This is a check list to go over. Not every studio needs to have all the same equipment. BUT one should always make sure they have a fire extinguisher on hand and good ventilation!!
EVERY STUDIO should have a fire extinguisher, a First AID Kit, and a list of emergency phone numbers and people to contact (ie relatives) in clearly marked areas in the studio.
FIRE
Is the proper fire extinguisher present:
A= ordinary combustibles for which pressurized water is used.B= grease and other flammable liquids for which dry chemicals and CO are used.
C= electrical fires for which dry chemicals and CO are used
D= combustible metals for which a special powder is used.
Are the fire extinguishers conveniently located? Are they easily accessible (not blocked by anything)?
Keep flames, heat sources and electric spark sources away from flammable liquids and vapors.
GENERAL STUDIO/HOUSE KEEPING
Is the studio free of trash and litter which could possibly feed a fire?Are the stairs and ladders in good condition?
Are the floors and work benches clean and uncluttered?
Handle flammable substances and chemicals which present acute respiratory hazards in the hood.
Plan for the control of reaction by-products; know your processes.
Post a list of emergency numbers.
Familiarize yourself with the controls for the water, ventilation, gas and electricity; these should be easily accessible.
Do not accumulative old and unused chemicals.
Substitute nonflammable liquids whenever possible.
Plan activities carefully to avoid unnecessary exposures.
Do not pipette anything by mouth; avoid all mouth contact with chemicals
VENTILATION
Is there a detectable haze or an odor present which may indicate that the ventilation system is insufficient or malfunctioning?Check for any obvious leaks in the duct system.
What type of ventilation system is used: local (spot) or dilution?
If local ventilation, check to see if there is suction at the duct opening. (This can be done using something like soap bubbles).
If local ventilation, is the duct opening as close a possible to the source of contamination?
Check to see if a person's breathing zone is in a path between the source of contamination and the duct opening.
Check to see if the duct opening is properly situated: i.e. heavy dust tends to fall, so the duct opening should be below the level of work. Solvent vapors stay at the level where they were generated, so the duct opening should be at the breathing zone of the individual. Hot fumes rise, so the duct opening should be above the level of work.
Is there an adequate source of make-up air?
Are there flanges around the duct opening to improve efficiency?
Are hoods switched on during normal use, or left off because they are too noisy?
Check to see if the chemicals stored in the hood are interfering with airflow in the hood.
Check the suction power of the hood.
If dilution ventilation, make sure that the air inlet and outlet are far enough apart so there is no chance that contaminated air form the outlet will be recirculated.
Is the ventilation system regularly checked?
ELECTRICAL
Is all electrical equipment wired with a ground plug?Are extension cords normally used?
Check the condition of the wiring: is it worn, twisted, frayed,a braided, or corroded?
Are connections placed where there is no danger of chemical or water spillage on wires or equipment?
Are there any overloaded circuits or an excessive number of plugs in one socket?
Temporary electrical connections should be very carefully placed and never run across the floor.
STORAGE, HANDLING, AND SAFE DISPOSAL
Are chemicals stored in their original containers and not in other containers which may cause confusion?Are chemical containers properly labeled with the contents, type of hazards, and dates?
Are volatile or unstable chemicals stored in the refrigerator? If so, is it an explosion-proof refrigerators ? (not the same type of refrigerator that is used to store food)
Are storage areas labeled?
Are flammable liquids stored in safety cans, hoods, safety cabinets, and/or explosion-proof refrigerators?
What is the condition of the storage? Are there signs of breakage, deterioration, or leakage?
Is the storage area shielded from extremes of temperature? Is it dry, well ventilated, well lit, and away from sources of ignition?
Are incompatible chemicals stored separately, (ie flammable solvents and oxidizing agents, acids, and alkalis)?
Are bottles capped securely?
Are explosives stored in the hood?
Is food and drink stored with the chemicals?
Are cylinders of compressed gas restricted by straps, chains,or a suitable stand? Are they located so people will not trip over them?
Are the gas cylinders stored where it is dry?
Are incompatible waste chemicals disposed of in separate containers?
Is there a planned procedure for chemical disposal?
Chemicals should not be stored for a long period of time.
Extreme caution should be taken when storing or handling the following four acids: nitric, perchloric, picric, and hydrofluoric.
