ABSTRACT

The laboratory consisted of two sections of kitchen cabinets located in what might be described as a large closet. The laboratory equipment consisted of a balance and a small old laboratory oven. Most operations do have a control or analytical laboratory. It is really development of a set of safety rules and procedures that defines how safe the laboratory is. Safety in the laboratory very much depends on careful consideration of the consequences of doing anything. Even the American Chemical Society is not necessarily a help, since estimates are that less than 15% of chemists or management associated with small businesses are members of the Society. The American Chemical Society's Committee on Chemical Safety has published a safety manual for small chemical businesses. Hopefully the use of the knowledge by the many people who contributed to this manual will be reflected by a safer small business laboratory with fewer accidents and a safe place to work.