Step 1.
Labelling and handling of hazardous materials in accordance with workplace procedures, Material Safety Data Sheets and the Manufacturer's Instructions

Step 2.
Fill in the Safety Audit Checklist section for labelling of containers.

Step 3.
Secure and store all potentially hazardous materials safely

Step 4.
Fill out the Storage and Handling sections of the Laboratory Audit Checklist.

Step 5.
Collect, sort and dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with workplace procedures

Step 6.
Use work practices which minimise waste

Step 7.
Apply procedures that relate to transport and storage of dangerous goods and hazardous materials

Step 8.
Use appropriate procedures and avoid risk increasing behaviours to reduce personal contamination and contamination of others

Step 9.
Recognise the type and severity of environmental threats posed by the materials and processes used

Step 10.
Report abnormal emissions to appropriate personnel and apply containment procedures in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) where appropriate

Task 4. Hazardous materials

Introduction
As part of your role in the laboratory you are responsible for the correct handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. To do this you will first need to recognise any material which is hazardous. You can obtain this information by reading container labels and referring to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

Step 1. Labelling and handling of hazardous materials in accordance with workplace procedures, Material Safety Data Sheets and the Manufacturer's Instructions

Labels on containers often represent the first source of information about chemicals in the workplace. If a label indicates that it is a hazardous substance further information is available from a Material Safety Data Sheet.

Web Visit - NOHSC Risk and Safety Phrases

Below are some examples of labels you may find in the SimuLab laboratory:

Web Visit - NOHSC Code of Practice for Labelling

Use the following link to check the labels of containers in the laboratory after reading the SOP. You may need to use the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission site for some aspects in the activity.

Web Visit - NOHSC MSDSs Source

Web Visit - NOHSC MSDS: what is adequate information?

Use the following link to do an activity about Material Safety Data Sheets.

Now use the following link to do an activity having read the MSDS on Ethanol.

Step 2. Fill in the Safety Audit Checklist section for labelling of containers.

Use the following link to go to the Analytical Laboratory to check the labels and complete the appropriate section of your Safety Audit Checklist.

Step 3. Secure and store all potentially hazardous materials safely

Potentially hazardous materials may become more or less hazardous when stored. Correct storage of chemicals is an important aspect of workplace safety. For example, it could be serious if ethanol (a flammable liquid) was stored in a four-litre plastic fruit juice container near the laboratory heater. If stored in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool dry spot (preferably a steel flammable cabinet) the fire hazard is reduced.

Some chemicals react with each other, so they should not be stored together. The policy for good OHS is to store all hazardous or potentially hazardous materials under conditions that enhance and do not reduce safety.

You should always use common sense for good storage procedures, as well as referring to the Australian Standard 2243 Safety in Laboratories, particularly Section 10 Storage of Chemicals.

After reading the SOPs you have collected from the OHS Manual, do the following activity (using the link below) to check your understanding of the storage requirements for different chemicals.

Step 4. Fill out the Storage and Handling sections of the Laboratory Audit Checklist.

Step 5. Collect, sort and dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with workplace procedures

SimuLab generates many different types of waste, from all areas, everyday. You will need to be aware of the correct procedures to dispose of the different types of waste in the laboratory. Hazardous waste is generated on a daily basis but may only be picked up weekly. Consequently the waste must be stored in a safe and secure manner until it is collected.

Waste is classified into different categories based on its its characteristics and inherent hazards. To find out more about the disposal of waste from the laboratory, use the following link to go to the Laboratory Supervisor's office and look up the SOP: General Waste Disposal in the OHS Manual.

Using the following link to dispose of fabric and waste chemicals.

Step 6. Use work practices which minimise waste

Hazardous waste minimisation is the method of first choice for pollution prevention. Waste minimisation means a reduction in the volume, toxicity and physical hazards of materials. As a generator of hazardous waste, SimuLab is committed to reducing pollution. Careful experiment design and laboratory management can accomplish this.

Waste minimisation creates benefits. Smaller quantities of waste mean less compromise of the environment at disposal sites. Waste minimisation leads to safer laboratory conditions and lessens employee exposure to hazardous chemicals. Waste minimisation also promotes safer waste handling and transporting and reduces disposal cost.

Waste minimisation activities include:

• treatment to reduce hazards
• substitutions of less hazardous materials
• procedural changes to minimise generation
• improved laboratory management practices.

The following link will give you information about the section of the Safety Audit Checklist to be completed when you visit the Biological Laboratory to ensure waste is disposed of and reduced in the best ways.

Step 7. Apply procedures that relate to transport and storage of dangerous goods and hazardous materials

Step 8. Use appropriate procedures and avoid risk increasing behaviours to reduce personal contamination and contamination of others

While doing the safety audit you have noticed that the benches in the laboratory have been left in a very untidy state. The Senior Technician calls by to see how the safety audit is progressing and is very annoyed with you to see the state of the laboratory.

The Senior Technician explains, "If you had read the SOP: Safe Working Practices for Laboratory Staff, you would know who should clean up the mess in the laboratory".

Use the following link to clean up the laboratory area.

After completing this step you will need to fill in the Housekeeping section in the Laboratory Safety Audit checklist, which is the last section. To obtain information about this, click on the link below.

Step 9. Recognise the type and severity of environmental threats posed by the materials and processes used

Web Visit - Environment Australia

Go to the Forum, choose the topic Cleaner Production and discuss your findings. The following link gives you information about an assignment to be sent after your participation in the Forum.

Step 10. Report abnormal emissions to appropriate personnel and apply containment procedures in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) where appropriate

Being alert and proactive is important in the laboratory situation. Things do go wrong but alert and responsive personnel can avoid major catastrophes by watching and reacting to situations.

• emission levels from smoke stacks
• what, and how much, can be put down storm water drains, or sinks
• the disposal of hazardous waste
• what waste, and how much, can be disposed of in land fill
• noise levels.

Use the following link to do an activity about chemical spills.

The Laboratory Supervisor puts on breathing apparatus and carefully opens the door while you stand by with a fire extinguisher. When the door is opened you see a small puddle of fluid on the floor towards the back of the storeroom.

The Laboratory Supervisor tells you it is concentrated cleaning fluid that has leaked from a container at the back of the storeroom. It is a dangerous, caustic substance and in a confined space a highly hazardous substance. Its main component is 30% ammonia. She asks you to clean up the spilled fluid. Use the link below to go to an activity where you will clean up the spill.

After reading the MSDS, commence the clean up procedure by clicking on the link below.