CHM 2024 Safety Assignment
1)
a. Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory due to the possibility of chemicals
permeating the lens, causing damage to the eye. Also, they are difficult to remove, should
something get in the eye.
b. A chemical spill should be diluted with water and not with a solvent because it could lead to
another chemical reaction.
c. Solvents should not be poured down the sink, because they may be toxic and need to be
disposed of properly.
d. Water should not be used on grease, electrical or ignitable metal fires.
e. When sulphuric acid is poured on to ice, the endothermic process melts the ice while dissolving
the acid. The solution does not heat up because the energy is used up in melting the ice.
f. Broken glass should be picked up immediately to prevent injuries. It should be disposed of in a
labelled container.
g. Closed toed shoes should be worn to prevent injuries due to falling objects or spilled
chemicals.
2)
a) Rinse the eye thoroughly using warm water (in the eyewash station)
b) Dilute the acid by pouring water on to the affected area.
c) Clean up the spill and make sure that the diethyl ether is not exposed to flame.
d) Use fire blanket.
e) Douse the flames in water or use fire extinguisher if nearby.
3)
Nearest first aid: room 404.
4) It is important to clean up chemicals right away so that they cannot cause harm to others or
lead to a dangerous chemical reaction. If the identity of a chemical is unknown, dispose of it
properly so that it cannot cause a dangerous reaction.
5)
a. Diethyl ether- Highly volatile, flammable
b. Benzene- Carcinogen
c. Methylene chloride-- Volatile
d. Ethanol- flammable
e. Benzophenone – eye and skin irritant
f. Sodium chloride – slight skin irritant, eye irritant
