Safety Manual - Spms

SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
We need to:
Prepare ourselves for the labeling, starting from single substance.
Educating/ Training lab users on the new GHS labeling system.
Update our SDS database and GHS label when change(s) made.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev02/02files_e.html
9.4 Hazardous Substances
Many substances which we encounter in the laboratory are known to be toxic,
corrosive or combination of both. We may also frequently encounter new and
untested substances that maybe hazardous to us. Chemicals that are flammable
and/or explosive pose another significant hazard. Therefore, it is essential that
all laboratory users understand the types of toxicity and are familiar with the
major hazard classes of chemicals. It would be important to treat all compounds
as potentially harmful, especially new and unfamiliar materials, and work with
them under conditions to minimize exposure by skin contact and inhalation.
Hazardous Substances with Toxic Effects on Specific Organs
Category Effects on organs Examples
Hepatotoxins Liver damage Nitrosamines, Carbon
Tetrachloride
Nephrotoxins Kidneys damage Certain halogenated
hydrocarbons
Neurotoxins Nervous system Mercury, Acrylamide,
Carbon Disulfide
- Decrease haemoglobin
function & deprive body
tissues of oxygen
Carbon monoxide and
Cyanides
- Damage of Lung tissue Asbestos and Silica
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 35