride, Nitrobenzene
Small Fire: Use DRY chemical powder.
Large Fire: Use water spray, fog or foam. Do not use water jet.
Pyridine & Methanol
Small Fire: Use DRY chemical powder.
Large Fire: Use alcohol foam, water spray or fog. Cool containing vessels with water jet in order
to prevent pressure build-up, autoignition or explosion.
2,6-Xylenol
Page 8 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
Combustible. Vapours heavier than air. Formation of explosible mixtures possible with air.
Chloroform
Slight fire hazard when exposed to high heat; otherwise, practically not flammable.
Explosion: Sealed containers may rupture when heated.
Purified Nitrogen
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.
Purified Oxygen
Unusual fire and explosion hazards: Oxygen does not burn; however, cylinders, when involved
in fire, may rupture or burst in the heat of the fire. Oxygen will support and accelerate
combustion. Common combustible materials will burn more readily in elevated oxygen
environments, and some materials which are non-combustible in air will burn in an oxygenenriched atmosphere. Direct water onto cylinders to keep cool. Shut-off the flow of oxygen or
move cylinders from fire area if it can be done safely. Rescue personnel should be aware of the
extreme fire hazards associated with oxygen-enriched atmospheres.
Is the experiment suitable for out-of-hours operation?
Yes
No
References if any:
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=CX2226
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=B10090
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=B10125
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=B27834
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=B27812
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=B10225
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=B10170
http://chemdat.merck.de/cdrl/catalog/standard/en/index.html (Cat. No. 803772)
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=AX1699M
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/C2915.htm
http://www4.us.airliquide.com/Reference_Library/Cross_Product_Information/MSDS/10070.pdf
http://www4.us.airliquide.com/Reference_Library/Cross_Product_Information/MSDS/10074.pdf
Page 9 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
Signature of Lab Officer in Charge:………………………………………………………………..
Date:…………………………
Signature of Lecture 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.
Page 10 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
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.
Page 11 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016
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.).
Page 12 of 12
Printed on: 12 February 2016