Part 2: Safety First
Gneral safety guidance including PPE, handling acids and arsenic-containing waste.
Important safety note
This guide includes general safety guidance only. Always follow your local laboratory rules, institutional safety procedures, and national regulations for handling acids, arsenic-containing solutions, and chemical waste.
This guide includes general safety guidance only. Always follow your local laboratory rules, institutional safety procedures, and national regulations for handling acids, arsenic-containing solutions, and chemical waste.
Arsenic compounds are toxic and acids can cause severe burns. Every step should follow good laboratory practice. Consult the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) before handling any chemicals.
2.1 Personal protective equipment
- Wear safety glasses when handling acids or arsenic-containing solutions.
- Wear nitrile gloves and change them frequently.
- Wear a lab coat or other appropriate protective clothing.
- Work in a well-ventilated space. Prepare acids in a fume hood whenever available.
- Keep SDS files nearby.
2.2 Acid handling
Always add acid to water, never water to acid. This reduces the risk of violent splashing and heat generation during dilution.
2.3 Arsenic-containing waste
All arsenic-containing solutions and waste should be clearly labelled and stored separately from general laboratory waste. Use a designated waste container. Check local waste regulations before disposal. High-concentration arsenic waste should normally be handled through a licensed hazardous waste disposal service.
| Waste type | Recommended handling |
|---|---|
| Arsenic stock solutions | Do not dispose down the drain. Collect for hazardous waste disposal. |
| Arsenic working standards | Collect as arsenic-containing waste unless local rules explicitly allow disposal at that concentration. |
| Samples after arsenic analysis | Handle according to local rules. When in doubt, collect as arsenic-containing waste. |
| Dilute acids | Follow local rules. Some labs allow disposal of dilute acid with copious water; others require collection. |