Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

• Before working, remove all jewelry from hands and arms and any dangling jewelry to
prevent accidental contact with battery connections (this can cause sparks which can
ignite vapors).
• Always wear appropriate PPE such as rubber or synthetic aprons, splash goggles
(ideally in combination with a face shield), and thick Neoprene, Viton, or Butyl
gloves.
• A plumbed emergency eyewash station must be readily available near the station
(please note, hand held eyewash bottles do not meet this criteria.)
• A class B rated fire extinguisher needs to be readily available. If none is available,
contact your EHSO.
• Ensure that there is adequate ventilation available to prevent the buildup of
potentially flammable and explosive gases.
• Keep all ignition sources away from the area.
• Stand clear of batteries while charging.
• Keep vent caps tight and level.
• Only use the appropriate equipment for charging.
• Store unused batteries in secondary containment to prevent spills.
• Have an acid spill kit available. The waste from a spill may contain lead and
neutralized wastes may be toxic. Contact your EHSO for hazardous waste disposal.
• Properly dispose of your used batteries.
22.6 Heat and Heating Devices
Heat hazards within laboratories can occur from a number of sources; however, there are some
simple guidelines that can be followed to prevent heat related injuries. These guidelines include:
• Heating devices should be set up on a sturdy fixture and away from any ignitable
materials (such as flammable solvents, paper products and other combustibles). Do not
leave open flames (from Bunsen burners) unattended.
• Heating devices should not be installed near drench showers or other water spraying
apparatus due to electrical shock concerns and potential splattering of hot water.
• Heating devices should have a backup power cutoff or temperature controllers to prevent
overheating. If a backup controller is used, an alarm should notify the user that the main
controller has failed.
• Provisions should be included in processes to make sure reaction temperatures do not
cause violent reactions and a means to cool the dangerous reactions should be available.
• Post signs to warn people of the heat hazard to prevent burns.
When using ovens, the follow additional guidelines should be followed:
• Heat generated should be adequately removed from the area.
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