Certain compounds such as 7-azaindole or sodium compounds, such as sodium ethoxide, are useful for the chemical industry. For example, 7-azaindole is readily used in pharmaceutical applications as a heterocyclic molecule. It can also help reduce the growth of Tetrahymena pyriformis. Sodium ethoxide on the other hand is an organic compound that is used as a base for condensation and synthesis in various chemical reactions.
However, these compounds can be hazardous at the same time if not handled properly in chemical laboratories. Here are four tops to maintain chemical safety while experimenting or handling such chemical compounds.
Study the Chemical
When using any chemicals in your lab or factory, it is important to be aware of the Chemical itself. Study the Chemical before using it in your workplace. There are several ways to determine the properties and hazards the chemical comes with, such as researching the internet or asking fellow experts. You can also use the fatty sheet that every chemical supplier provides with these chemicals.
If it doesn’t come with it, you can always ask the supplier for the same. Shrugging it off while thinking nothing will happen could turn into a huge mistake in the future, as some of these chemicals are extremely hazardous. Further asking for a safety sheet from the supplier will also help you understand how to use the chemicals and make necessary changes to build an optimal work environment. This includes buying safety gear or changing old instruments and so on.
Being aware of all the risk and dangers these chemicals can cause, enables better handling and safety for you and the people working around you.
Protective Equipment
Mistakes can happen at any time and some of them can be severely dangerous such as burns, blindness, or even death in some cases. It is always better to be praised rather than regret your decisions later on. Having adequate safety equipment is a must when working with hazardous chemicals in your laboratory or workplace.
This includes things such as maintaining personal hygiene like regularly washing your hands after handling a chemical, wearing adequate covering to protect your body such as aprons. Further you will need to protect your eyes and skin from any chemical contact as well. Wearing gloves, boots, eye protection gear such as goggles etc is a must.
All of the safety equipment requirements are generally mentioned in the safety sheet that the supplier provides, making it more than necessary to obtain. Don’t forget to keep aid equipment close to the lab as well; things like for extinguisher, first aid kits, specialised aid equipment and so on can come in handy during emergencies.
Chemical Storage
Storing the chemical is another important aspect of maintaining chemical safety in workplaces. There are chemicals that may not react well with other chemicals or substances, which can lead to hazards such as explosions, fire and toxicity. These issues can lead to major accidents in your workplace. Hence, is important to maintain proper storage procedure for each chemical present in the storage.
Ensure that you have a document that contains the accurate storage information of each chemical in your lab. In general, keeping the chemicals that are not compatible with each other should be kept at an adequate distance from each other. Further, it’s important to maintain the right temperature for storage of each chemical, to maintain stability.
Staff Training
When handling hazardous chemicals, it’s crucial to train your staff as well. This training can include educating them about the nature and dangers of these chemicals, training for emergency scenarios like fire, and steps to evade danger when accidents happen.
These tips will help you maintain proper safety while working with hazardous chemicals like sodium ethoxide in your workplace.
