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Rules, handling chemicals These rules help to prevent contamination of the chemicals, but can also be used to prevent users from having problems caused by undesirable events during use. Chemicals are used in the home every day. They include cleaning fluids, plant food, paint and fuels. Homes even contain chemicals within plastics used for insulation and flooring. Getting to know the labels on chemical products will help protect you and your family from harm. Cleaning products like bleach, oven sprays, liquid laundry capsules and toilet cleaners are chemicals. So are paints, glues,
oils, pesticides and medicines. Most of the chemicals you use at home aren’t dangerous if you use them properly. However, some chemicals need more careful handling than others. Some chemicals are particularly attractive to children or can be confused as food or drink if they are not stored in their original containers and safely out of reach. Labels can help you identify the more hazardous chemicals, tell you what the dangers are and advise how to use them safely. Recognising chemicalsMost chemical products carry hazard symbols telling you whether a substance is harmful and in what way. You might see one or more symbols on a single product. There are nine chemical product symbols. More detailed information on chemical symbols is available from the Health and Safety Executive for NI (HSENI).
Chemical products will also usually have information about safely using the product – it’s important to read and follow this advice. Sometimes, labels will give details of the supplier so you can get further advice. MedicinesMedicines are specialist chemicals. They won’t carry the symbols above but can be harmful if taken in the wrong quantities or by children, who may mistake them for sweets. Like other chemicals they should be:
Using hazardous chemical products safely Always read the warning label and follow the instructions. It’s also advisable to follow these guidelines:
Storing and disposing of chemical products safelySafely store chemicals by following the storage instructions on the label. In most cases, you should:
If a product is leaking, expired or looks bad, you should dispose of it. Never pour products down the drain unnecessarily – remember that your drainage ends up in seas and rivers. Instead:
Contact with a toxic substanceIf you or a member of your family may have swallowed or come into contact with a potentially toxic chemical, you must seek medical advice. Remember to provide a full description of the product and describe any symbols or guidance from the manufacturer detailed on the bottle or package. More useful links
When working with a Bunsen burner which safety rule is most important?Do not leave open flames unattended and never leave the laboratory while the burner is on. Shut off gas when its use is complete. Allow the burner to cool before handling. Ensure that the main gas valve is off before leaving the laboratory.
Why is the wafting technique to smell chemicals?Wafting is a laboratory technique used to ensure the safety of the experimenter from possible harmful vapors or fumes. It involves wafting or fanning the air above the substance towards the experimenter's nose using a hand while ensuring that the face remain some distance away from the substance in question.
What is the wafting technique?Wafting involves drawing one's hand across the opening of a container in order to push the odor towards the nose (see Figure 1). If the odor is undesirable or dangerous, the person can move his or her face away. Most gases, including noxious ones quickly diffuse through air.
Why is it better to WAFF towards your nose the odor of a certain substance rather than smelling it directly?Answer and Explanation: For smelling a chemical we should not inhale it directly as it can cause nausea and other breathing problems. So, we should waft the chemical towards ourselves to get the odour of the chemical.
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