Parasitology Training Manual

Safety Issues

Reagent	Cat. #	Hazards	P.P.E. *	Spill Procedure
Ammonium Hydroxide Soln.	BDH/ACS033	contact burns IRT	Nitrile gloves, fume hood, safety goggles, plastic apron	Contain with inert absorbent material dike, dilute with water and mop up
Ether, Anhydrous	BDH/9237	Highly flammable, IRT, HS, CNS depressant	goggles, fume hood, gloves	Absorb with an inert absorbent material and flush spill site with water
Ethyl Alcohol	BDH/B85001	IRT, T, pos repro effects, poss Ter, poss Mut.	gloves, fume hood, goggles plastic apron	Absorb with an inert absorbent material and wash spill site with soap and water. Ventilate well
Formalin 10% and formaldehyde soln.	Fisher SF1004	F/C, IRT, poss repro effects, CNS depression, poss Cg, poss ter	goggles, gloves, periodic monitoring of chemical level is required in microbiology department	Absorb with an inert absorbent material, wash spill site with soap and water
Haematoxylin Powder	BDH/B34037	IRT	gloves, dust mask or fume hood, goggles, plastic apron	Sweep up and bag for disposal. Wash spill site with soap and water
Haematoxylin Solution	Fisher/SH26500	IRT, sensitizer, poss CNS, Ter and repro effects	goggles and gloves	absorb with an inert absorbent material
Hydrochloric Acid	BDH/ACS393	Severe contact burns, IRT, HS, poss Ter	Neoprene, nitrile or PVC gloves, fume hood, goggles plastic apron	Neutralize with soda ash and transfer to container for disposal. Wash site with soap and water
Kinyoun Carbolfuchsin stain and decolorizer	PML/R5895 R5915	F/C, HS, T, IRT	goggles and gloves	absorb with inert absorbent material, wash spill site with soap and water
Permount	Fisher SP15	IRT	goggles, gloves	absorb with inert absorbent material
Picric Acid	BDH R01126	IRT	gloves, fume hood, goggles plastic apron	Absorb with inert absorbent material and package for disposal. Wash spill site with soap and water
Picric Acid saturated Soln.	BNH VW3347	explosive when dried, HS, pos Mut	gloves, fume hood, goggles plastic apron	absorb with inert absorbent material and package for disposal. Wash spill site with soap water
SAF Fixative	BDH/R04651	IRT, sensitizer, Cg Poss repro, Ter & Mut effects	gloves, fume hood goggles	Absorb with inert absorbent material and package for disposal. wash spill site with soap and water.

Storage And Handling of Chemicals in the Workplace

1. It is law that a list of dangerous chemicals is available to all workers.Please refer to the MSD sheets
   in your laboratory or department.

2. Storage
   1. Away from offices and emergency exits
   2. Adequate ventilation(at roof/floor and air conditioning)
   3. Large bottles on lower shelves
   4. If possible store in large tray to catch any leaks if one should occur
   5. Do not store incompatible substances together
   6. Store flammable/combustible substances in a flammable storage cabinet, (metal container
      usually red in color that locks and therefore contains and isolates the chemicals)
   7. Keep highly flammable material(with a low flash point) in a safety can. The cans are
      usually grounded therby eliminating the issue of static electicity starting a fire or
      explosion when pouring or decanting the substance.
   8. Purchase safety coated bottles that have a rubber coating, that will contain the spill
      should breakage occur.
   9. Use acid bottle carriers(thick rubber bucket with handle) to transport large bottles
      of acid or any glass container.

3. Labelling
   1. All bottles and secondary containers should be promptly labelled(according to WHMIS)
   2. The labels should be clearly visible and easy to read. If you cannot read the label do not use the chemical
      report to supervisor.
   3. Never use a strong substance from an unlabelled container.

4. Mixing Chemicals
   1. Add one substance to another slowly and observe for any unexpected reactions.
   2. When diluting concentratedm solutions always pour chemicals into water(or diluant) this
      prevents the heat of dilution from causing overheating and splattering.
   3. Ensure solutions are completely mixed using a glass stirring rod.
   4. When pouring liquid chemicals from a bottle, pour with the label facing upwards so as
      to prevent drips from destroying the label.
   5. Direct the mouth of the bottle away from yourself and coworkers when pouring.
   6. Do not pour unused portions back into the bottle to prevent contamination of the
      larger container.
   7. If a bottle cap or stopper is stuck, refrain from using too much force. Some substances
      can explode when there is a lot of friction. i.e. Picric acid and old ether bottles.

   NOTE: If a chemical spill occurs use a chemical spill kit specific to the category of chemical.
   The most common are the solvent kit and the acid and base spill kits. The kits come with all
   the equipment needed to contain, neutralize and collect the waste product. Read the spill kit
   instructions carefully and always report the incident to a supervisor.

   If you accidentally spill a chemical on yourself, immediately wash the affected part of your
   body. The eye wash station should be used to flush the eyes. The safety shower should be
   used if the spill is burning large parts of your body. If it is a smaller spill, remove
   spoiled garments and wash hands and face thoroughly.
   

   Fatigue

   Fatigue can be reduced at the microscope by using proper posture and stretching periodically
   to relieve tension. Eye strain can be greatly reduced at the microscope by using
   Kohler Illumination principles and the proper light intensity.

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