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health and safety issue at work

  • 13-06-2007 10:51PM
    #1
    juanveron45
    Closed Accounts Posts: 496 ✭✭


    Basically I started work in a soils lab 2 months ago and while its not a chemistry based lab, there is a small chemicals lab.I have to say im not the most gifted when it comes to chemistry,I scraped a pass in 3rd level I do think I know whats safe from working as a lab analyst with a former employer.

    Basically in the chemical lab the fume cuboard is broken and the company say they cant afford to pay for it, they use an extraction fan that you would find on top of a fan oven instead(no joke)

    There is no safety glasses or fizer

    Certain chemicals are heated on a heating mantle and the fumes go all over the lab.

    Conc acids such as sulphuric acid/hcl/nitric acid and phosphoric acid are used without a fume cupboard

    No one is trained in case of spillage

    There are no sops or procedures in the lab.

    My only regret is that I haven't noticed this sooner but there have been people here for years and I don't really work in the chemicals lab but I did feel a little sick today when I smelled the fumes today.I didn't think something like this could go on

    A meeting is being called tomorrow to discuss this, what would you all advise.I feel like calling the health and safety authority


Comments

  • #2
    Mucco
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 717 ✭✭✭Mucco


    Hi juanveron45,

    Sounds pretty lax to me. I'm not familiar with Irish legislation in this area, but I'd imagine it says that your employer has a responsibility to minimise the risk of exposure to anything hazardous.
    Found this: http://www.hsa.ie/files/file_20040709052625chemicallegislation_overview.pdf

    If you're worried about any chemical you're working with, it's quite easy to check them out. Every commercial chemical should come with an MSDS (material data safety sheet), section 15 states the hazards. Good versions are available online from Aldrich www.sial.com (search by CAS number is easiest).

    The chemicals should have risk numbers and safety numbers written on them, these also tell you the hazards, for example:

    Sulfuric acid R35 Causes severe burns
    Nitric Acid R8,35 Contact with combustible material may cause fire
    Hydrochloric acid R34,37 Causes burns, irritating for respiratory system
    Phosphoric acid R34

    To minimise the risks here, you'd want good gloves, a lab coat, lab specs, and an emergency shower as a minimum.


    The R numbers to watch for are:
    23,24,25 26,27,28 29, 31, 32 (toxic, very toxic)
    anything in the 40s, 60s (carcinogens, long term damage etc...)


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