Sharp Handling Procedures

Working with laboratory sharps is a significant hazard that needs to be reviewed and
included during the risk assessment process for minimizing laboratory personnel exposure.

 Never bend, shear, break, or recap disposable needles or remove from disposable
syringes.

 Immediately following use, place the item into the sharps disposal container. • Never
reach into the sharps disposal container.
 Never empty the contents of the sharps disposal container into another container. • Never
remove the lid from the container.
 Never overfill a sharps disposal container; no materials should be sticking out the top. •
 Never force materials into a sharps disposal container.

Laboratory Definitions

Accuracy A measure of how close a measured value is to the true value. Assessed by means of
percent recovery of spikes and standards.
Aerobic Atmospheric or dissolved oxygen is available.
Aliquot A measured portion of a sample.
Alkalinity The capacity of the wastewater to neutralize acids. This is normally due to the
presence of carbonate, bicarbonate, and/or hydroxide.
Ambient Temperature The temperature of the surrounding area.
Anaerobic Atmospheric or dissolved oxygen is not available.
Analyte The compound or property that is to be determined or analyzed.
Anion A negatively charged ion. This will normally try to combine or attach to a cation.
Examples of anions are nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, phosphate, chloride, acetate, cyanide, carbonate,
bicarbonate, and hydroxide.
Average A way to represent a group of similar data points with a single number. The average
can be reported in three different ways; mean, median, and mode. Of these, the mean is what is
generally meant or intended.
Buffer A solution or liquid mixture made up of an acid and its conjugate base. The chemical
makeup allows it to neutralize small quantities of acids or bases or without great changes in pH
when acids or bases are added. Buffers are generally used to calibrate pH meters.
Calibration The process of preparing an instrument such that reliable operation will be ensured.
The systematic determination of how the measurement system responds to the concentration of
an analyte.
Cation A positively charged dissolved particle which will normally try to combine or attach to
an anion. Examples of cations may be ammonium, sodium, potassium, calcium, manganese, and
magnesium.
Coefficient of variation The measure of the ability to repeatedly obtain the same value for a
single sample or method.
Field Duplicate Refers to two different samples collected at the same time, same location, and
with the same sampling procedure. Used to check the sampling techniques.
Filtrate The liquid that passes through a filter.
Grab Sample A sample collected at a specific time and specific location, used to determine the
nature of the water for that specific time and location only. Gravimetric Analysis An analytical
method that relies on measuring the mass of solids, etc. in wastewater (and other liquids) by
weighing precipitates or residues to complete the analysis.
Indicator A chemical substance or compound having a physical property that changes abruptly,
usually color, near the endpoint or equivalence point of a chemical reaction.
Instrument Blank Laboratory pure water and other appropriate reagents are used to zero
instrumentation.
Ion Selective Electrode Also known by the acronym ISE. These electrodes respond to ions
present in a sample. A potential develops across the membrane surface that is selectively
dependent on the concentration of one particular ion in solution. The magnitude of the potential
relates to the concentration of the ion concentration. The higher the potential, the higher the
concentration.
Liter Defined as exactly 1000 cm3 .
Mean A type of Average used by statisticians. A calculated value between the largest and
smallest values in a series which is usually determined be adding all values and dividing by the
total number of values.
Median A type of Average used by statisticians.
Method Blank A sample of laboratory pure water analyzed following the same step-by-step
procedure used on the samples, including all reagents and solvents. The method blank will show
any interference caused by a step in the procedure or by chemicals. The result of the method
blank should be zero or nearly zero. If it is not, the magnitude of the interference must be
considered when calculating the concentration of the samples. At least one method blank should
be run a each time the analysis is performed.
Mode A type of Average used by statisticians. The value that occurs most frequently in a group
of values.
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet — A document that provides information about a given
chemical product. It includes the name, composition (chemicals in the product), hazards, first aid
measures, fire fighting measures, information regarding the proper steps to take with spills,
handling and storage, personal protection to be used, physical and chemical properties, and
information about stability & reactivity, toxicology, disposal, transporting, and regulatory
requirements.
Nephelometry A technique in which the intensity of light scattered by a suspension is measured
to determine the concentration of suspended particles. NPDES National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System. A provision of the Clean Water Act that prohibits discharge of pollutants
into waters within the United States unless the state or EPA has issued a special permit.
Percent Recovery A means for expressing the accuracy of a test. Percent recovery expresses
what proportion of a known quantity can be measured by a given analytical technique.
Precision The measure of the ability to repeatedly obtain the same value for a single sample or
method (i.e. duplicate or replicate). This may also be called the coefficient of variation. [Note:
Precision is a measure of reproducibility. Precision is not synonymous with accuracy.]
Probe An instrument or device used to get information about an environment. The use of a
probe in a wastewater treatment laboratory generally has electrodes arranged in a given manner
within the probe to allow attachment to a meter or other reading device to obtain desired
information.
Quality Reliably and repeatedly attaining a standard of excellence.
Quality Assurance A program monitoring and controlling laboratory procedures and results, to
insure the reliability of results. The paperwork involved in monitoring the program, such as
control charts and graphs.
Quality Control Use of scientific methods to maintain the most accurate data possible.
Procedures performed to check against a standard, such as blanks, duplicates, and spikes.
Range The difference between the highest and lowest values of a set.
Reagents Come in a variety of different qualities. For the work that is done in environmental
testing, the use of chemicals meeting American Chemical Society (A.C.S.) requirements is
recommended.
Reagent Blank Used to determine the background or "blank" of all the reagents used in a given
method. A complete reagent blank, made up of all reagents used for a specific method is
sometimes used to zero instruments for spectrophotometric analysis. Measures the response to of
the analytical method to impurities in the reagents and other components other than the analyte.
Relative Standard Deviation (%RSD) A measure of the reproducibility of an analysis. This is
determined by dividing the standard deviation (of a sample rather than the population) by the
mean for the same set and then multiplying by 100%.

Safety Measures in the Laboratory

Safety in the laboratory is the number one priority for students, teachers, and parents. To
ensure a safe laboratory, these rules must be followed at all times:

Conduct
 Do not engage in practical jokes or boisterous conduct in the laboratory
 Never run in the laboratory
 The use of personal audio or video equipment is prohibited in the laboratory
 The performance of unauthorized experiments is strictly forbidden.
 Do not sit on laboratory benches

General Work Procedure

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times.

2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part
of a procedure, ask your teacher before proceeding.

3. Never work alone. No student may work without a teacher present.

4. Do not eat or drink in the laboratory. Chewing gum is also prohibited. Do not use any
laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.

5. Perform only experiments authorized by your teacher. Never do anything in the laboratory that
is not in the laboratory procedure. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.

6. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean at all times.
7. Know the locations of all safety equipment including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety
shower, and fire extinguisher. Learn how to operate each.

8. Dispose all chemical wastes properly. Never mix chemicals in the sink. Sinks are to be used
only for disposal of water and of solutions designated by your teacher. Solid chemicals, metals,
matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials should be disposed of in proper waste
containers.

9. Read labels and instructions carefully before using any equipment. Use the prescribed
apparatus as directed in the laboratory instructions or by your teacher.

10. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory
experiments of others.

11. Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy
clothing can be safety hazards. Long hair must be tied, and dangling jewelry and loose or baggy
clothing secured. Shoes must completely cover the feet. No sandals are allowed.

12. Laboratory gowns or aprons should be worn during laboratory activities.

13. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc) or injury (cut, burn etc) to your teacher
immediately, no matter how minor it may appear to you.

14. In case of a chemical splash, immediately flush the affected part of the body with running
water for at least 20 minutes. Notify your teacher about the incident at once.

15. If a mercury thermometer gets broken, do not touch the mercury. Notify your teacher
immediately.

16. Consider all chemicals in the laboratory dangerous. Do not touch, taste, or smell any
chemical unless specifically instructed to do so. Your teacher will demonstrate how to smell
chemical fumes (when necessary) properly.

17.Check the label on the chemical bottles before removing any of the contents . Take only as
much as you need.

18. Never return unused chemicals to their original containers.

19. Never use mouth suction to fill a pipette. Use an aspirator or rubber bulb.

20. Handle acids with extreme care. Your teacher will show you the proper method of diluting
strong acids. Always add acid to water, swirl or stir the solution, and be careful of the heat
produced.

21. Take great care when transporting acids and other chemicals from one part of the laboratory
to another. Hold them securely and walk carefully.

22. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a broom and dustpan to clean up
broken glass. Place broken or waste glassware in the designated glass disposal container.

23. Dry your hands completely before touching an electrical switch, plug, or outlet. Whene
removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord.

24. Examine glassware before use. Never use chipped, cracked, or dirty glassware.

25. If you do not understand how to operate a piece of equipment, ask your teacher for help.
26.Exercise extreme caution when using a gas burner or alcohol lamp. Make sure that hair,
clothing, and hands are at a safe distance from the flame at all times. Do not put any substance
into the flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Never reach over an exposed flame.
Alcohol lamps or burners should be lighted only when instructed by your teacher.

27. Never leave a lit burner or lamp unattended, or anything that is being heated. Always turn the
burner or hot plate off not in use.

28 Never look directly into a container that is being heated.

29. Do not point the open end of the test tube to yourself or to anyone else. Your teacher will
instruct you on the proper method of heating and boiling liquids in the test tube.

30. Heated metals and glass may remain very hot for a long time. They should be set aside to
cool and later picked up with caution. Use tongs or heat-protective gloves, if necessary.

Housekeeping
 Keep work area neat and free of any unnecessary objects
 Thoroughly clean your laboratory work space at the end of the laboratory session.
 Do not block the sink drains with debris
 Never block access to exits or emergency equipment.
 Inspect all equipment for damage (cracks, defects, etc.) prior to use-----do not use
damaged equipment.
 Never pour chemical waste into sink drains or wastebaskets
 Place chemical waste in appropriately labelled waste containers.
 Properly dispose of broken glassware and other sharp objects (e.g., syringe needles)
immediately in designated containers.
 Properly dispose of weigh boats, gloves, filter paper, and paper towels in the laboratory.
Proper Attire in the Laboratory
 Always wear appropriate eye protection (i.e., chemical splash goggles) in the laboratory
 Wear disposable gloves, as provided in the laboratory, when handling hazardous
materials. Remove the gloves before exiting the laboratory.
 Wear a full-length, long sleeved laboratory coat or chemical resistant-apron.
 Wear shoes that adequately cover the whole foot.
 Avoid wearing shirts exposing the torso, shorts, or short skirts; long pants that completely
cover the legs are preferable.
Laboratory Safety Symbols
SAFETY GOGGLES must be used to protect your eyes
when doing activities that involve chemicals, flames,
glassware, or heating.

Wear a LABORATORY APRON when working in the

laboratory to protect your skin and your clothes from getting
damaged.

Do not touch broken glassware with your bare hands. To

avoid breakage, handle laboratory glassware with care.

Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot objects like

hotplates or hot glassware.

Wear disposable plastic gloves when working with harmful

chemicals and organisms. Dispose the gloves after use
according to your teacher’s instructions.

Use a clamp or pair of tongs when heating test tubes or

similar glassware. Do not touch hot objects with your bare
hands.
Before doing work involving flames, make sure to tie back
your loose hair and clothing. Follow instructions from your
teacher about lighting and extinguishing flames.

Keep flammable materials away from flames, sparks, or

other exposed heat sources.

Prevent direct contact of acid or other corrosive chemicals

with your skin, clothing, or eyes. Do not inhale chemical
vapour. Wash your hands thoroughly after the laboratory
activity.

Keep poisonous chemicals away from your skin. Do not

inhale its vapour. Wash your hands thoroughly after the
activity.

When the activity involves fumes or vapors, make sure you

work in a ventilated area. Avoid inhaling vapors directly. Only
test an odor when directed to do so by your teacher.

Sharp objects like scissors, scalpels, knives, needles, and

pins can cut your skin. Always direct the sharp edges of these
objects away from yourself and from others.

Treat with care live animals or even preserved animals or

animal parts. Wash your hands thoroughly after the activity.
When handling plants, follow the directions of your teacher.
Do not do an activity involving harmful plants. Wash your
hands after the activity.

Never use electrical equipment near water, especially when

the equipment is wet or your hands are wet. Be sure electric
cords are untangled. Unplug electrical equipment when not in
use. These precautionary measures could help prevent electric
shock.

Be safety conscious when an experiment involves physical

activity. Inform your teacher if you are not physically capable
of doing the activity.

Proper disposal of chemicals and other laboratory materials

is a major concern in the laboratory. Follow your teacher’s
instructions.

Wash your hands thoroughly after the laboratory activity. It

is preferable to use antibacterial soap and warm water. Rinse
your hands very well.

When this symbol appears, you are advised to follow

instructions. When required to develop your own set of
procedures for an activity, make sure they are approved by
your teacher before you actually do the work.