Guide to the safe handling of solvents in a bituminous ... - Aapaq.org

• Protect glass that is subject to high pressure or vacuum. Wrappingglass vessels with cloth tape will minimise the possibility of projectiles;• Glass is weakened by everyday stresses such as heating andbumping. Handle used glassware with extra care;• Discard or repair all damaged glassware, as chipped, cracked orstar-cracked vessels cannot handle the normal stresses.When handling glass rods or tubes:• fire polish the ends;• lubricate with water or glycerine when inserting through stopper;• ensure stopper holes are properly sized, and not too small;• insert stoppers carefully, with a slight twisting motion, keeping handsclose together; and• use gloves or a cloth towel to protect your hands.9.5 Safe laboratory conduct and housekeepingTo minimise the potential for eating/drinking hazardous materials, thefollowing procedures are recommended in all laboratories. No eating,drinking, smoking, gum chewing, or application of cosmetics should takeplace in areas where chemicals are stored or used.• Wash hands and face after working with or around chemicals andbefore eating, drinking, smoking, using the restroom, applyingcosmetics, or leaving the facility;• Do not store, handle, or prepare food or beverages in refrigerators,glassware, utensils, microwaves, ovens, cabinets, sinks, countertops,tables, or other locations which are also used for laboratoryoperations. Food and drink is permitted only in designated eating,preparation, and food storage locations within the laboratory;• Do not enter designated eating, preparation and food storage areaswearing contaminated clothing or with contaminated laboratory toolsor equipment. If in doubt, remove or clean equipment and clothingbefore bringing it into these areas;• Do not leave cigarettes lying in a laboratory or near fumes which canbe absorbed by the cigarettes;• To minimise the hazard of residual chemicals, always clean the workarea after completing test procedures or laboratory work. Wipe up anyspills or waste material and dispose of properly. Clean tools and64