BOONE—We all know what happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar, or drop Mentos candy in a carbonated drink – a chemical reaction that’s fun to watch, but messy to clean up.Mixing or spilling chemicals in a laboratory, however, can have dangerous consequences.
Samuella B. Sigmann, a lecturer and chemical hygiene officer in Appalachian State University’s Department of Chemistry, educates students and faculty about chemical safety to reduce the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Her course on lab safety was highlighted in an article on expanding chemical safety training for undergraduate students that was published in Chemical and Engineering News, an international publication of the American Chemical Society.
“We have always had safety protocols,” Sigmann said, “but as the department and university have become more research oriented
, we have expanded our safety training and safety protocols. This training also gives our students who enroll in graduate programs or are employed in industrial settings knowledge of safety procedures required in their field.”
Students taking Sigmann’s safety course are introduced to more detailed information than they might receive otherwise, such as how to access and use Material Safety Data Sheets, and about the proper types of personal protective gear such as goggles, gloves and respirators, and proper waste management. They also learn about OSHA, EPA and other regulations. “Students need to know about regulations relating to certain chemicals, including those imposed by Homeland Security,” she said.
Before students can participate in chemistry labs, they watch a safety video produced by the American
Chemical Society. Students enrolled in the chemistry department’s introduction to research class have access to a web-based chemical hygiene course and they also must pass a safety quiz. Students who go on to conduct undergraduate laboratory research in departmental labs complete the training by indicating knowledge of safety items specific for the lab. They also may be required to write a standard operating procedure outlining hazards, protections, what to do if there is a spill, and evaluate if a less hazardous chemical might be suitable for use. “You can’t change the fact that certain chemicals are hazardous, but you can reduce risk when using chemicals,” Sigmann said.
Sigmann’s course is open to anyone who may work with chemicals, such as students enrolled in or faculty teaching in technology, biology, geology art or physics courses.
Students need to learn that responsible chemical research must be conducted safely according to best practices. “Future chemists should not view safety as an impediment to research, but as its compliment. You can perform effective research in a safe environment,” Sigmann said.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
