TM 10-6640-216-13&P
1-8. SAFETY, CARE, AND HANDLING - continued.
Check fire fighting equipment periodically to make certain it is properly serviced
and ready for use. This is done by checking seals, tags, pressure gages, and hoses.
c.
Extinguishing Fires. Be familiar with the nature of petroleum fires; with procedures for
fighting fires; and with the fire extinguishing equipment in the laboratory. Do not use water
for extinguishing oil fires because it will spread the tire. Water is a conductor of electricity and
should not be used on electrical fires.
d.
Handling Chemicals. The following safety precautions need to be observed by all
personnel while handling chemicals.
Store heavy and large containers of chemicals on or as near the floor as possible.
Never fill a container with material other than that indicated on the label. Make
sure that every container is properly labeled.
Never place bottles containing acids or alkalis on high shelves or on top of
equipment.
Always wear goggles when breaking up solid chemicals which might chip, or when
handling quantities of corrosive liquids such as strong acids and strong bases.
When opening new bottles of acid, always wear goggles.
When pouring a sample from a container, hold the container cap or stopper in the
hand. Never place the cap or stopper on a counter where it may come in contact with
a contaminating agent.
Always wipe up any acid that spills or splashes on benches, tables, or floors.
If any chemical is spilled or splashed on the body, immediately wash the
contaminated area thoroughly with water.
Keep all sample containers that are in use capped or stoppered at all times except
when pouring out test portions.
Always replace the same cap or stopper in the
container from which it was removed.
Never handle mercury with bare hands; never heat mercury in an open container;
and never shake more than 20 milliliters of mercury in a glass container.
Never taste laboratory chemicals. Smell a chemical only when necessary and then
only by wafting a small amount of vapor with the hand toward the nose.
Dispose of all unlabeled chemicals.
e.
Controlling Pressure and Vacuum. The following safety precautions should be observed
by all personnel while operating the air/vacuum systems.
Do not use faulty copper, plastic, or rubber tubing when performing operations
requiring pressure or vacuum.
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