ABSTRACT
Workers in scientific laboratories are exposed to numerous hazards. Many of these hazards are generally well known—while other hazards, especially those of a chemical nature, are yet to be discovered. The hazards associated with the use of perchloric acid are especially severe. Perchloric acid must be handled only after thorough familiarization with recommended safe handling procedures. To compound the risks of handling hazardous chemicals, workers in research laboratories are relentlessly exploring the unknown and conquering new horizons. Wherever pyrophoric chemicals are being used in an operation, use of an inert atmosphere and specialized handling techniques are essential for safety. Fire prevention involves more than just avoiding ignition sources in the handling of hypergolic mixtures. The handling must ensure that pairs of hypergolic materials are not accidentally mixed. In the handling of water-reactive chemicals, obviously utmost care must be taken to avoid the contact of materials with water.
