Forensic Chemistry Prelims (Lab)

• Sources of Hazards

  • Chemicals
  • Biological materials
  • Unexploded explosives
  • Firearms
  • Environmental factors
  • Unsafe structures
  • Insecure environment
• Other Risks


  • Sharp objects
  • Electrical risks
  • Radiological risks
  • Nuclear risks
  • Gases
• Biological Hazards


  Includes blood and body fluids – may present a risk of HIV/AIDS and other factors
• Chemical Hazards


  • Those present at the scene, in the case of clandestine laboratories
  • Chemicals used as part of the investigation
• Health and Safety Procedures

  • Most important issues to be considered when arriving at crime scenes
  • Should remain priority throughout the process
• Health and Safety Procedures

  1. Might be necessary to suppress or remove health and safety hazards before starting the investigation

  2. Provision of first aid kits

  3. Appropriate protective clothing (e.g. helmet, gloves)

  4. Adequate equipment
• Beyond the hazards encountered in the scene itself, the laboratory personnel may be exposed to hazards when receiving items collected at the scene
• Personnel working at the scene should minimize hazards to others handling collected evidence later in the forensic process (e.g. by using appropriate packaging and warning labels)
• Understanding Chemical Labels


  • Chemical name
  • CAS number (Chemical Abstracts Service registry number)
  • UN number (United Nations number)
  • Chemical and hazard warning symbols
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)


  Provides detailed information about a chemical product's composition and its potentially harmful effects, along with instructions on how to store, handle, and dispose of the substance safely
• Information provided in Safety Data Sheets (SDS)


  • Identification
  • Physician and Chemical properties
  • Hazard Identification
  • Stability and reactivity
  • Composition/information on ingredients
  • Toxicological information
  • First-aid measures
  • Ecological information
  • Fire-fighting measures
  • Disposal considerations
  • Accidental release measures
  • Transport information
  • Handling and storage
  • Regulatory information
  • Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
  • Other information
• Globally Harmonized System (GHS)


  Current system of classification which indicated hazards and the warning symbols for a chemical
• GHS Hazard Pictograms


  • Health and physical hazard pictograms
  • Transport pictograms for dangerous goods
• Health and Physical Hazard Pictograms

  • Flammable
  • Oxidizing
  • Compressed gas
  • Corrosive
  • Explosive
  • Toxic
  • Health hazard
  • Irritant
  • Environmental hazard