Lab 1 Safety Organic Chemistry Spring 2024

Organic Chemistry Lab 1

• Fall 2024

• Focus: Safety methods and glassware practices in the chemistry lab.

Safety in the Organic Chemistry Lab

• Organic chemistry lab contains hazardous materials requiring strict adherence to safety rules.

• Many organic materials pose chronic (long-term) and acute (immediate) health risks.

• Health Risks of Organic Materials:

  • Flammability of liquids.

  • Toxicity which can affect health through inappropriate handling.

• Four Methods of Chemical Entry to the Body:

  • Ingestion: Through eating or drinking contaminated materials.

  • Inhalation: Breathing in harmful vapors or dust.

  • Absorption: Chemicals touching the skin or eyes.

  • Injection: Possible through punctures or cuts.

• Students must follow safety recommendations and procedures at all times.

Laboratory Conduct Guidelines

1. **Flame Restrictions: **

   • No flames allowed unless approved by a lab instructor.

2. Chemical Knowledge:

   • Learn properties of chemicals before handling. Use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for guidance.

3. Safety Equipment:

   • Wear eye protection (safety glasses) at all times.

   • Use gloves when handling chemicals.

   • Wear protective lab coats to shield skin and clothing.

   • Utilize fume hoods for volatile or highly toxic substances.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

• Provides detailed information about chemicals, including:

  • **Composition of ingredients (Section 2)

  • Hazards identification (Section 3)

  • First Aid measures (Section 4)

  • Accidental release measures (Section 6)

  • Handling and storage information (Section 7)

  • Exposure controls and personal protection (Section 8)

  • Stability and reactivity (Section 10)

  • Toxicological information (Section 11)**

Hazards Identification

Entry Points for Chemicals:

• Inhalation: Affects the respiratory tract.

• Ingestion: Can involve contact with contaminated hands or eating in contaminated areas.

• Absorption: Through skin or eyes, which might cause dermatitis or organ damage.

• Injection: Through skin contact with toxic substances.

Specific Health Hazards:

• Acute poisoning: Rapid uptake of toxins, e.g., carbon monoxide exposure.

• Chronic poisoning: Prolonged exposure, such as with lead.

• Cumulative poisons: Occur from many exposures, e.g., heavy metals.

• Synergistic effects: Exposure to combinations, e.g., alcohol with solvents.

Emergency Procedures

• Implement appropriate emergency measures for:

• First Aid Procedures: Specific steps to take after incidents.

• Accidental Releases: Instructions for spills and proper disposal methods.

Work Practices

• Always keep workspace tidy and perform tasks methodically to prevent accidents.

• Be aware of the location and proper usage of emergency equipment such as eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

• Clean glassware with acetone before washing, and dispose of waste correctly.

• Prohibit eating and drinking in the lab.

Chemical Labels

• Labels provide crucial information:

  • Name of Chemical

  • Manufacturer information (contact and emergency number)

  • Physical and health hazards

  • Precautionary measures

  • First-aid instructions

  • Handling/storage instructions

Health Hazard Symbols on Labels

• Carcinogen

• Highly toxic

• Toxic

• Reproductive hazard

• Irritant

• Corrosive

• Sensitizer

• Hepatotoxin

• Nephrotoxin

• Neurotoxin

Signal Words on Labels

• Danger: Immediate serious injury or death risk.

• Warning: Potentially serious injury or death risk.

• Caution: Moderate injury risk possible.

Symbolic Representations of Hazards

• Toxicity

• Corrosivity (relation to acids and bases)

• Ignitability (flammable solvents)

• Reactivity (water-reactive substances)

Fire Classifications

• Class A: Ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, plastic).

• Class B: Flammable liquids/gases.

• Class C: Energized electrical equipment.

• Class D: Combustible/reactive metals (magnesium, sodium).

Fire Extinguishers

• Correspond to fire classes:

  • Class A: Water, foam, multipurpose dry-chemical.

  • Class B & C: Multipurpose dry-chemical, carbon dioxide.

  • Class D: Halogenated hydrocarbon extinguishers for electrical/fire equipment.

Chemical Waste Management

• Types of chemical waste:

  • Organic solids and liquids

  • Aqueous solutions

  • Inorganic solids

  • Special handling substances

• Follow proper disposal methods: Labelled containers for organic waste, aqueous waste, and inorganic waste.

Incident Response in Lab

• Broken Glass: Handle with a dustpan and brush, dispose in glass waste containers.

• Chemical Burns: Cool under running water and notify the instructor.

• Chemical Spills: Vary according to the chemical involved; evacuate if necessary.

• Eye Contact: Rinse immediately for at least 15 mins at eyewash station; inform instructor.

Glassware Used in Lab

• Different types of glassware with specific functions:

  • Beaker: Mixing liquids.

  • Erlenmeyer Flask: Titration and minimizing spillage.

  • Test Tube: Observing reactions.

  • Bunsen Burner: Heat source.

Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry

• Alkenes, Alkynes, Alcohols, Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, Amides: Recognized by their structure and formula.

Chemical Analysis in Organic Chemistry

• Qualitative Analysis: Identifying substances or functional groups.

• Quantitative Analysis: Determining the amount or concentration of a compound.