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:
Ms Toh Soh Lian
CM2263/Expt. 3
Cellulose Ethers: Quality Control Tests (ASTM D1439)
Determine the moisture content, density the amount of active polymer & the viscosity of
cellulose ether by quality control tests (ASTM D1439) method. Use of Brookfield viscometer.
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, Water Bath. 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)
Thermometer. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use, Handling and Clean-Up
Procedures for Mercury.
6)
Disposal of Pasteur pipettes. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use and Disposal of
"Sharps"
7)
Fume Hood. Refer to prepared risk assessment on Use of Fume Hoods
Concentrated Nitric Acid: 5 ml
Poison! Strong oxidizer. Contact with other material may cause fire. Vapor reduces oxygen
available for breathing. May be fatal if inhaled or swallowed. Causes severe respiratory tract,
eye & skin burns. Causes damage to the following organs: lungs, mucous membrances,
respiratory tract, skin, eye, lens or cornea, teeth.
80% Ethanol/95% Ethanol: 75 ml
Danger! Poison! Flammable liquid & vapor. Vapor may cause flash fire. May be fatal if
swallowed. May cause blindness. If swallowed cannot be made non-poisonous. Birth defect
hazard. Contains material which can cause firth defect. Harmful if inhaled or absorbed through
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skin. Cause respiratory tract, eye & skin irritation. Contains material which causes damage to
the following organs: blood, kidneys, reproductive system, liver, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory
tract, skin, central nervous system, eye lens or cornea. Highly flammable & explosive in
presence of open flames, sparks and static discharge, of heat, of oxidizing materials.
Flammable & explosive in presence of shocks.
Methanol (Anhydrous): 15 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.
Diphenylamine Indicator: dropwise
Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin & if swallowed. Danger of cumulative effects. Very toxic
to aquatic organisms. May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Special risks: Combustible. Development of hazardous combustion gases or vapours possible
in the event of fire. The following may develop in event of fire: nitrogen oxides.
0.3M Sodium Hydroxide: 25 ml
Contact with skin may cause burns, ulcerations and scarring. Contact with eyes may cause
corneal scarring, clouding glaucoma, cataracts and permanent blindness. Ingestion may cause
pain, vomiting, and burns, Inhalation may cause immediate or delayed irritation or severe
damage to the mucous membranes and respiratory tract.
0.3 M Hydrochloric Acid: ~25 ml
This product is corrosive to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory passages. It
may cause immediate or delayed respiratory difficulties. Eye contact may cause irritation of the
conjunctiva or blindness. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, pain, thirst, diarrhea,
circulatory collapse or death.
2,7 Dihydroxynaphthalene: 120 ml
Material is irritating to mucous membranes & upper respiratory tract. May be harmful by
inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Causes eye & skin irritation.
Glycolic Acid: 1 mg
Causes burns.
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Glacial Acetic Acid: ~30 ml
Extremely hazardous in case of eye contact (corrosive). Causes severe eye burns. Extremely
hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive). Skin contact produces severe burns. Hazardous
in case of inhalation (lung irritant). Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. May be fatal if
swallowed.
Highly flammable in presence of open flames, sparks and static discharge, of heat, of oxidizing
materials.
Acetone: ~550 ml
Danger! Extremely flammable liquid & vapor. Vapor may cause flash fire. Harmful if inhaled or
swallowed. Causes eye & skin irritation. Causes damage to the following organs: respiratory
tract, skin, central nervous system, eye, lens or cornea.
1M Silver Nitrate: dropwise
Cause burns. Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic.
Concentrated Sulphuric Acid: ~40 ml
Extremely hazardous in case of eye contact (corrosive). Causes severe eye burns. Extremely
hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive). Skin contact produces severe burns. Extremely
hazardous in case of inhalation. May be fatal if inhaled. Hazardous in case of inhalation (lung
corrosive). Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. May be fatal if swallowed.
Phenolphthalein Indicator: dropwise
Flammable.
Sodium Sulphate, Anhydrous: 1 gm
May be hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant). May be hazardous in case of skin contact
(irritant). Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally,
blistering. May be hazardous in case of inhalation (lung irritant). May be hazardous in case of
ingestion.
Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt, ultra high viscosity, Carboxymethyl cellulose
sodium salt, ultra low viscosity, Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt, low viscosity,
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt, high viscosity & Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium
salt, medium viscosity
Non-hazardous.
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*amount stated are computed for the whole experiment.
Incompatible materials (special precautions):
Concentrated Nitric Acid
Reactive with combustible materials, organic materials, metals, acids, alkalis.
80% Ethanol, 95% Ethanol & Methanol
Highly reactive with oxidizing agents. Slightly reactive to reactive with metals, acids.
Diphenylamine
Substances to be avoided: oxidizing agent, strong acids.
0.3M Sodium Hydroxide
Substances to be avoided: Strong acids, metals, organohalogen
0.3 M Hydrochloric Acid
Substances to be avoided: Bases, metals, phosphides, acetylides, borides, carbides, silicides,
vinyl acetate, cyanides, sulphides, formaldehyde, metal oxides, hydroxides, amines,
carbonates, alkali metals, aluminum, corrodes steel.
2,7 Dihydroxynaphthalene
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases.
Glycolic Acid
Materials to Avoid: Metal (risk of explosion). Oxidising agent, cyanides, sulfides.
Glacial Acetic Acid
Substances to be avoided: Reactive with oxidizing agents, metals, alkalis.
Acetone
Extremely reactive or incompatible with oxidizing agents, acids.
1M Silver Nitrate
Substances to be avoided: Ammonia, organic substances/decomposition, sulfides, carbon
(charcoal).
Concentrated Sulphuric Acid
Extremely reactive or incompatible with reducing agents, combustible materials, organic
materials, metals, acids, alkalis, moisture.
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Phenolphthalein Indicator
Conditions to Avoid: Heating.
Further information: Inflammable; explosible with air in a vaporous/gaseous state.
Sodium Sulphate, Anhydrous
Not available.
The risk of injury and its severity likely to arise from these hazards:
Concentrated Nitric Acid
Eye: Hazardous in case of eye contact (corrosive). Causes eye burns.
Skin: Corrosive to skin on contact
Inhalation: Extremely hazardous in case of inhalation (lung corrosive). Do not breathe vapor or
mist. May be fatal if inhaled. Inhalation of vapors may cause dizziness, an irregular heartbeat,
narcosis, nausea or asphyxiation.
Ingestion: Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. May be fatal if swallowed
80% Ethanol/95% Ethanol Methanol & Acetone
Eye: 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 (permeator, irritant). Skin inflammation is characterized
by itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally, blistering.
Inhalation: Hazardous in case of inhalation (lung irritant)
Ingestion: Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. May be fatal or cause blindness if
swallowed.
Diphenylamine
After inhalation of dust: Irritation symptoms in the respiratory tract.
After eye contact: Slight irritation.
After contact with substance: Danger of skin absorption, dermatitis.
After absorption of large quantities: methaemoglobinaemia with headache, nausea, tachycardia.
0.3M Sodium Hydroxide
Skin Contact: May cause burns
Skin Absorption: No information available
Eye Contact: Cause burns
Inhalation: Irritates
Ingestion: Harmful
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0.3 M Hydrochloric Acid
Skin Contact: Irritates
Skin Absorption: No information available
Eye Contact: Irritates
Inhalation: Irritates
Ingestion: Harmful
2,7 Dihydroxynaphthalene
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system & skin.
Glycolic Acid
After Inhalation: When vapours/aerosols are generated: Irritation symptoms in the respiratory
tract.
After Skin Contact: Burns. After long-term exposure to the chemical: dermatitis.
After Eye Contact: Burns.
After Swallowing: Burns in oesophagus & stomach, gastrointestinal complaints, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea. Cannot be excluded: Damage of: liver, kidneys.
Glacial Acetic Acid
Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Cold water may be used. Wash
clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing
is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately.
Ingestion: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar,
tie, belt or waistband. Get medical attention immediately.
1M Silver Nitrate
After Inhalation of Vapor: Burns of mucous membranes, coughing & dyspnoea.
After Skin Contact: Burns.
After Eye Contact: Burns.Risk of permanent damage due to staining of the cornea.
After Swallowing: Burns in mouth, throat, oesophagus & gastrointestinal tract.
Concentrated Sulphuric Acid
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.
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Inhalation: Extremely hazardous in case of inhalation. May be fatal if inhaled. Hazardous in
case of inhalation (lung corrosive).
Ingestion: Extremely hazardous in case of ingestion. May be fatal if swallowed.
Phenolphthalein Indicator
Eye Contact: Slight iirritations
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.
Sodium Sulphate, Anhydrous
Eye: May be hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant).
Skin: May be hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant). Skin inflammation is characterized by
itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally, blistering.
Inhalation: May be hazardous in case of inhalation (lung irritant).
Ingestion: May be hazardous in case of ingestion.
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
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.
This experiment should be carried out in the fume hood.
Please refer to PSSO SAFETY Information Center website:
http://www.chemistry.nus.edu.sg/PSSO/Safety.htm
Training prerequisites:
This assessment should be read by everyone who will be using the above mentioned
chemicals.
Please 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.
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Emergency action if :
Spill:
Concentrated Nitric Acid
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 sand or other non-combustible
material. Avoid contact with a combustible material (wood, paper, oil, clothing...). Keep
substances damp using water spray. Do not touch spilled material. Prevent entry into sink. Call
for assistance on disposal.
80% Ethanol/95% Ethanol, Methanol & Acetone
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: Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Stop leak if
without risk. Cover with DRY sand or other non-combustible material. Do not touch spilled
material. Use water spray to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sink. Call for assistance on
disposal.
Diphenylamine
Take up dry. Forward for disposal. Clean up affected area. Avoid generation of dusts.
0.3M Sodium Hydroxide
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. Absorb on
inert absorbent, transfer to container and arrange removal by disposal company. Wash site of
spillage thoroughly with water and detergent.
0.3 M Hydrochloric Acid
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 company.
Wash site of spillage thoroughly with water.
2,7 Dihydroxynaphthalene
Sweep up, place in a bag & hold for waste disposal. Avoid raising dust. Ventilate area & wash
spill site after material pickup is complete.
Glycolic Acid
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Take up dry. Forward for disposal. Clean up affected area. Avoid generation of dusts.
Glacial Acetic Acid
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: Away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Stop leak if without
risk. If the product is in its solid form: Use a shovel to put the material into a convenient waste
disposal container. If the product is in its liquid form: Cover with DRY sand or other noncombustible material. Absorb with an inert material and put the spilled material in an appropriate
waste disposal. Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray curtain to divert vapor drift. Use
water spray to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sink. Call for assistance on disposal.
1M Silver Nitrate
Take up with liquid-absorbent material. Forward for disposal. Clean up affected area.
Concentrated Sulphuric Acid
Small Spill & Leak: Dilute with water and mop up, or absorb with an inert dry material and place
in an appropriate waste disposal container. If necessary: Neutralize the residue with a dilute
solution of sodium carbonate.
Large Spill & Leak: Stop leak if without risk. Cover with DRY sand or other non-combustible
material. Avoid contact with a combustible material (wood, paper, oil, clothing...). Keep
substance damp using water spray. Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray to reduce
vapors. Prevent entry into sink. Call for assistance on disposal. Neutralize the residue with a
dilute solution of sodium carbonate. Finish cleaning by spreading water on the contaminated
surface and allow evacuating through the sanitary system.
Phenolphthalein Indicator
Do not inhale vapours/aerosols. Ensure suply of fresh air in enclosed rooms. Do not allow to
enter sewerage system; risk of explosion! Take up with liquid-absorbent material. Forward for
disposal. Clean up affected area.
Sodium Sulphate, Anhydrous
Small Spill & Leak: Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal
container.
Large Spill & Leak: Use a shovel to put the material into a convenient waste disposal container.
Finish cleaning by spreading water on the contaminated surface and allow evacuating through
the sanitary system.
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Fire:
Concentrated Nitric Acid
Non-flammable
80% Ethanol/95% Ethanol & 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.
Diphenylamine
Suitable extinguishing media: Powder, form, spray water. Fire extinguisher: powder for glowing
fire, carbon dioxide.
0.3M Sodium Hydroxide
Noncombustible.
0.3 M Hydrochloric Solution
Noncombustible.
2,7 Dihydroxynaphthalene
NA
Glycolic Acid
Combustible.
Suitable extinguishing media: Water, CO2 foam, powder.
Glacial Acetic Acid
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.
Acetone
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
1M Silver Nitrate
Non-combustible.
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Concentrated Sulphuric Acid
Non-flammable.
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.
Sodium Sulphate, Anhydrous
Non-flammable.
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=EX0280
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=AX1699M
http://chemdat.merck.de/cdrl/catalog/standard/en/index.html (Cat No. 103086)
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid= B44378
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=B18007
http://www.sigma-aldrich-sea.com/MSDS/37/37781F.pdf
http://chemdat.merck.de/cdrl/catalog/standard/en/index.html (Cat. No. 804104)
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=AX0079
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=AX0126
http://chemdat.merck.de/cdrl/catalog/standard/en/index.html (Cat. No. 108090)
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=ACS897
http://chemdat.merck.de/cdrl/catalog/standard/en/index.html (Cat. No. : 107227)
http://www.emdchemicals.com/analytics/doc/msds/msds-display.asp?materialid=B10264
http://www.sigma-aldrich-sea.com/MSDS/21/21904F.pdf
http://www.sigma-aldrich-sea.com/MSDS/21/21901F.pdf
http://www.sigma-aldrich-sea.com/MSDS/21/21900F.pdf
http://www.sigma-aldrich-sea.com/MSDS/21/21903F.pdf
http://www.sigma-aldrich-sea.com/MSDS/21/21902F.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.
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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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