Safe chemical use includes minimizing exposure to chemicals,
proper training, understanding chemical hazards, proper
labeling, proper storage and segregation, and proper transport.
The best way laboratory personnel can protect themselves from
chemical hazards is to minimize their exposure to them. In order
to minimize chemical exposure: - Substitute less hazardous
chemicals in your experiments whenever possible. - Always use
the smallest possible quantity of chemical for all experiments.
Consider microscale experiments and activities. - Minimize
chemical exposures to all potential routes of entry -
inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye absorption, and injection
through proper use of engineering controls and personal
protective equipment. - Be sure to select the proper PPE and
regularly inspect it for contamination, leaks, cracks, and
holes. Pay particular attention to gloves. - Do not pipette or
apply suction by mouth. - Do not smell or taste chemicals. When
it is necessary to identify a chemical's odor, lab pe