This article (1) defines risk management and discusses alternatives to treating exposures facing those operating chemical laboratories; (2) indicates how two Virginia universities did or did not apply the risk management concept to their laboratory settings; and (3) identifies potential sources of information on this subject. (JN)

Described are case studies illustrating chemical hazards in a photography lab due to compounds containing cyanide. Suggestions for preventing problems including proper procedures, housekeeping, facilities, and ventilation are considered. (RH)

Background information is provided on the registered trademark "TLV" (Threshold Limit Value), the term used to express tolerable concentrations. The TLV of a compound is an estimate extrapolated from some defined damage to humans or animals at higher concentrations or by drawing analogies between similar concentrations. (JN)

Examines reasons why individuals in academic institutions do not feel the same safety-related pressures as individuals in nonacademic institutions. Also lists elements that should be included in any basic safety/health program and describes the steps taken at one college to improve laboratory safety. (JN)

Discusses institutional biosafety committees (IBC) which provide quasi-independent reviews of recombinant DNA work done at an institution. Considers the nature of IBC operation, the National Institutes of Health "Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research," the composition of IBCs, the intellectual content of IBC deliberations, and issues…

Presents a sample contract for disposing of hazardous wastes in an environmentally sound, timely manner in accordance with all federal, state, and local requirements. Addresses situations where hazardous waste must be disposed of outside the laboratory and where alternate disposal methods are not feasible. (JN)

Offers selections from papers which illustrate accidents, epidemics, and bad practices which could be used as background material for lessons on laboratory safety. Advocates the need for instruction on pathogenicity and infectivity. (ML)

Examines some of the considerations involved in setting up a typical oxygen/organic reaction. These considerations (including protection for personnel/equipment, adequate ventilation, reactor design, maximum reactor charge, operating procedures, and others) influence how the reaction is to be conducted and what compromises the scientist must…

Part I of this paper (SE 538 295) described a simple model for estimating laboratory concentrations of gas phase pollutants. In this part, the measurement of ventilation rates and applications of the model are discussed. The model can provide a useful starting point in planning for safer instructional laboratories. (JN)

Describes the University of Kansas chemistry department's safety program. Comprehensive regulation, undergraduate regulations, safety equipment, handling accidents, inspections, and training are addressed. (JN)

Describes a demonstration involving the controlled combustion of a mixture of metals with black and smokeless powder in a small Erlenmeyer flask. Also describes demonstrations using a device that precludes breathing of hazardous vapors during class demonstrations; the device is easy to transport and use in rooms without sinks. (JN)

Discusses six common problems which may occur when using temporary labels on chemicals, samples, or mixtures in teaching or research laboratories. Solutions to each of these problems are offered. (JN)

Describes a prelab activity, the chemistry report, that acquaints college students with the nature of the chemical(s) they are using in the laboratory. Methodology, experimental procedures and safety rules are emphasized, with particular emphasis on potential hazards, safety requirements and emergency procedures. (CS)

Discusses the possible dangers of the educational radioactive sources used in a college physics laboratory. The discussion is intended to increase the awareness of teachers and students. (HM)

Discussed are accidents that occur in the laboratories of highly trained chemists. Four examples are provided to illustrate potential hazards that are often overlooked in chemistry laboratories, molten inorganic salt baths, the reaction of acetone and hydrogen peroxide, halogenated acetylene compounds, and the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and…