Basic Laboratory Skills

All scientific studies involve some aspect of practical work. It is therefore essential to be able to observe and to record information accurately. In the context of environmental analyses, it should be borne in mind that not all practical work is carried out in the laboratory. Indeed it could be argued that the most important aspects of the whole practical programme are done outside the laboratory in the field, as this is the place where the actual sampling of environmental matrices (air, water, soil, etc.) takes place. It is still common practice, however, to transport the acquired sample back to the laboratory for analysis, so knowledge and implementation of the storage conditions and containers to be used are important.

No laboratory work should be carried out without due regard to safety, both for yourself and for the people around you. While the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) provides the main framework for health and safety, it is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations of 1994 and 1996 that impose strict legal requirements for risk assessment wherever chemicals are used.

 

Within this context, the use of the terms hazard and risk are very important. A hazardous substance is one that has the ability to cause harm, whereas risk is about the likelihood that the substance may cause harm. Risk is often associated with the quantity of material being used. For example, a large volume of a flammable substance obviously poses a greater risk than a very small quantity. Your laboratory will operate its own safety scheme, so ensure that you are aware of what it is and follow it.

The basic rules for laboratory work (and, as appropriate, for associated work outside the laboratory using chemicals) are as follows:

• Always wear appropriate protective clothing. Typically, this involves a clean laboratory coat fastened up, eye protection in the form of safety glasses or goggles, appropriate footwear (open-toed sandals or similar are inappropriate) and ensure that long hair is tied back. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to put on gloves, e.g. when using strong acids.

• Never smoke, eat or drink in the laboratory.

• Never work alone in a laboratory.

• Make yourself familiar with the fire regulations in your laboratory and building.

• Be aware of the accident/emergency procedures in your laboratory and building.

• Never mouth pipettes – use appropriate devices for transferring liquids.

• Only use/take the minimum quantity of chemical required for your work.

• Use a fume cupboard for hazardous chemicals. Check that it is functioning properly before starting your work.

• Clear up spillages on and around equipment and in your own workspace as

they occur.

• Work in a logical manner.

• Think ahead and plan your work accordingly.

What is one of the first things that you should consider before starting a laboratory experiment?

Answer:

You should make yourself aware of the particular safety aspects that operate in your own laboratory. This includes the position of fire safety equipment, the methods of hazard and risk assessments for the chemicalsto be used, the use of fume cupboards, fire regulations and evacuation procedures, and the disposal arrangements for used chemicals.

Source: John R. Dean.( Methods of Enviromental Trace Analysis)