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Department of Chemistry

Indian Institute of Technology Indore

Lab Safety

“SAFETY IS FIRST AND MUST FOR ALL”

Chemistry laboratories are potentially dangerous workplaces, where researchers, staff and students are involved with the handling of some potentially toxic, flammable and explosive compounds, abnormal temperature and pressure conditions and research equipment. Therefore, there is a significant risk for error and any mishappenings. However, with proper precautions and experience, even toxic chemicals can be handled without any accident. With proper awareness for safe working practices to associated members working in chemistry laboratories, we can ensure a “Safe and healthy” working environment for all the members associated with the Discipline of Chemistry.

Here we provide some general guidelines to encourage safe working practices in our laboratories. These guidelines remind us to work in a safer way and are applicable to all users of the laboratory. For any concerns relating to safety issues at the Discipline of Chemistry, members of the Chemistry Safety Committee can be contacted:

safety

Name

Position

Room No.

E-mail

Phone

Dr. Chelvam Venkatesh

Convener

1A-722

cvenkat@iiti.ac.in

3343

Prof. Suman Mukhopadhyay

Member

1D-305

suman@iiti.ac.in

3328

Dr. Sampak Samanta

Member

1D-419

sampaks@iiti.ac.in

3337

Head, Chemistry

Member (Ex-officio)

1D-404

hodchemistry@iiti.ac.in

3125

DPGC, Chemistry

Member (Ex-officio)

1D-404

dpgcchem@iiti.ac.in

3340

The Committee meets at least once a month followed by the inspection of the laboratories. The Committee also investigates and reports on all accidents in the department.

Safety Guidelines

Our prime objective is to provide comprehensive safety awareness and training to all members associated with various laboratories of the Discipline of Chemistry. Through this guideline, we are trying to cover issues related to the health and safety of personals, laboratory hygiene, safe and secured chemical handling and storage, waste disposal topics and others in our department.

This guideline mostly covers the safety aspects common to all members in the Discipline of Chemistry. However, safety issues associated with any particular instrument or experiment in a laboratory should be provided as a supplement by the supervisor of the instructor of the laboratory. All new and existing researchers, staff and students must carefully read, understood all the aspects of the safety guidelines and brings it in their day to day laboratory working practice. All research students and staffs have to successfully clear the final safety examination conducted by the Safety Committee of the Discipline of Chemistry.

Safety Tips and First Aid

First aid boxes are available at:

Room

Phone

Chemistry Office, POD Building, 1D-402

3340

Chemistry Research labs, POD Building

3340

Security office, School Building (Ground Floor)

717

Caretakers for First-aid in the Discipline of Chemistry:

Name

Position

Room

Phone

Mr. Manish Kushwaha

Deputy Manager (Lab)

POD Building (1D-406)

3340

Caretakers for First-aid in the Discipline of Chemistry:

  • Familiarise yourself with all aspects of safety before using any equipment.
  • Be alert to unsafe conditions of the equipment, procedures and actions, and call attention to them so that corrections can be made as soon as possible.
  • Label all storage areas, appropriately, and keep all chemicals in properly labelled containers.
  • Date all chemical bottles when received and when opened. Note storage conditions and adhere to them.
  • Familiarise yourself with the appropriate protective measures when exposed to the following classes of hazardous materials.
  • Flammable, Corrosive, Toxic, Carcinogen, Compressed Gases, Poisonous
  • Segregate chemicals by compatibility groups for storage.
  • Post warning signs for unusual hazards such as flammable materials no naked flames or other special problems.
  • Pour more concentrated solutions into less concentrated solutions to avoid violent reactions.
  • Avoid distracting other worker.
  • Use equipment only for its designated purpose.
  • Position and secure apparatus used for chemical reactions in order to permit manipulation without moving the apparatus until the entire reaction is complete.
  • Reporting of accidents is mandatory.

Waste Disposal

We are disposing of waste chemicals and ensuring that no potentially toxic chemical is disposed of down in the drain or in the garbage. Disciplinary action will be taken against anyone found violating disposal procedures.

In addition, MSDS recommendations must be carefully followed for the storage of chemicals and to avoid storage of any incompatible chemicals together. Please “Do not mix incompatible Chemicals”. All wastes from the laboratories must be properly labelled and placed in correct waste containers. We have Colour-coded plastic stickers for the waste containers (RED: Halogenated; GREEN: Non-Halogenated; and YELLOW: Solid (SILICA) waste).

Empty containers with stickers will be issued by Mr. Manish only. Please do not take away an empty container by yourself. Every group has been issued two dedicated containers, one each for Halogenated and Non-halogenated. Currently, a common container for Solid (SILICA) waste is placed, which can be used by everyone.

Please contact Mr. Manish Kushwaha, Deputy Manager (Lab), Chemistry Office, #402 POD-1D or at 0731 660 3340 or e-mail at mkushwaha@iiti.ac.in for the disposal of waste chemicals.

Waste Chemicals generated is collected by the Sugam Chemicals on regular basis.

M/S Sugam Chemicals, Plot No. 341, Sector No. 03, Pithampur, Distt.-DHAR (M.P.)

Waste must be segregated and labelled in the following manner:

  • Halogenated Chemical wastes
  • Non-Halogenated Chemical wastes
  • Heavy Metal waste
  • Silica Gel waste
  • Waste oils (e.g. vacuum oils)
  • Needles and Blades (must be placed in a puncture proof container)

Note: ACID Wastes (Including Piranha Solution) must be neutralized, and can be drained for wastewater treatment.

Chemical Storage and Handling (MSDS)

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is must be available in the workplace for all hazardous materials. Prior to handling any material, people must carefully read and make themselves familiar with the MSDS for safe and secure handling. The MSDS sheet must be readily accessible to all the laboratory members who may be exposed to the hazardous material during its handling by you.

In addition, MSDS recommendations must be carefully followed for the storage of chemicals and to avoid storage of any incompatible chemicals together.

All users are requested to keep MSDS sheets of chemicals used by them.

Need more information about the safe handling of chemicals and MSDS, please visit: