Special hazards

Any staff, faculty, or students handling compressed gas cylinders should enrol in our training course.

Please review this safe work procedure:

• SWP 002 - Compressed Gas Cylinders Safe Handling & Use

Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is inert, colourless, odourless, non-corrosive, and extremely cold (boiling point of -196^oC). The hazards associated with handling LN2 include cold burns and frostbite, asphyxiation, explosion due to over pressurization and fire hazard from oxygen-enriched air. 

Any personnel handling LN2 must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the documents listed below and receive job specific training on the hazards, safe handling and dispensing, and emergency procedures.

• Liquid Nitrogen - Safe Handling & Use
• video - Dispensing liquid nitrogen at UVic

Aqua Regia is a strong acid and oxidizer solution, specifically composed of a 3:1 mixture of concentrated hydrochloric acid and nitric acid.  The acid combination reacts and produces gases most of which are harmful, such as nitric oxide and chlorine gas.  

Any personnel handling Aqua Regia must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the safe work procedure listed below and receive job specific training on the hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

• SWP 003 - Aqua Regia

Inorganic and organic azides are explosive compounds with the slightest addition of energy from external sources (heat, light, pressure).

Any personnel handling azides must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the safe work procedure listed below and receive job specific training on the hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

• SWP 004 - Azides

Cyanides are corrosive and poisonous. The greatest hazard is formation of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas when the cyanide salts contact neutral to acidic solutions. Hydrogen cyanide is a toxic and flammable gas. In the body, cyanide inhibits the enzyme cytochrome C oxidase in aerobic respiration resulting in tissue death.

Any personnel handling cyanides must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the safe work procedure listed below and receive job specific training on the hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

• SWP 005 - Cyanides

WorkSafeBC regulates the storage, preparation and administration of cytotoxic drugs, which are used primarily in health care settings for therapeutic purposes.

Cytotoxic drug means an agent that possesses a specific destructive action on certain cells or that may be genotoxic, oncogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, or hazardous to cells in any way and includes most anti-cancer drugs. Also referred to as antineoplastics and chemotherapy.

Researchers at UVic using cytotoxic drugs should take all reasonable precautions to prevent exposure. The following outlines general procedures for the safe handling and use of cytotoxic agents:

• All employees handling a cytotoxic drug must receive education and job specific training on the safe handling and use of this substance. Please refer to our training page.
• Ensure all containers are labeled with the wording “Cytotoxic Agent”, or similar wording.
• Place all cytotoxic wastes in a designated container provided by OHSE, and separate from other waste streams.
• All mixing, preparation and priming of Administration Sets (e.g. syringe, IV set, or other device used for delivery of cytotoxic drug via injection) must be performed in one centralized area in a Class II Type B biosafety cabinet.
• Adequate personal protective equipment must be worn whenever there is a risk of contact with a cytotoxic drug, including cytotoxic drug resistant gloves and a moisture resistant gown with cuffs.
• All other activities with cytotoxic drugs must be performed in a fume hood.

For more information, please consult the Cytotoxic WorkSafeBC Guideline.

Ethidium Bromide (EthBr) is a potent mutagen, carcinogen and possible reproductive toxin. It is a dark red crystalline, odourless, non-volatile solid that forms highly fluorescent complexes viewable under ultraviolet (UV) light when intercalated to nucleic acids. It is commonly used as a non-radioactive visualization agent for gel-based nucleic acid separation. Exposure to EthBr can occur by inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption.

Any personnel handling EthBr must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the safe work procedure listed below and receive job specific training on the hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

• SWP 006 - Ethidium Bromide

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a corrosive acid and is very hazardous since any exposure to HF can produce harmful health effects that can have delayed symptoms. Prevention of exposure or injury must be the primary goal when working with HF.

Any personnel handling HF must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the documents listed below and receive job specific training on the hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

• SWP 010 - Hydrofluoric Acid
• Emergency Procedure for Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure

Perchloric acid is a very strong oxidizing agent and strong acid. Even dilute solutions can, over time, reduce certain plastics to dust. Perchloric acid can form explosive mixtures with organic materials such as wood, paper, cardboard and many organic solvents. Clothing and rubber materials can become highly flammable if contaminated with perchloric acid. Perchloric acid vapours can condense to form perchlorate crystals, which are highly explosive and sensitive to physical shock. To reduce potential for vapours, no use of perchloric acid above room temperature is permitted.

Any personnel handling perchloric acid must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the safe work procedure listed below and receive job specific training on the hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

• SWP 001 - Perchloric Acid

Peroxide forming chemicals (PFCs) are reagents or solvents that over time under the presence of atmospheric oxygen are oxidized and produce organic peroxides. The most common peroxide forming solvents found in labs are diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Peroxides can violently explode by either thermal or mechanical shock when solutions are concentrated or when peroxide solids form. The risk of peroxide formation or concentration can be reduced by following storage and handling practices.

Any personnel handling PFCs must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the safe work procedure listed below and receive job specific training on the hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

• SWP 007 - Peroxide Forming Chemicals

Piranha solution is a strong acid and oxidizer solution, typically composed of a 3:1 mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).  Both liquid and vapour forms are corrosive to skin and respiratory tract. Piranha solution can become hot, more than 100 °C. Explosion can occur when gas generated from Piranha solution pressurizes closed containers or when Piranha solution is in contact with organic compounds.

Any personnel handling Piranha solution must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the safe work procedure listed below and receive job specific training on the hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

• SWP 009 - Piranha Solution

Stench chemicals are those where even a miniscule amount can create an overwhelmingly noxious smell.

Examples of stench chemicals:

• Thiols (mercaptans)
• Sulfides
• Selenides
• Phosphines
• Isonitriles (isocyanides)
• Butyric acid
• Valeric acid

Any personnel handling Stench chemicals must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the safe work procedure listed below and receive job specific training on the hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

• SWP 008 - Stench Chemicals