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Chemical reagents are indispensable tools in the laboratory, but because of their potential dangers, they must be used in strict compliance with safety regulations. The following are safety precautions for chemical reagents, covering key aspects such as storage, use, handling and emergency measures:

1. Safe storage

Classified storage:

According to the nature of the reagent classification storage, such as strong acid, strong alkali, flammable, explosive, highly toxic reagents must be stored separately to avoid mixing to cause chemical reactions.

Label clearly, indicating the name of the reagent, concentration, risk, expiration date and other information.

Environmental control:

Store in a cool, dry, ventilated reagent cabinet or warehouse, away from fire, heat and direct sunlight.

For flammable and explosive reagents, explosion-proof refrigerators or special storage cabinets should be used.

Light sensitive reagents (such as silver nitrate and hydrogen peroxide) should be stored in a brown bottle and placed in a dark cabinet.

Special reagent treatment:

Toxic reagents (such as potassium cyanide, arsenic trioxide) should be double-locked management, and establish a record of use.

Corrosive agents (such as hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide) should be stored in corrosion-resistant trays or cabinets, and equipped with secondary containers to prevent leakage.

2. Safe use

Personal Protection:

Wear laboratory clothes, gloves, goggles and other protective equipment, and select appropriate protective equipment according to the characteristics of reagents.

Operate in a fume hood or well-ventilated environment to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful gases.

Operation specification:

Read the safety instructions (MSDS) carefully before use to understand the properties and potential hazards of the reagent.

Follow the principle of “small amount and many times” to use reagents to avoid waste and pollution.

When opening the bottle stopper of volatile reagent, the mouth of the bottle should not be facing the face to prevent harmful gas inhalation.

Label Management:

Check whether the reagent label is clear and complete, and confirm the name, concentration, shelf life and other information.

After packaging or preparation of reagents, immediately attach a new label, unlabeled reagents need to be identified before use.

3. Processing security

Waste Disposal:

Waste reagents are collected according to their properties and labeled with ingredients.

To professional environmental protection company or according to the laboratory regulations, it is strictly prohibited to discard.

Special reagent treatment:

Toxic or corrosive reagents need to be neutralized and cured before being discarded.

Flammable and explosive reagents (such as ether and acetylene) should be kept away from fire sources and equipped with fire extinguishing equipment.

4. Emergency measures

Fire response:

Choose the appropriate extinguishing method according to the size of the fire, such as wet cloth, sand or fire extinguisher.

It is prohibited to use water to extinguish fires of flammable substances (such as ethyl acetate, toluene) or substances that decompose in water (such as sodium metal).

Leakage treatment:

Immediately eliminate the fire source, cover the spill with dry sand, and transfer it to a special container for treatment.

Prevent spills into the sewer to avoid environmental pollution.

Personnel first aid:

Skin contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

Eye contact: Rinse with an eye washer for at least 15 minutes and avoid rubbing your eyes.

Inhalation poisoning: quickly leave the scene to fresh air, severe cases sent to medical treatment.

Equipment support:

The laboratory is equipped with emergency equipment such as first aid kit, eye washers and fire extinguishers.

Check equipment status regularly to ensure it is available in case of emergency.

5. Eight principles of chemical reagent storage

Seal: prevents volatilization, moisture absorption or oxidation.

Avoid light: Light decomposition reagents should be stored in brown bottles.

Corrosion prevention: Corrosion-resistant containers should be used for corrosive reagents.

Inhibition: Stabilizer is added to prevent hydrolysis or oxidation.

Isolation: Incompatible reagents are stored separately to prevent reactions.

Ventilation: Ensure circulation of air in the storage environment.

Special storage: such as potassium, sodium should be stored in kerosene.

Safety specifications: Follow safe operating procedures for reagent storage.

Following the above safety precautions and principles can minimize the risk during the use of chemical reagents and ensure the safety of laboratory personnel and the environment.