1.3

• Safety goggles


  Used for preventing dust or splashes of chemicals from getting into the eyes.
• Face mask

  Used for protecting the respiratory organs from chemicals in the form of powder or fumes.
• Gloves


  Used for handling chemicals to protect hands from injuries, chemicals

  or infections.
• Laboratory coat

  Used as protection for the body and clothing against chemical spills such as acids, alkalis and organic solvents.
• Laboratory shoes

  Used for protecting the feet from injuries caused by chemical spills, sharp objects or toxic substances.
• Fume chamber 


  A specially designed equipment to carry out experiments that release toxic vapours, cause combustions or produce pungent smells.
• Safety shower


  Used to wash and clean the body when a chemical accident occurs on parts of the body. This equipment is also used to extinguish a fire on clothing.
• Fire extinguisher

  Used for extinguishing fire in the laboratory.
• Hand wash


  Used for removing chemical substances, oil, dirt and microorganisms from the hands.
• Eye wash 


  Used for washing and cleaning the eye when accidents occur on parts of the eye.
• Chemicals should be stored in their designated places

  according to their categories.
• Disposal of chemicals is equally important as the

  storage of chemicals. Disposal of chemicals without

  following the correct disposal procedures not only

  causes environmental pollution but also destroys the

  habitats of flora and fauna and endangers human

  health as well. Hence, the storage and disposal of

  chemicals should be taken seriously by all parties.
• Reactive substances


  Reactive metals such as lithium, sodium and potassium are stored in paraffin oil to prevent reaction with the moisture in the air.
• Hydrocarbons and organic solvents

  Volatile and inflammable liquids like hydrocarbons and organic solvents should be stored in shady areas far from sunlight and heat sources.
• Substances that decompose easily

  Substances that decompose easily in the presence of; 

  • concentrated nitric acid
  • hydrogen peroxide solution
  • silver nitrate solution
  • liquid bromine
  • liquid chlorine

  Those should be stored in dark bottles.
• Substances with pH < 5 and pH > 9

  Corrosive chemicals (pH<5 and pH>9) are usually stored in special storage cabinets that are kept locked.
• Heavy metals and toxic substances


  Toxic substances and heavy metals should be kept in special labelled containers and kept in a locked room that is heat-free.
• Personal protective equipment


  • Safety goggles
  • Gloves
  • Facemask
  • Laboratory coat
  • Laboratory shoes
• Safety equipment

  • Fume chamber
  • Safety shower
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hand wash
  • Eye wash
• Storage of chemicals

  • Reactive substances
  • Hydrocarbons and organic solvents
  • Substances that decompose easily
  • Substances with pH < 5 and pH > 9
  • Heavy metals and toxic substances
• Disposal of chemicals

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Solid wastes
  • Hydrocarbons and organic solvents
  • Substances with pH < 5 and pH > 9
  • Heavy metals and toxic substances
  • Volatile substances
• Hydrogen peroxide


  • A low concentration can be poured directly into the laboratory’s sink.

  • A high concentration has to be diluted with water and added with sodium sulphite for the decomposition process to take place before being poured into the sink.
• Solid wastes

  Like glass and rubber have to be disposed into special containers.
• Hydrocarbons and organic solvents

  • Mostly are toxic, carcinogenic, volatile and inflammable.

  • Cannot be disposed directly into the sink or the laboratory drain

  • Should be kept in special containers made of glass or plastic.
• Substances with pH < 5 and pH > 9


  Kept in closed labelled containers during disposal.
• Heavy metals and toxic substances

  • Kept in plastic bags and the solutions be left to evaporate in the fume chamber.

  • The bag of heavy metal residue is tied carefully and is put into the container of heavy metal waste.
• Volatile substances


  Stored in closed containers and kept away from sun and heat.