Overview
This lecture covers strategies for minimizing risks when working with chemicals in the lab, focusing on the RAMP process and practical safety measures.
RAMP and Routes of Chemical Exposure
- RAMP stands for Recognize hazards, Assess risks, Minimize risks, and Prepare for emergencies.
- Four main routes chemicals can enter the body: inhalation, skin/eye contact, ingestion, and injection.
- Inhalation is the most common exposure route, followed by skin/eye contact.
- Ingestion and injection are less common but still possible in lab settings.
Hierarchy of Controls
- The hierarchy of controls ranks risk-reduction strategies from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
- Elimination removes the hazard entirely, while substitution replaces hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives.
- Engineering controls (e.g., fume hoods) reduce exposure by containing hazards.
- Administrative controls involve safety rules, procedures, and proper preparation for experiments.
- PPE (personal protective equipment) is the last line of defense.
Engineering and Administrative Controls
- Fume hoods remove harmful gases and vapors; effectiveness depends on proper use and maintenance.
- Keep equipment at least six inches from the hood sash and avoid airflow blockages.
- Lab rules and following written procedures are examples of administrative controls to lower risk.
- Always read and follow safety precautions provided for each experiment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Lab Dress
- Wear appropriate eye protection: indirectly vented splash goggles or safety glasses, as required.
- Cover as much skin as possible with long sleeves and natural fibers; use lab coats if required.
- Gloves prevent skin exposure; select gloves suited to the chemicals being used and treat them as single-use.
- Avoid transferring chemicals from gloves to personal items; never eat or drink in the lab.
- Remove gloves properly and dispose of them according to instructions; wash hands after lab work.
Acceptable Risk and Vigilance
- Instructors typically reduce risks to a low or medium level, especially with hazardous chemicals.
- Continuous awareness and adherence to safety protocols are essential for lab safety.
Key Terms & Definitions
- RAMP — A process for laboratory safety: Recognize hazards, Assess risks, Minimize risks, Prepare for emergencies.
- Hierarchy of Controls — A system ranking methods for minimizing risk, from elimination to PPE.
- Engineering Controls — Physical methods to contain hazards, like fume hoods.
- Administrative Controls — Lab rules and procedures to manage risk.
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) — Gear worn to protect against chemical exposure, such as goggles, gloves, and lab coats.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Learn and follow your institution's PPE and lab safety rules.
- Read all safety precautions before each experiment.
- Watch the remaining videos in the RAMP safety series for a complete understanding.