I will echo the advice of both Jay Young and Russ Phifer that you need a
hazardous chemicals consultant to help in reviewing your list of
chemicals. The list of chemicals, by itself, does not include
information on age, concentrations (as applied to selective materials),
or current condition of each substance. Every chemical has some degree
of toxcitity depending on exposure, so a classification as "poisonous"
must be applied on a case-by-case basis.
Before you engage a consultant, you should meet with your faculty to
determine which chemicals, and what quantities, are still needed for
laboratory experiments in your programs. Those should be at the top of
your list to review for safety. I know that the RSC is encouraging
teachers to do more demonstrations in the classroom, so any chemicals
needed for demonstrations should be next on your list for review.
Chemicals that will no longer be used should be disposed of in
accordance with all local and regional regulations by a qualified
disposal professional.
In regard to alternative chemicals to achieve the same results in the
laboratory, that must be determined on a case-by-case basis for each
experiment.
Once you get your inventory straightened out, you need to provide for
proper storage of the chemicals, arranged, preferably, by compatibility
of compounds, in proper storage cabinets.
Your future goal is to only order chemicals specifically needed for
laboratory experiments and demonstrations and in small quantities,
enough for classroom usage, so that you have little or no chemicals to
store between academic semesters. MSDS sheets should accompany any
chemical ordered, but be sure to request them when the orders are
placed. MSDS sheets must be placed in appropriate binders and kept
where they are easily accesible. In addition, be sure to label each
chemical with a date received label, so you will be aware of age,
especially for anything that may oxidize or degrade over time.
From your message, it appears that you, your committee, and probably
your faculty, have not had any formal safety training in handling,
storage, and disposal of laboratory chemicals. I strongly urge that
your faculty get that training. Your consultant should be able to
recommend individuals and/or programs in the UK. If not, contact
someone at the RSC.
David A. Katz
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-----------------------------
David A. Katz
Chemist, Educator, Expert Demonstrator, Science Communicator, and
Consultant
Programs and workshops for teachers, schools, museums, and the public
133 N. Desert Stream Dr. * Tucson, AZ 85745-2277 * USA
voice/fax: (520) 624-2207 * email:
dakatz45**At_Symbol_Here**msn.com
Visit my web site:
http://www.chymist.com
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----- Original Message -----
From: fadare oluniyi
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 4:46 AM
Subject: [DCHAS-L] I need your advice.
I was nominated as the coordinator of the students' laboratory manual
Review committee and I am to work with this long list of chemicals and
materials.
Part of the assignment of my committee is to
(1.) Identify some of these chemicals which are carcinogenic,
poisonous and are no more expected to be used in the laboratory again or
are having regulatory restriction placed on them.
(2.) Profer alternative Chemical to be used to achieve the same aim
in the laboratory.
(3.) See possible and safe mean of discarding the ones in stock.
Please, I will appreciate you contributions on any of these
chemicals.
I work in the pharmacognosy Department.
Thanks.
Chloral hydrate
Iodine
Phoroglucinol
Sodium Carbonate
Picric Acid
Lead Acetate
Potassium Chlorate
Potassium Hydroxide
Safranin
Sodium Hydroxide
Ammonium oxalate
Calcium Oxalate
Lead Sub-acetate
Ferric Chloride
Ruthenium red
Barium Chloride
Potassium Permanganate
Molisch
Naphthol
Ammoniacal Copper Oxide
Phenol
Gelatin
Trinitrophenol
Alcohol
Benzene
Glycerin
Fehling Solution A
Fehling Solution B
Hydrogen peroxide
Ether
Chloroform
Acetone
Sulphuric Acid
Hydrochloric Acid
Nitric Acid
Chromic Acid
Acetic a-hydride
Glacial acetic acid
Light Petroleum
Formic acid
Ammonia
Cotton
Flan
Hemp
Jute
Silk
Rayon
Petrol ether (400C-600C)
Diethyl ether
Acetic acid
Glacial acetic acid
N-hexane
Methanol
Absolute ethanol
Benzene
Ethyl acetate
Chloroform
Acetic anhydride
Light Petroleum
Cyclohexane
Acetonitrile
Formic acid
Dichloromethane
Potassium hydroxide pellets
Silver nitrate
Sodium hydroxide pellets
Sodium Sulphate (anhydrous)
Ferric Chloride
Phenazone
Ferric ammonium citrate
Sodium acetate
Sodium Potassium tartrate
Sodium Bicarbonate
Lead Sub-acetate
Resorcinol
Sodium hydrogen phosphate
Sodium nitroprusside
Carbon tetrachloride
2, 4-dinitrophenyl-hydrozine
Carbon tetrachloride
Bromine
40% formaldehyde
Ammonia
Anisaldehyde
Paraffin oil
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