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 Khoo SB / Asst Prof Toh CS
Activity being assessed:
Ms Tang CN
CM3292 / 5
Cyclic voltammetry
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 3.5
Incompatible materials (special precautions):
Potassium ferricyanate : acids and ammonia.
The risk of injury and its severity likely to arise from these hazards:
Potassium ferricyanate : explosion may occur when in contact with ammonia. Cyanide fumes emitted
when heated to high temperature.
Who is at risk?
Person performing the experiment and those in close proximity.
Measure to be taken to reduce the level of risk:
Eye protection to be worn, keep away from inorganic acids and ammonia.
Training prerequisites:
General laboratory competence.
Use of Glassware
Use of a Potentiostat
Level of risk remaining:
Low.
Emergency action if :
Spill:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
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.
Bench: Spillages on the work bench should be mopped up with a piece of cloth
immediately.
Fire: not expected to be a fire hazard
Is the experiment suitable for out-of-hours operation ?
References if any: Refer to the following MSDS for more information
potassium ferricyanate : http://hazard.com/msds/f2/bmd/bmdnv.html
Potassium nitrate : https://fscimage.fishersci.com/msds/91339.htm
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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:
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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Appendix 3.5
Reagent
Amount
used/produced
Expected hazards
30mL
May cause irritation to eyes and skin.
K3Fe(CN)6
Concentration
50ppm in
0.1M KNO3
K3Fe(CN)6
4mM in 0.1M KCl
50mL
“
KNO3
0.1M
250mL
May cause irritation to eyes and skin.
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