Professional Documents
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Date:
___________________________________
McMaster Hazard Category: Physical/ Energy
Hazard Type: explosive/toxic Reviewed by Supervisor:
___________________
JCQ# (if applicable):
Loss Potential Rating (please circle): MAJOR MODERATE Employee Signature:
MINOR
*If rated as MAJOR a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is mandatory
Chemical
handling
Install appropriate Leakage or escape of Gas cylinders, control valves and
regulator and open flammable gases can pressure regulators and gauges should all be
valves produce a serious used carefully and according to the
explosive hazard in a manufacturers' recommendations. Broken or
laboratory damaged equipment should not be used but
must be replaced. Only equipment that is
appropriate i.e. specially designed for use with
toxic, explosive or corrosive gases may be
used.
The larger the cylinder,
the greater potential for The smallest cylinder size that is
harm due to leaks etc. practicable should be used e.g. a lecture
bottle that can be sited in a fume hood.
Use of gases Gases can be There should be a regular check for leaks
reactive e.g oxygen and especially in joints
highly toxic e.g. carbon pressure.
monoxide. leaking gas Prior to introducing a flammable gas into
can react with its a reaction vessel, the equipment must be
surroundings ie: purged of oxygen by evacuation or by flushing
equipment, chemicals, with inert gas
skin etc. Naked flames or other sources of ignition
must be rigorously excluded from the vicinity.
"Inert" gases such as Exhaust lines must be properly vented
nitrogen, carbon dioxide e.g. to a fume hood.
and argon can cause
asphyxiation if released in
quantity.