HSE CCB2012 Assignment 2: Group L8

Chemical hazards and precautions to reduce these hazards

Group members:
1. Tarek Mamdouh Ismail El Sayed

17739

PE

2. Atif Uz Zaman

19574

PE

3. Farid Rahmatian

17720

PE

4. Omer Khalid Choudry

19484

PE

5. Syed Mahadhir Chaidir Alidrus

17738

PE

6. Nasreldin Abbas Babiker

17770

PE

7. Tahyr Gazakov

17018

PE

8. Salim Adam Harane

16635

PE

9. Mohammed Taher Alfatesh

15700

CE

10. Muhammad Hasnain Khan

19557

PE

11. Khairuddin Muhd. Ali

17543

PE

Script
[Farid]
Introduction:
Today we will be talking about chemical hazards, the risks involved and the necessary precautions to be
taken.
The tools of a modern laboratory include an arsenal of chemicals. Knowledge of the potential hazards
will allow the laboratory worker to practice good science, safely. When working with chemicals the user
must be aware of the risks involved so that they may develop dexterity conducting the experiment. The
equipment used in modern labs have been upgraded using clever engineering to reduce these risks.
[Salim]
Chemical hazards are the risks posed to humans working with chemicals. The property of the chemicals
are the reason for these potential hazards. These properties are primarily corrosiveness, flammability
and radioactivity. The material safety data sheet must be read carefully before handling any chemicals in
the laboratory. The main chemical hazards are:
Splash or spill hazards, Inhalation hazards and radioactive hazards
[Hasnain]
The hazardous materials are
Corrosive materials: These chemicals cause burns on contact with human skin.
Flammable materials: Chemicals such as hydrogen burn as soon as they come in contact with air. These
are called flammable materials, which may catch fire very easily.
Radioactive materials: Radioactive isotopes are those which emit particles which may affect skin and
even cause cancer even from a distance away. The physicist who discovered radioactivity, Marie Curie,
died from cancer because she failed to follow the required health precautions.
[Atif]
Splash or spill hazard: When corrosive materials are being heated, mixed together or being handled,
they may spill onto the workers body. The worker must know that this chemical is capable of causing
skin damage and be aware of the next steps they must take. Lab coat should be worn to prevent direct
contact with skin. Goggles are must for eye protection. In case of accidental spillage, any clothing that
soaks up the material should be removed immediately to prevent further damage and the affected area
has to flush thoroughly with water. Next the victim must seek medical attention. The corrosive
materials container should be placed on a secondary container incase the first one cracks and the liquid
leaks out.
[Omer]
Inhalation hazard: Chemicals like hydrogen chloride or ammonia give off poisonous fumes when they
are open to air. Some substances are extremely volatile while others give off fumes only come when

heated or mixed with other chemicals. Most powdered substances contain dust sized particles which
spread into the air just like aerosols. When these substances are breathed in they may cause choking,
irritation or other more serious illnesses. Experiments involving these substances must be carried out in
a fume chamber to contain the hazard. To avoid inhalation, a gas mask must be worn. In case of
accidental inhalation, the victim must seek immediate medical attention and the facility must be
evacuated.
[Tarek]
Temperature hazard: The hazardous nature of corrosive materials increase when they are heated over a
Bunsen burner or in a microwave. This is because the chemical becomes more reactive and chances of
splashes are higher. Warm containers must not be placed upon cold surfaces because the glass might
shatter causing its contents to spill. Gases evolve when any liquid is heated, thus the container should
not be sealed. It is best to use cotton wool to cover the material instead of corks. In case of accidental
exposure, the heat source should be removed immediately. The victim must take off the soaked clothes
and wash the affected area thoroughly with water and seek first aid.
[Alfatesh]
Radioactive hazard: Chemicals like iodine 131 are radioactive, which means they emit particles which
can penetrate and affect skin tissue on a molecular level. These chemicals are sealed into lead
containers to contain their hazardous nature. When they have to be used they must be handled with
tongs and kept at a certain distance from the body. Special equipment is designed for reactions with
such materials. The laboratory worker must wear special protective suits to protect them from the
harmful rays. Radioactive exposure shows no immediate symptoms, thus the worker must be checked
for any remnant substances on their body using a Geiger counter. If it reads radioactivity beyond a
certain accepted level, they must be cleansed in designated facilities and seek medical attention.
[Nasreldin]
Conclusion: A lab worker must comply with the necessary precautions assigned by the respective
laboratory. Appropriate clothing that is full length pants, covered shoes, lab coat and gloves must be
worn. This is to reduce damage in cases of accidental spillage. Hot materials should be handled with
special care. Gas masks have to be worn when using volatile materials
[Tahyr]
The workplace may be hazardous and may pose to be fatal. Appreciate the fact and know that harm that
it possesses. Abide the necessary precautions and use appropriate utensils and equipment to minimize
the chances of that happening.
[ALL Group mates]
BE AWARE, LIVE HEALTHY & STAY SAFE. THANK YOU.

Compiled By Atif Zama