Minimizing Risks in the Chemistry Laboratory | ACS College Safety Video #4

Personal Protective Equipment and Risk Minimization in the Lab

Introduction to PPE and RAMP

• The video discusses the selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) based on a risk assessment of chemicals used in lab experiments.

• It introduces RAMP, which stands for Recognize hazards, Assess risks, Minimize risks, and Prepare for emergencies. The focus is on minimizing risks after recognizing hazards and assessing risks.

Routes of Chemical Exposure

• There are four primary routes through which chemicals can enter the body: inhalation, direct contact with skin or eyes, ingestion, and injection.

• Inhalation is noted as the most common route; some gases have no odor or may be too dilute to detect but can still cause harm.

• Direct contact with skin or eyes is highlighted as a significant concern due to the sensitivity of eye tissues.

Strategies for Minimizing Risks

Hierarchy of Controls

• The hierarchy of controls is introduced as an effective framework for reducing risk in labs. Elimination of hazards is at the top, followed by reduction in scale and substitution with less hazardous materials.

Engineering Controls

• Engineering controls include using fume hoods to remove gases and vapors from the lab environment. Proper use is crucial for effectiveness.

• Key considerations when using fume hoods include ensuring they are functioning correctly and not obstructed by unnecessary items.

Administrative Controls

• Administrative controls involve following established lab rules designed to minimize exposure. Familiarity with these rules is essential for safety.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye Protection

• Proper eye protection such as indirectly vented splash goggles is required in labs where chemical splashes are possible.

Lab Dress Code

• Recommendations include wearing long sleeves made from natural fibers to reduce skin exposure. Institutions may require lab coats.

Gloves Usage

• Disposable gloves should be used when handling chemicals; selecting appropriate glove material resistant to specific chemicals is critical.

• It's important to remember that chemicals can transfer from gloves to other surfaces or items, emphasizing why food and drinks are prohibited in labs.

Safe Practices

How to Safely Remove Gloves in a Lab Setting

Proper Glove Removal Technique

• To prevent chemical contact with skin, start by pinching the first glove near the wrist and peel it off while turning it inside out.

• Crumple the removed glove into the palm of your gloved hand.

• Use your ungloved hand to peel off the second glove, enclosing the crumpled one within it.

• Discard both gloves according to your instructor's guidelines.

Understanding Risk Levels in Laboratory Environments

Assessing Acceptable Risk

• In laboratory settings, risks are typically minimized by instructors; however, certain hazardous chemicals may present medium risk levels without good substitutes.

• The decision on acceptable risk becomes more complex in research labs where higher risks might be necessary for specific experiments.

Importance of Vigilance

• Maintaining safety in labs requires ongoing awareness of hazards and proactive measures to minimize risks.

• Consideration of exposure routes, appropriate use of fume hoods, and selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for safety.

Further Learning Resources on Safety Protocols

RAMP Safety Steps

• For additional information on minimizing lab risks through RAMP (Recognize hazards, Assess risks, Minimize risks, Prepare for emergencies), refer to other videos in this series.