JABATAN PEMBANGUNAN KEMAHIRAN

KEMENTERIAN SUMBER MANUSIA

ARAS 7 & 8 BLOK D4, KOMPLEKS D
62530 PUTRAJAYA

INFORMATION SHEET
PROGRAM

NCS CORE ABILITIES (Z009)

LEVEL

L1

MODULE NO. AND

TITLE

01 WORKPLACE SAFETY

ABILITIES

03.05 DEMONSTRATE SAFETY SKILLS

MODULE OBJECTIVE

AT THE END OF THIS MODULE, TRAINEES WILL BE ABLE

TO DEMONSTRATE SAFETY SKILLS

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TOPIC: HANDLING HARZARDOUS CHEMICAL AND MATERIAL

OBJECTIVE:
The objectives of this topic are to familiarize and understand the procedures
handling hazardous chemical and material.

in

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GENERAL
Know the physical and health hazards associated with the chemicals you are using.
Carefully read the chemical's label and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before
using a chemical for the first time. Also review the appropriate Standard Operating
Procedure. These documents will provide any special handling information. After the
potential hazards associated with the chemicals and the experimental processes are
evaluated you can modify work procedures so that workplace hazards are minimized
or eliminated.
Keep the following guidelines in mind when handling chemicals:
(a)
(b)

Do NOT work alone in the laboratory. If you must work alone, notify someone
as to where you will be and when.
Use required personal protective equipment. Eye protection is always
appropriate.

(c)

Label all containers with chemical content.

(d)

Keep your hands and face clean. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after
handling any chemical and whenever you leave the lab.

(e)

Avoid direct contact with any chemical. Always wear a laboratory coat, at a
minimum.

(f)

Keep chemicals off your hands, face and clothing, including shoes.

(g)

Never smell, intentionally inhale or taste a chemical.

(h)

Smoking, drinking, eating and the application of cosmetics is forbidden in areas

where hazardous chemicals are used or stored.

(i)

Always use chemicals with adequate ventilation or in a chemical fume hood.

Refer to the MSDS and the Standard Operating Procedure to determine what
type of ventilation is needed.

(j)

Use hazardous chemicals only as directed and for their intended purpose.

(k)

Inspect equipment or apparatus for damage before adding a hazardous

chemical. Do not use damaged equipment.

(l)

Never use mouth suction to fill a pipette. Use a pipette bulb or other pipettefilling device.

(m)

Electrically ground containers using approved methods before transferring or

dispensing a flammable liquid from a large container.

For specific information regarding chemical handling, contact your supervisor,

instructor or SHO (Safety & Health Officer)

2. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

The MSDS will list the personal protective equipment recommended for use with the
chemical. The MSDS typically addresses worst case conditions. Therefore, not all of

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the equipment shown may be needed for a specific job. For example, respirators
should be considered only when engineering and administrative controls (such as fume
hoods and/or general dilution ventilation) cannot be used or made adequate, or while
such controls are being instituted.
The employer must provide appropriate personal protective equipment to employees,
at no cost to the employees.

2.1

EYE PROTECTION
Eye and face protection must be worn whenever its use will reduce or
eliminate injury. It is recommended that eye protection always be worn in the
laboratory
The need for adequate eye protection is fundamental to the use of chemicals,
including housekeeping materials such as wax strippers, detergent and toilet bowl
cleaners, and operations such as grinding, drilling, sawing with power tools. Eye
protection, and at times face protection, is required wherever the potential for eye
injury exists. Areas where eye protection must be worn include (but is not limited
to) laboratories, auto repair shops, machine shops, welding areas, most other
industrial technology shops, sandblasting operations, concrete cutting or grinding,
and chemical handling operations areas.
Eye protection is required for all personnel and visitors in these areas. These
areas shall be posted as such. Personnel may NOT enter such areas where
chemicals are being handled or automated processes are in operation without
eye protection.
Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection.
(Contrary to popular opinion these glasses cannot pass the rigorous test for
industrial safety glasses.) Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements
of the standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face
Protection(ANSI Z.87.1 1989) and must be equipped with side shields. Safety
glasses with side shields do not provide adequate protection from splashes.
Therefore, when the potential for a splash hazard exists, other eye protection
and/or face protection must be worn (e.g., chemical safety goggles or face
shields), as appropriate.
Splash goggles with splash proof sides or a face shield must be used when
protection from a chemical splash is needed.
Face shields afford protection to the face and neck. Face shields must be worn if
there is an explosion or implosion (pressure or vacuum) hazard and when
transferring cryogenic liquids.
Special eye protection is available for protection against laser, ultraviolet (UV),
welding and brazing, or intense light sources.
Eye protection must be made available to employees and visitors, at no cost to
them, when the potential for eye injury exists.

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(If you have any questions regarding the selection of appropriate eye and/or face
protection, call SHO).

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USE OF RESPIRATORS
Respirators are designed to protect only against specific types of substances and
in certain concentration ranges, depending on the type of equipment used.
Respirator selection must be based on the hazard and the protection factor
required.
Types of respiratory protective equipment include:
(a)
(b)

Particle-removing air purifying respirators

Gas and vapor-removing air purifying respirators

(c)

Air supplied respirators

You should familiarize yourself with the limitations of each type of respiratory
protective equipment used and the signals for respirator failure (odor
breakthrough, filter clogging, etc.).
Respirators are not to be used except in conjunction with a written
respiratory protection program. Contact OHS for a copy of the colleges
written program. If your work requires the use of a respirator, you must receive
special training from qualified personnel.

2.3 PROTECTION OF SKIN AND BODY

Skin and body protection require protective clothing and include protection of
various parts of the body either completely or partially.
Eye and face injuries are prevented by the use of the following:
(a) Safety glasses with side shields for dust and flying object protection
(b) Chemical splash goggles for chemical splash, spray and mist protection
(c) Face and neck shield for head and neck protection (these devices must
always be used with safety glasses or goggles).
Where there is no immediate danger to the skin from contact with a hazardous
chemical, but where it is undesirable to have the employee or student expose
himself in his street clothes, laboratory coats, coveralls, aprons or protective
suits shall be worn. These garments should not leave the laboratory, except
for laundering or disposal.
Chemical protective clothing in the form of disposable work suits should be
provided when there is a high potential for gross contamination. Special
attention must be given to sealing all openings in the clothing. Tape can be
used for this purpose. Caps should be worn to protect hair from
contamination.

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Exposures to strong acids and acid gases, organic solvents and strong
oxidizing agents, carcinogens, and mutagens require the use of protective
equipment that prevents skin contamination. In these situations, impervious
protective equipment must be used. Examples include:
(a)
(b)

Rubber or nitrile gloves

Rubber boots

(c)

Rubberized suits

(d)

Special protective equipment

Protective garments are not equally effective for every hazardous

chemical.
Some chemicals will "break through" the garment in a very short time.
Therefore, garment selection is based on the specific chemical used. Check
with your supervisor, or SHO if you are uncertain as to which materials will
provide an adequate barrier to chemicals. See Table 1, Chemical Resistance
Chart, for assistance in selecting the appropriate garment.

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Table 1
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE CHART
Natural
NBR
Neoprene PVC
Rubber Nitrile

PVC/Nitrile

Acetic Acid

Acetone

Ammonium Hydroxide

Animal Fate

Alcohols (Most
Common)

Butyl Acetate

Battery Acid

Bleach Solutions

Chromic Acid

Citric Acid

Creosote

Dimethylformamide

Glycols

Gasoline

Hydrochloric Acid
(Conc.)

Hydrochloric Acid (Dil.)

Hexane

Kerosene

Plasticizers

Methyl Ethyl Ketone

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Natural
NBR
Neoprene PVC
Rubber Nitrile

PVC/Nitrile

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone

Mineral Spirits

Naphtha

Nitric Acid (Conc.)

Nitric Acid (Dil.)

Phenol/Carbolic Acid

Phosphoric Acid

Picric Acid

Potassium Hydroxide

Polyester Resin

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Sodium Hydroxide

Stoddard Solvent

Sulfuric Acid (Conc.)

Sulfuric Acid (Dil.)

THF (Tetrahydrofuran)

Toluene

Turpentine

Urea

Xylene

-Epoxy

-Solvent Based

-Water Based

-Oil Based

-Water Based

-Animal

-Cutting

-Fuel

-Hydraulic Petroleum

-Hydraulic Ester

-Mineral

Adhesives:

Herbicides and
Insecticides:

Oils:

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-Petroleum

-Silicone

Key : E - EXCELLENT
G - GOOD
F - FAIR
P - POOR (NOT RECOMMENDED)

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3. STORAGE GUIDELINES
Proper storage is needed to minimize the hazards associated with accidentally mixing
incompatible chemicals.
Do not sort and store chemicals alphabetically unless they have first been separated
into hazard classes. Additional guidelines on storing chemicals according to their
hazard classes are presented later in this section.
Observe the following general storage guidelines. (Note: Specific guidelines are
presented later in this section):
a)

b)
c)

d)
e)
f)
g)
h)

In general, chemicals should be separated according to the following

categories:
(i)
Solvents, which include flammable/combustible liquids and halogenated
hydrocarbons (e.g., acetone, benzene, ethers, alcohols) Note: Store
glacial acetic acid as a flammable liquid
(ii)
Inorganic mineral acids (e.g., nitric, sulfuric, hydrochloric, and perchloric
acids).
(iii)
Bases (e.g., sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide)
(iv)
Oxidizers
(v)
Poisons
(vi)
Explosives or unstable reactive, such as picric acid. Store separately
outdoors in flammable storage cabinets
Ensure that caps and lids on all chemical containers are tightly closed to
prevent evaporation of contents.
Store all hazardous liquid chemicals in drip trays that are chemically resistant.
Photo trays provide good containment and are widely used at the Lab. Tray
capacity must be 110% of the largest container or 10% of the aggregate volume
of all containers, whichever is larger.

Install Plexiglas lips or use equivalent means to prevent materials from falling off
storage shelves.
Avoid storing chemicals on countertops or in fume hoods except for those being
currently used.
Label all containers (squeeze bottles and Nalgene bottles) to which hazardous
materials are transferred with the identity of the substance and its hazards.
Be aware that squeeze bottles and Nalgene bottles have varying resistances to
different chemicals.
Evaluate/test stored chemicals that can form peroxides for crystal formation,
deterioration, and integrity. A label has been developed to document evaluation
and test results.

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i)
j)
k)

l)
m)

n)

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Limit the amount of chemicals stored to the minimum required.

Avoid exposure of chemicals to heat or direct sunlight. This may lead to the
deterioration of storage containers as well as the degradation of the chemicals.
Use approved corrosive storage cabinets (constructed of chemically resistant
components) for storing acids and bases. Consult Control Procedures for Acids
and Bases for additional information.

Use flammable storage cabinets to store flammable liquids.

Chemical storage cabinets (such as corrosive and flammable storage cabinets)
must be connected to the building's exhaust system. This applies to all cabinets
installed during renovation or new construction. Most chemical storage cabinets
are equipped with two bungs. Connect the bottom bung to the exhaust system
with a metallic pipe (copper or steel flex hose - 2 inch diameter). The top bung is
used to provide make up air to the cabinet and must be fitted with a flame
arrester. Existing cabinets showing signs of interior corrosion or whose contents
produce strong odors during storage will also be ventilated.
Refrigerators used for storing chemicals, samples or media must be labeled
with words to the effect as follows: Caution Do Not Store Food Or Beverages
In This Refrigerator. Refrigerators used for food storage in or near work areas
(shops and labs) must be labeled with words to the effect as: Notice Food
May Be Stored In this Refrigerator. Labels may be fabricated by users provided
they are legible and securely affixed to the refrigerator. Posting refrigerators
used for food and beverage which are located in lunch rooms and office
buildings, where there is no shop or lab type chemical usage do not require any
posting.

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o) Refrigerators and freezers for storing flammable liquids (including ethanol)

must be designed, constructed and approved for that purpose. Domestic
refrigerator/freezers as well as units that have been modified to remove spark
sources are not acceptable alternatives.
3.1

STORAGE ACCORDING TO HAZARD CLASSES

The following guidelines are provided for the safe storage of hazardous
materials in accordance with their hazard classes:
a)

Acids
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

(iv)

b)

Segregate acids from reactive metals such as sodium, potassium,

magnesium, etc.
Segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids, flammable and
combustible materials.
Segregate acids from chemicals which could generate toxic or
flammable gases upon contact, such as sodium cyanide, iron sulfide,
calcium carbide, etc.
Segregate acids from bases.

Bases
Segregate bases from acids, metals, explosives, organic peroxides and
easily ignitable materials.

c)

Solvents (Flammable and Halogenated Solvents)

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

d)

Store in approved safety cans or cabinets.

Segregate from oxidizing acids and oxidizers.
Keep away from any source of ignition: heat, sparks, or open
flames.

Oxidizers
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Store in a cool, dry place.

Keep away from combustible and flammable materials.
Keep away from reducing agents such as zinc, alkali metals, and formic
acid.

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e)

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Cyanides
Segregate from acids and oxidizers.

f)

Water Reactive Chemicals

(i)
(ii)

g)

Pyrophoric Substance
(i)
(ii)

h)

Store in a cool, dry place away from any water source.

Make certain that a Class D fire extinguisher is available in case of
fire.

(Materials which will react with the air to ignite when exposed, e.g.,
white phosphorus.)
Store in a cool, dry place making provisions for an airtight seal.

Light Sensitive Chemicals

Store in amber bottles in a cool, dry, dark place.

i)

Peroxide Forming Chemicals

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

j)

Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, and dry place.

Label containers with receiving, opening, and disposal dates.
Periodically test for the presence of peroxides.

Toxic Chemicals
Store according to the nature of the chemical, using appropriate security
where necessary.

3.2

AVOID MIXING INCOMPATIBLE WASTE MATERIALS.

A number of serious laboratory accidents have occurred when people have
poured incompatible waste materials into hazardous waste containers. Use
separate waste containers for each type of waste.

3.3

STORE INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS SEPARATELY.

Common storage problems in laboratories can lead to mixing incompatible
chemicals. The most serious of these is the storage of acids (especially
oxidizing acids) with flammable solvents. Contact of a concentrated oxidizing
acid with a flammable solvent would likely result in a fire or an explosion. This
is not an unlikely scenario in the event of an earthquake. Storage of chemicals
in alphabetical order on shelves often results in incompatible chemicals being
stored together. For example, alphabetical arrangement could result in
hydrogen peroxide (a strong oxidizer) being stored next to hydrazine (a very
strong reducer).

3.4

CHEMICAL STORAGE - INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS

Certain hazardous chemicals should not be mixed or stored with other
chemicals because a severe reaction can take place or an extremely toxic
reaction product can result. The label and MSDS will contain information on
incompatibilities.

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CHEMICAL INCOMPATIBILITY MATRIX

The following incompatibility matrix and table contains examples of incompatible
chemicals:
Chemical Incompatibility Matrix

Acids,
Acids,
Acids, Alkalis Oxidizers Poisons, Poisons, Water
Organic
Inorganic Oxidizing Organic (Bases)
inorganic organic reactives solvents
Acids,
Inorganic

Acids,
Oxidizing

Acids,
Organic

Alkalis
(Bases)

Oxidizers

Poisons,
inorganic

Poisons,
organic

Water
reactives

Organic
solvents

X = Not compatible do not store together

CHEMICAL

KEEP OUT OF CONTACT WITH

Acetic Acid

Chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxyl compounds,

ethylene glycol, perchloric acid, peroxides,
permanganates

Acetone

Concentrated nitric and sulfuric acid mixtures, and

strong bases

Acetylene

Chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine, silver, mercury

Alkali Metals

Water, carbon tetrachloride or other chlorinated

hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, the halogens

Ammonia, anhydrous

Mercury, chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, iodine,

bromine, hydrofluoric acid

Ammonium Nitrate

Acids, metal powders, flammable liquids, chlorates,

nitrites, sulfur, finely divided organic or combustible
materials

Aniline

Nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide

Arsenic materials

Any reducing agent

Azides

Acids

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Bromine

Same as chlorine

Calcium Oxide

Water

Carbon (activated) .

Calcium hypochlorite, all oxidizing agents

Carbon tetrachloride

Sodium

Chlorates

Ammonium salts, acids, metal powders, sulfur,

finely divided organic or combustible materials

Chromic Acid and

Chromium trioxide

Acetic acid, naphthalene, camphor, glycerol,

glycerin, turpentine, alcohol, flammable liquids in
general

Chlorine

Ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane, methane,

propane (or other petroleum gases), hydrogen,
sodium carbide, turpentine, benzene, finely divided
metals

Chlorine Dioxide

Ammonia, methane, phosphine, hydrogen sulfide

Copper

Acetylene, hydrogen peroxide

Cumene Hydroperoxide

Acids, organic or inorganic

Cyanides

Acids

Flammable Liquids

Ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen

peroxide, nitric acid, sodium peroxide, halogens

Hydrocarbons

Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic acid, sodium

peroxide

Hydrocyanic Acid

Nitric acid, alkali

Hydrofluoric Acid

Ammonia, aqueous or anhydrous

Hydrogen Peroxide

Copper, chromium, iron, most metals or their salts,

alcohols, acetone, organic materials, aniline,
nitromethane, flammable liquids

Hydrogen Sulfide

Fuming nitric acid, other acids, oxidizing gases,

acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous),
hydrogen

Hypochlorites

Acids, activated carbon

Iodine

Acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous),

hydrogen

Mercury

Acetylene, fulminic acid, ammonia

Nitrates

Sulfuric acid

Nitric Acid
(concentrated)

Acetic acid, aniline, chromic acid, hydrocyanic acid,

hydrogen sulfide, flammable liquids, flammable
gases, copper, brass, any heavy metals

Nitrites

Acids

Nitroparaffins

Inorganic bases, amines

Oxalic Acid

Silver, mercury

Oxygen

Oils, grease, hydrogen; flammable liquids, solids,

or gases

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Perchloric Acid

Acetic anhydride, bismuth and its alloys, alcohol,

paper, wood, grease and oils

Peroxides, organic

Acids (organic or mineral), avoid friction, store cold

Phosphorus (white)

Air, oxygen, alkalis, reducing agents

Potassium

Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water

Potassium chlorate and

perchlorate

Sulfuric and other acids

Potassium Permanganate Glycerin, ethylene glycol, benzaldehyde, sulfuric

acid

4.

Selenides

Reducing agents

Silver

Acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, ammonium

compounds, fulminic acid

Sodium

Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water

Sodium nitrite

Ammonium nitrate and other ammonium salts

Sodium Peroxide

Ethyl or methyl alcohol, glacial acetic acid, acetic

anhydride, benzaldehyde, carbon disulfide,
glycerin, ethylene glycol, ethyl acetate, methyl
acetate, furfural

Sulfides

Acids

Sulfuric Acid

Potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate,

potassium permanganate (or compounds with
similar light metals, such as sodium, lithium, etc.)

Tellurides

Reducing agents

DISPOSAL GUIDELINES
4.1

TYPES OF CHEMICAL WASTE

(a)

"Halogenated Solvents"
Organic solvents with halogens (e.g. trichloromethane, trichloroethylene,
and dichloromethane) should be collected in this container and other liquid
organic compounds with halogens.

(b)

"Non-halogenated Solvents"
This stream is for organic solvents and other organic compounds without
halogens (e.g. acetone, hexane, and petroleum ethers).

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(c)

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"Inorganic Acids"
This container is for mineral acids. Organic acids should go to
"Spent Organic acid" container.

(d)

"Alkalies"
Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and ammonia solution should go
to this container. Metal solutions can be also collected in this container.

(e)

"Lube Oils"
Pump oil, lubricating oil, liquid paraffins, mineral oil and etc. should go to
this container.

(f)

"Photographic Fixers"
This container is for fixing agents used in film and photo processing.

(g)

"Photographic Developers"
This container is for developing agents used in film and photo processing.

(h) "Metal Solutions"

Aqueous solutions containing metallic ions or precipitates (except
chromium (VI) and boron) should be disposed of in this container. Waste
containing chromium(VI) and boron should be collected separately. Small
quantity of acid or alkali can also be disposed of in this container.
(i)

"Organic Acids"
Collect spent organic acids in this container. If the waste generation
rate is low (e.g. <4L/month), the organic acids can be disposed of in
containers for "spent non-halogenated solvents" or "spent
halogenated solvents", respectively, according to halogen content.

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QUESTIONS:
1. Give three guidelines in mind when handling chemicals
a __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
b __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
c __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

2. Give two methods to prevent eye and face injuries.

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

3. Why proper storage guideline is needed?

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

REFERENCE(S):
1.

Occupational Safety and Health ACT 1994 (ACT 514)

ILBS

2.
3.

Factories and Machinery ACT 1967 (ACT 139) ILBS

Safety-Health and Working Conditions Training Manual
Malaysian Society for Industrial Safety