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
CM2263/Expt. 2
Synthesis & Modification of a Zeolite
A) Preparation of pure zeolite NaY
2A1 + 2NaOH + 6H2O  2Na[Al(OH)4 + 3H2,
(1)
or 2A1 + 2OH + 6H2O  2Al(OH)4 + 3H2
SiO2 + NaOH  NaSiO2OH dissolved
(2)
Al(OH)4 + Na[SiO2OH]  Na[(OH)3A1OSiOOH + OH
or
Al(OH)4 + [SiO2OH]  (HO)3A1OSiOOH + OH
(3)
B) Synthesized zeolite is converted into high silica faujasite
xSiCl, + Na56(A1O2)56(SiO2)136  Na56-x(A1O2)56-x(SiO2)136+x
+ xNaCl + xAlCl3
(4)
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, Furnaces, Oven. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of Laboratory
Heating Equipment
3)
Electricity. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of Standard Electrical Equipment
4)
Pump. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of Reduced Pressure or Vacuum
5)
Fume Hood. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of Fume Hoods
6)
Disposal of Syringe with metal needle, Pasteur pipettes. Refer to prepared risk
assessment on Use and Disposal of "Sharps"
7)
X-Ray Radiation. There isn’t any radiation detected outside the equipment. The radiation
source is cut off once the main door of the equipment is open.
Metallic Aluminium: 1.35 gm (prepare half the scale)
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No hazardous product as specified in Directive 67/548/EEC
Silicone Tetrachloride: ~5 ml
Material is extremely destructive to tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory
tract, eyes, and skin. Inhalation may be fatal as a result of spasm, inflammation and edema of
the larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may include
burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and
vomiting.
Sodium Hydroxide: 46 gm (prepare half the scale)
Poison!
Causes severe respiratory tract, eye & skin burns. May be fatal if swallowed. Harmful if inhaled.
Causes damage to the following organs: lungs, respiratory tract, skin eye, lens or cornea.
0.01 M Hydrochloric Acid: for washing
Products with a low hazard potential.
Silicic Acid Hydrate, Powder: 45 gm (prepare half the scale)
Irritating to eyes and respiratory system. Harmful by inhalation
Aluminium Sulphate: 31.5 gm (prepare half the scale)
Dust may harm or irritate the respiratory tract due to the formation of acidic sulphur compounds
via hydrolysis. Ingestion may cause abdominal, nausea vomiting and gastrointestinal
inflammation.
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.
Liquid Nitogen
The most significant hazard associated with this gas is 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 overexposure may have a blue color. Contact with cryogenic liquid or rapidly expanding gases
(which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. Symptoms of frostbite include
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change in skin color to white or grayish-yellow. The pain after contact with liquid can quickly
subside.
Refer Handling, Transportation and Storage of Liquid Nitrogen and other Cryogenic
Material
10% Potassium Hydroxide: 500ml
Corrosive. Causes burns. Harmful.
Zeolite NaY
Irritant.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
*amount stated are computed for the whole experiment.
Incompatible materials (special precautions):
Metallic Aluminium
Substance to be avoided: reaction which by analogy cannot be excluded acids, alkalis,
oxisdizing agent, halogens, nitrates, sulfates, sulfides, alcohols, ammonium compounds, alkali
hydroxide, alkali salts, halogenated hydrocarbons, semimetallic oxides, nonmetals, nonmetallic
oxides, halogen-halogen compounds, metallic oxides,metallic salts, air, oxygen, mercury
compounds, semitallic halides, non-metallic halides, water
Silicone Tetrachloride
Water, alcohols, primary,secondary amines, ammonia, metals, dimethyl sulphoxide
Conditions of reactivity: Normally stable
Hazardous decomposition products: Hydrochloric acid, silicic acid.
Sodium Hydroxide
Reactive with organic materials, metals, acids, moisture.
0.01 M Hydrochloric Acid
Conditions to Avoid: Heating.
Materials To Avoid: Metals (generation of hydrogen). The generally known reaction partners of
water.
Further information: Unsuitable working materials – metals, metal alloys.
Silicic Acid Hydrate, Powder
Protect from moisture. Strong acid. Hydrogen fluoride.
Purified Nitrogen
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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.
Liquid Nitrogen
Titanium is the only element that will burn in Nitrogen. Lithium reacts slowly with Nitrogen at
ambient temperatures. Also, use of Liquid Nitrogen in cryogenic grinding of fatty materials can
lead to an explosion. A mixture of magnesium powder and Liquid Nitrogen reacts very violently
when lit with a fuse, forming magnesium nitride. Liquid Nitrogen is not corrosive to metals, but
the extreme cold can make some metals brittle.
10% Potassium Hydroxide:
Acids, organic materials, acrolein, nitro compounds, chlorinated solvents, acid anhydrides,
phosphorus, potassium, metals. Absorbs CO2 from air.
Zeolite NaY
Materials to Avoid: Hydrogen fluoride, Strong acids, Strong bases.
The risk of injury and its severity likely to arise from these hazards:
Silicone Tetrachloride
Skin Contact: Causes burns
Skin Absorption: Harmful
Eye contact: Causes burns
Inhalation: Causes severe burns
Ingestion: Toxic
Sodium Hydroxide
Eye: 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. Hazardous in case of skin contact (permeates).
Inhalation: Extremely hazardous in case of inhalation (lung corrosive). Hazardous in case of
inhalation.
Ingestion: Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. May be fatal if swallowed.
0.01 M Hydrochloric Acid
Skin Contact: Slight irritations
Eye Contact: Slight irritations
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Further data: The product should be handled with the care usual when dealing with chemicals
Silicic Acid Hydrate, Powder
Skin: May cause skin irritation
Eye: May cause eye irritation.
Inhalation: Harmful if inhaled.
Ingestion: May be harmful if swallowed
Aluminium Sulphate
Skin contact: May irritate
Skin absorption: No information available
Eye contact: May irritate
Inhalation: No information available
Ingestion: May be harmful
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,
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.
Liquid Nitogen
Skin Contact: Contact of the liquid with the skin can lead to severe cryogenic burns or dermatitis
(red, cracked, irritated skin), depending upon concentration and duration of exposure.
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Eye Contact: Contact of the liquid with the eyes can cause pain, redness, severe cryogenic
burns, and prolonged exposure could cause blindness. Contact with the undiluted liquid will
cause frostbite, ulceration of the skin (which may be delayed in appearance for several hours),
blistering, and pain. Contact with rapidly expanding gas poses a frostbite hazard.
Other Potential Effect: Contact with cryogenic liquid or rapidly expanding gases (which are
released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. Symptoms of frostbite include change in
skin color to white or grayish-yellow. The pain after contact with liquid can quickly subside.Refer
to : Handling, Transportation and Storage of Liquid Nitrogen and other Cryogenic
Material
10% 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.
Zeolite NaY
Inhalation: May be harmful if inhaled. Material is irritating to mucous membranes and upper
respiratory tract.
Ingestion: May be harmful if swallowed.
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:
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.
Eye protection: Chemical safety goggles.
Hand protection: Gloves.
Please refer to prepared PSSO SAFETY Information Center website:
http://www.chemistry.nus.edu.sg/PSSO/index.htm#undergrad
This 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:
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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.
For X-Ray radiation, the level of risk is none (can not be detected by X-Ray radiation detector).
Emergency action if :
Spill:
Silicone Tetrachloride
Before dealing with spillages take necessary protective measures, inform others to keep 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 company.
Sodium Hydroxide
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. Use water spray to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sink. Call for assistance
on disposal. Finish cleaning by spreading water on the contaminated surface and allow
evacuating through the sanitary system.
0.01M Hydrochloric Acid
Take up with liquid-absorbent material. Forward for disposal. Clean up affected area.
Silicic Acid Hydrate, Powder & Zeolite NaY
Sweep up, place in a bag & hold for waste disposal. Avoid raising dust.
Aluminium Sulphate
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. Transfer
carefully into container and arrange removal by disposal company. Wash site of spillage
thoroughly with water and detergent.
10% 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.
Fire:
Metallic Aluminium, 0.01M Hydrochloric Acid, Silicic Acid Hydrate (Powder), Aluminium
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Sulphate & Zeolite NaY
Non-combustible.
Silicon Tetrachloride
Dry chemicals, carbon dioxide. DO NOT USE WATER
Sodium Hydroxide
Non-flammable.
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.
10% Potassium Hydroxide:
Non combustible. Use extinguishing media appropriate to surrounding fire conditions. Do NOT
use water.
Is the experiment suitable for out-of-hours operation?
Yes
No
References if any:
Aluminium : http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9922844
Silicon Tetrachloride :http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924929
Sodium Hydroxide : http://www.seas.upenn.edu/~nanofab/chemicals/MSDS_Base_NaOH.pdf
Hydrochloric Acid : http://www.reagent.co.uk/msds/HYDROCHLORIC-ACID-0.01M-MSDS.pdf
Silicic Acid: http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927252
Aluminium Sulphate : http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9922863
Nitrogen : http://www.airgas.com/documents/pdf/001040.pdf
Liquid Nitrogen:
http://mems.uwaterloo.ca:8080/download/attachments/917527/Liquid_Nitrogen.pdf?version=1
Potassium Hydroxide, 10% :http://www.westernu.edu/bin/safety/msds/pcc/KOH%2010%25.pdf
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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.
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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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