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Although we are exposed to chemicals as a normal part of everyday life, we usually assume that these exposures will not cause harm unless we use chemical products inappropriately. In the laboratory, we try to minimize exposure to chemicals by several means.
We recognize four major routes of chemical exposure (ways a chemical may enter the body to do harm). These are:
Inhalation
Eye/skin contact
Ingestion
Injection.
Many of the guidelines for students in the laboratory focus on preventing exposures through these routes.
We are especially diligent in requiring proper clothing and personal protective equipment in the laboratory. Students are not allowed to wear shorts, sandals, or other clothing that leaves large areas of exposed skin while in the laboratory. Students are required to wear chemical splash goggles in all labs through organic and analytical chemistry. In more advanced labs, safety glasses with side shields may be substituted, depending on the lab activity scheduled. Approved chemical splash goggles will be indirectly vented or non-vented. Directly vented goggles will not be permitted.
A chemical fume hood is an engineering control used in many laboratories. It is designed to contain and remove chemical vapors so that inhalation exposures are avoided. In most of the teaching labs, fume hoods are equipped with monitors. An audible alarm sounds when airflow is reduced below a certain level. This may often be resolved by lowering the hood sash (the large window). If the alarm does not stop, the hood has probably stopped working and should not be used until repaired. Report non-working hoods to your TA or the lab/safety/waste coordinator. Keep the hood sash closed when not in use, and in the lowest possible position during use. Work at least six inches back into the hood for maximum protection, and don't allow the hood to become a storage location.
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