Working with chemicals

Rules for working with chemicals in the cleanroom

General:

• Before working with a chemical for the first time, you must look up and read its material safety data sheet)! You can find it on kemibrug.dk
• You must know the chemical hazard labeling system (CLP)
• Always work with chemicals under a fume hood. The only exception is isopropanol and ethanol for wiping equipment
• When using a fumehood for the first time, you must familiarize yourself with its safe operation (alarms, indicators, emergency max flow)
• New processes can only be introduced in the cleanroom after submission and approval of a chemical risk assessment form.
• All chemicals must be marked with the prefabricated labels. Prefabricated labels are located in the labels folder in cleanroom 1.
• Use a funnel when pouring chemicals into small containers
• When mixing chemicals, know what type of chemical reactions to expect
• Wipes saturated with solvents must be left to degas in the fume hood before disposal in the trash bin (even if the trash cabinet is ventilated)
• Chemical mixtures giving off gas must be left to degas (with cap off) before pouring into waste containers
• Empty chemical bottles must be placed in the dedicated space under sink. Staff will remove them later
• If you have special reasons to leave a process unattended in a fumehood, please limit the time. Beakers with chemicals left in the fume hood must be marked with a content label, your name, phone number and estimated time of removal. Be prepared to be flexible if approached by other users.
• Dangerous chemicals, liquefied gasses etc must not by accompanied by persons during lift transport. Instead, use the override feature for unaccompanied transport.

In case of a spill:

• If you spill, please use the appropriate spill kits to collect the chemicals
  • Always inform other cleanroom users immediately
  • Always inform the cleanroom staff about spills.
  • Evacuate cleanroom and put “No entrance” sign on door, if the spill is more than 10×10 cm

When working with acids or bases:

• You must:
  • Use personal protective equipment
  • Work in a fume hood
  • Always change gloves if you get chemicals on them
  • Never put your fingers into chemicals even if you wear gloves. Gloves are for safety against spills only!
  • Please note that the glove breakthrough time for most solvents is between tens of seconds and at most a few minutes
  • Hot acid mixtures must be left to cool before pouring into the waste containers
• Remember Triple A: - Always Add Acid to water (På dansk: AVIS: Aldrig Vand I Syre)

Guidelines for using hydrofluoric acid

• Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is by far the most serious danger to your health in the lab. Even though it’s considered a “weak” acid the consequences are much more serious compared to any other acid used in the lab.
• HF can only be used after special safety training by qualified staff
• The users must read working with HF thoroughly before using HF
• Always work with a 'buddy' when using HF