ABSTRACT
Laboratory settings present special safety problems because of the large number of different chemicals that are often handled. Many chemicals are often incompatible, and fall into such categories as flammable materials, combustible products, water reactive and unstable, compressed gases, pyrophoric, cryogenic, corrosive, explosive, and toxic. Safe management practices require attention be given to special handling and storing of these materials, as well as proper disposal. This chapter focuses on safe handling practices for common laboratory environments. Examples of specific chemicals and proper handling practices are reviewed, and specific recommendations for a number of common chemicals encountered in laboratories are provided. The Web sites noted in the last chapter are a good source for obtaining the MSDSs of many of the chemicals discussed in this chapter.
