The purpose of this web page is to introduce the chemicals that are regularly used in the ExPet lab. It is a supplement to (NOT a replacement for) other sources of information, for example the department of Geology and Geophysics Chemical Hygiene Plan and the university's Research Safety Plan. Some reminders:
Everyone in the lab must complete the university safety training before working in the lab. Your training records need to be kept up to date by completing the online Lab Safety Training. Training in the lab is responsibility of MMH/ACW.
The Hazardous Waste Chemical Management book, including the Laboratory Safety Plan, is located in room 284. Familiarize yourself with its contents.
Material Safety Data Sheets are available online, and copies of MSDS for all chemicals used in the lab are kept in room 284. You also have access to the CCOHS RTECS database.
No food or drink in the lab. Kitchen facilities are available in room 285.
If something is nasty enough to warrant wearing protective gloves, DO NOT leave the room wearing the gloves. Other people use the same door handle...
Do not work with unlabelled chemicals in the lab. If you decant it, label it.
If you need to use hydrofluoric acid, that will be done in another lab where you will receive training. We don't have the required facilities in the ExPet lab.
Poisons
Barium Carbonate
Lead Foil
Chromium III Oxide
Flammable solvents
Acetone and Ethyl Alcohol
Acids
Hydrochloric Acid
Poisonous gas
Carbon Monoxide
Poisons: Wear protective clothing. Use gloves. If you work with powders or machine ceramics that produce dust, use a face mask.
Acid: wear protective clothing, including eyewear. Work in fume hood. Water is NEVER added to concentrated acid: if you didn't know this you need to update your safety training.
Solvents: Never store or use in the vicinity of a heat source... including heat plates! Most of these things are known carcinogens. Read the MSDS and take appropriate precautions. Never use solvents over the sink.
Poisonous and flammable gases are used in room 261. Observe the rules for storing and moving gas cylinders. You will learn how to check for gas leaks safely before using these facilities. In the event of a carbon monoxide sensor alarm, leave the lab immediately and call 911.
Oxyacetylene torch: oxygen on last, off first. Expel oxygen from the line when you're done.
BaCO3, Pb and Cr2O3 bearing waste is collected in waste containers in P174.
Acetone and Ethyl Alcohol waste is collected in containers stored in the vented cabinet beneath the fume hood in room 284. Transfer wastes in the fume hood. Reseal and return bottle to the cabinet immediately.
See Hazardous Chemical Waste Management book in room 284 (or online version) for further information on handling, collecting, labeling and disposing of chemical wastes.
Lab coats, protective eyewear, goggles, face shields, heat resistant mittens, and several glove types are available in rooms 284 and 261. You should also know where the emergency first aid kit is kept in each lab, and where to find the fire extinguishers.
Last updated: ACW 2012
The views and opinions expressed in this page
are strictly those of the page author.
The contents of this page have been neither reviewed nor approved by the University
of Minnesota.