In chemistry laboratories the risks for workers are numerous and greater than in typical workplaces because, in addition to the risk of falls and injuries, there are also chemical risks due to contact with chemical substances in a solid, liquid and/or gaseous state.
Disposal of laboratory chemical waste: what are the risks
In chemical laboratories there are risks related to the disposal of chemical waste and even if current standards prescribe that waste be reduced as much as possible, it is practically impossible to eliminate it completely. Chemical waste disposal risks effect the respiratory system mainly because the inhalation of the hazardous substances that this waste releases can lead to the onset of various diseases and poisoning. When disposing of chemical waste from laboratories, workers are required to comply with all procedures and wear appropriate clothing i.e. long trousers, lace-up shoes, hair nets etc. Protective eyewear is also to be worn while soft contact lenses should be avoided as these could absorb the harmful airborne substances. The use of gloves, either latex or nitrile rubber, is also mandatory. Adhering to these specifications will prevent any contact between harmful substances, which are often corrosive, and the skin.
The importance of protecting the respiratory system when disposing of chemical waste
In addition to protecting the skin from burns and corrosive substances it is also necessary to protect the respiratory system from the risks related to the disposal of chemical waste, which can be either more or less serious because workers could inhale airborne carcinogens, i.e. substances which may produce genetic mutations even in future generations, induce foetal death, cause respiratory allergies or poisoning. It is for this reason that it is necessary to wear appropriate respiratory protective devices when disposing of laboratory chemical waste.
Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD) for laboratory chemical waste disposal need to comply with current standards and be fully functional– they therefore need to be subjected to periodic checks to verify their efficiency. Their use is mandatory for asbestos abatement and removal, for use in most chemical, pharmaceutical and biological industries and in all those processes involving the use of chemical products the residues or waste materials of which need to be disposed of by applying appropriate procedures. There are various different models of respiratory protective devices available to be worn when processing or disposing of laboratory chemical waste, however the ones to be used for these jobs should provide the workers with clean air and be equipped with a system to expel expired and excess air as well as an efficient visor demisting system. In some chemical processes it may be necessary to use RPD which provide protection also to the neck, head, face and ears. Since, as previously stated, the use of contact lenses is not recommended, the RPD used should also be appropriate for workers wearing glasses or beards.
The KASCO range of industrial products are recommended for use when disposing of laboratory chemical waste. Kasco respirators are available in different models with accessories worn on a belt or built into the helmet.
Jan 29 2018
Chemical waste disposal risks: how to protect oneself
Disposal of laboratory chemical waste: what are the risks
In chemical laboratories there are risks related to the disposal of chemical waste and even if current standards prescribe that waste be reduced as much as possible, it is practically impossible to eliminate it completely. Chemical waste disposal risks effect the respiratory system mainly because the inhalation of the hazardous substances that this waste releases can lead to the onset of various diseases and poisoning. When disposing of chemical waste from laboratories, workers are required to comply with all procedures and wear appropriate clothing i.e. long trousers, lace-up shoes, hair nets etc. Protective eyewear is also to be worn while soft contact lenses should be avoided as these could absorb the harmful airborne substances. The use of gloves, either latex or nitrile rubber, is also mandatory. Adhering to these specifications will prevent any contact between harmful substances, which are often corrosive, and the skin.
The importance of protecting the respiratory system when disposing of chemical waste
In addition to protecting the skin from burns and corrosive substances it is also necessary to protect the respiratory system from the risks related to the disposal of chemical waste, which can be either more or less serious because workers could inhale airborne carcinogens, i.e. substances which may produce genetic mutations even in future generations, induce foetal death, cause respiratory allergies or poisoning. It is for this reason that it is necessary to wear appropriate respiratory protective devices when disposing of laboratory chemical waste.
Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD) for laboratory chemical waste disposal need to comply with current standards and be fully functional– they therefore need to be subjected to periodic checks to verify their efficiency. Their use is mandatory for asbestos abatement and removal, for use in most chemical, pharmaceutical and biological industries and in all those processes involving the use of chemical products the residues or waste materials of which need to be disposed of by applying appropriate procedures. There are various different models of respiratory protective devices available to be worn when processing or disposing of laboratory chemical waste, however the ones to be used for these jobs should provide the workers with clean air and be equipped with a system to expel expired and excess air as well as an efficient visor demisting system. In some chemical processes it may be necessary to use RPD which provide protection also to the neck, head, face and ears. Since, as previously stated, the use of contact lenses is not recommended, the RPD used should also be appropriate for workers wearing glasses or beards.
The KASCO range of industrial products are recommended for use when disposing of laboratory chemical waste. Kasco respirators are available in different models with accessories worn on a belt or built into the helmet.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •