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.
Prof Siow Kok Siong
Activity being assessed:
Ms Tang CN
CM3295 / 8
Atomic absorption spectroscopy
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.
See Appendix 3295.8
Incompatible materials (special precautions):
Acetylene gas : Avoid materials containing copper, silver, mercury and strong oxidizers.
The risk of injury and its severity likely to arise from these hazards:
Can be severe if a flashback of acetylene gas occurs.
Who is at risk?
People working in the same room.
Measure to be taken to reduce the level of risk:
Check for gas leaks and that the acetylene pressure is not used below 70psi. Eye protection to be worn.
Training prerequisites:
General laboratory competence.
Use of Glassware
Use of Standard Electrical Equipment
Use of Laboratory Heating Equipment
Transport and Use of Compressed Gas Cylinders
Use of Flammable, Explosive and Toxic Gases
Level of risk remaining:
Requires close supervision.
Emergency action if :
Spill:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Eyes : Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the
upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.
Skin : Wash affected area with water for 10mins. Remove contaminated clothing.
Consult physician if necessary.
Inhalation : Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Call a
physician.
Bench: Spillages on the work bench should be mopped up with a piece of cloth
immediately. Ventilate area of spill.
Fire: evacuate room, if possible, stop the flow of gas. Use water to cool down the surrounding
cylinders. Use a CO2 fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
Page 1 of 4
Printed on: 12 February 2016
Is the experiment suitable for out-of-hours operation ?
Yes
No
References if any: Refer to the following MSDS for more information
Copper 1000ppm : http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/c5166.htm
Manganese 1000ppm : http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/m0678.htm
Hydrochloric acid, 1M : https://fscimage.fishersci.com/msds/95551.htm
Acetylene gas : http://hazard.com/msds/mf/cards/file/0089.html
Compressed air : http://hazard.com/msds/f2/btk/btkym.html
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.
Page 2 of 4
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.
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 3 of 4
Printed on: 12 February 2016
Appendix 3295.8
Reagent
Cu2+
Mn2+
HCl
Water
sample
Unknown
Cu2+
Amount
Concentration used/produced Expected hazards
50ppm
20mL
May cause eye and skin
irritation.
25ppm
10mL
May cause eye and skin
irritation.
1M
15mL
Corrosive.
<5 ppm Mn2+
10mL
<5ppm Cu2+
10mL
May cause eye and skin
irritation.
May cause eye and skin
irritation.
Gas
Acetylene
Expected hazards
A very low ignition energy required to re-ignite
extinguished fires. An asphyxiant which can displace
oxygen to asphyxiating levels.
Compressed air
Excessive pressure can be built up due to heat. Will
accelerate combustion.
Page 4 of 4
Printed on: 12 February 2016
Treatment/Disposal
Wash spillages away with
plenty of water.
Wash spillages away with
plenty of water.
Wash spillages away with
plenty of water.
Wash spillages away with
plenty of water.
Wash spillages away with
plenty of water.
Treatment/Disposal
Gas pressure is not to be used to
below 70psi.
Exhaust fan and hood to be
used.
Store in well ventilated area.