Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Evaluation of Chemical Risks Management During Handling Operations and Determination of Storage Conditions in Scientific Laboratories

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Chemistry Africa Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The use of chemicals is an integral part of the research and learning process in many university laboratories. Hazardous chemicals can only be handled safely if the physico-chemical properties of these products are completely understood and if the management, including storage, is appropriate. Mishandling of chemicals can cause human and material damage that can be disastrous. this situation can also have negative environmental impacts. The methodology of this study is a descriptive qualitative survey. Sampling included anyone handling chemicals in university research laboratories. The analysis of the results shows that the inventory of chemicals is not generally carried out, the labelling of chemical containers does not exist on all containers as required by Moroccan regulations Secrétariat Général du Gouvernement (Bull. Off.:n° 5210; 2003), which presents several risks such as chemical reactivities, the chemical risk assessment and the resulting action plan are not carried out, many chemical handlers are not equipped with the necessary PPE, which generally has to be determined and made available by the laboratory manager, the Collective Protective Equipment (CPE) is not always installed and its maintenance is not systematically carried out, and the method of managing the storage of chemicals is not adapted. It is essential that proper chemical risk behaviour be adopted when handling chemicals by laboratory staff. This can only be achieved if a chemical risk training and awareness program is implemented, material resources are available, and responsibilities, procedures and working methods are established and documented.

Graphical Abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

Similar content being viewed by others

Availability of Data and Materials

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Notes

  1. When a room is classified as an explosive atmosphere zone (ATEX), only certified equipment may be used in that area. There are two main types of ATEX zones: zones where the flammable substance is in the form of a gas, mist or vapour and zones where the substance is in the form of dust[44].

References

  1. Secrétariat Général du Gouvernement (2003) Dahir n° 1–03–194 du 14 rejeb 1424 (11 septembre 2003) portant promulgation de la loi n° 65–99 relative au code du travail. Bull. Off. n° 5210

  2. la CGT (2022) Exposition aux produits chimiques : tous concernés

  3. Cabinet NPM (2019) Impact négatif des déchets sur l’environnement. https://cabinetnpm.com/impact-negatif-des-dechets-sur-lenvironnement/. Accessed 3 Jun 2022

  4. Secrétariat de la Convention de Rotterdam (2004) Guide à l’intention des autorités nationales désignées sur le fonctionnement de la convention de ROTTERDAM. In: Food Agric. Organ. United Nations. http://www.fao.org/3/y5423f/y5423f03.htm. Accessed 18 Oct 2022

  5. Shimad Y, Sato Y, Takahashi A (2022) A simple hazard scenario identification method for risk assessment on chemical hazards to prevent fire and explosion for open space work. Chem Eng Trans 90:283–288. https://doi.org/10.3303/CET2290048

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. ORME Conseil (2019) Classification CLP : les classes et catégories de dangers du CLP [résumé]. https://orme-conseil.com/classification-clp/. Accessed 8 Nov 2021

  7. Inserm (2022) Le risque chimique—u999. In: Univ. Paris Saclay. http://www.u999.universite-paris-saclay.fr/fr/actualites/21-francais/intranet/acmo/68-le-risque-chimique.html. Accessed 10 Aug 2022

  8. Fantke P, Chiu WA, Aylward L et al (2021) Exposure and toxicity characterization of chemical emissions and chemicals in products: global recommendations and implementation in USEtox. Int J Life Cycle Assess 26:899–915. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11367-021-01889-Y/TABLES/2

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Secrétariat Général du Gouvernement (2013) Décret n° 2–12-431 du 21 moharrem 1435 (25 novembre 2013) fixant les conditions d’utilisation des substances ou préparations susceptibles de porter atteinte à la santé des salariés ou de compromettre leur sécurité. Bull Off no 6214:2728

    Google Scholar 

  10. Stephen M. Roberts, Robert C. James, Phillip L. Williams (2022) Principles of Toxicology: Environmental and Industrial Applications—Google Livres. In: Wiley. https://books.google.co.ma/books?hl=fr&lr=&id=dcZ6EAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=toxicological+properties+of+chemicals&ots=elx5L1Lakb&sig=lVyW-nmfMlHDE3fKDs1vAKqB1qk&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=toxicologicalproperties of chemicals&f=false. Accessed 19 Oct 2022

  11. ILO (2022) The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Int Labour Organ

  12. Dib S, Nguyen THY, Bodin J et al (2021) Proposal for a neurotoxic classification for chemicals at work. Arch Environ Occup Heal 76:393–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/19338244.2020.1864256

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Laurence A-E (2022) Limits on exposure to carcinogens and mutagens at work: Fourth proposal

  14. The World Medical Association (2022) Prise de position de l’AMM sur la dégradation de l’environnement et sur une bonne gestion des produits chimiques. In: WMA. https://www.wma.net/fr/policies-post/prise-de-position-de-lamm-sur-la-degradation-de-lenvironnement-et-sur-une-bonne-gestion-des-produits-chimiques/. Accessed 3 Jun 2022

  15. Naidu R, Biswas B, Willett IR et al (2021) Chemical pollution: a growing peril and potential catastrophic risk to humanity. Environ Int 156:106616. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVINT.2021.106616

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. B2IS (2013) Directives pour les bonnes pratiques de gestion rationnelle des produits chimiques en milieu industriel. Ministère Délégué auprès du Minist. l’Energie des Mines l’Eau l’Environnement Charg. l’Environnement 7–64

  17. Hubbard B, Abi-Habib M (2020) Deadly Explosions Shatter Beirut, Lebanon. New York Times, New York

    Google Scholar 

  18. Chaoui H, Rhalem N (2020) Le risque chimique au Maroc. Toxicol Maroc 47:2–15

    Google Scholar 

  19. Aria (2021) Risques produits chimiques. In: BARPI. https://www.aria.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/accidentologie/risques-produits-chimiques/. Accessed 2 Oct 2021

  20. Linda Maayeh (2022) Jordanie: enquête sur une fuite de chlore ayant fait 13 morts . In: Le Soleil—Québec. https://www.lesoleil.com/2022/06/28/jordanie-enquete-sur-une-fuite-de-chlore-ayant-fait-13-morts-af2d61e47feed179c3a2d49642758cb2. Accessed 19 Oct 2022

  21. Fukuoka K, Furusho M (2022) A new approach for explosion accident prevention in chemical research laboratories at universities. Sci Rep 121(12):1–8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-07099-2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Sam Lemonick (2022) 25 years after Karen Wetterhahn died of dimethylmercury poisoning, her influence persists. In: C&EN. https://cen.acs.org/safety/lab-safety/25-years-Karen-Wetterhahn-died-dimethylmercury-poisoning/100/i21. Accessed 19 Oct 2022

  23. Yann Gonon (2020) Violente explosion dans un laboratoire de chimie sur le campus de Grenoble, un jeune homme sérieusement blessé. In: Fr. 3. https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/isere/grenoble/violente-explosion-laboratoire-chimie-campus-grenoble-jeune-homme-25-ans-serieusement-blesse-1900940.html. Accessed 6 Oct 2022

  24. Radio-Canada (2019) Incendie dans un laboratoire de chimie de l’Université Carleton. In: ICI.Radio-Canada.ca. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1149246/incendie-laboratoire-chimie-universite-carleton. Accessed 21 Oct 2022

  25. Barak Bulletin (2020) Test tube blasts in Chemistry lab. In: Barak Bull. https://www.barakbulletin.com/en_US/test-tube-blasts-in-chemistry-lab-4-assam-university-students-injured-1-critical/. Accessed 21 Oct 2022

  26. He Y, He Z, Zhang F et al (2022) Safety management strategy of university laboratory. Open J Bus Manag 10:1160–1166. https://doi.org/10.4236/OJBM.2022.103062

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Abbas M, Campus HH, Road J et al (2017) Implementation of Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA) Program at Chemical Laboratories of a University. J Saf Stud. https://doi.org/10.5296/jss.v3i1.11109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Al-Zyoud W, Qunies AM, Walters AUC, Jalsa NK (2019) Perceptions of chemical safety in laboratories. Saf 5:21. https://doi.org/10.3390/SAFETY5020021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Bai M, Liu Y, Qi M et al (2022) Current status, challenges, and future directions of university laboratory safety in China. J Loss Prev Process Ind 74:104671. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JLP.2021.104671

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Housni H, Bendahhou K, Tahiri M, Tahiri Jouti N (2022) Compliance assessment of scientific research laboratories with legal requirements regarding the integrated management of chemicals and hazardous waste. Chem Africa 2022:1–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/S42250-022-00386-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Fayazi A, Pouyakian M, Jafari MJ, Khodakarim S (2020) A Survey among three Iranian occupational groups: general knowledge of chemical safety and familiarity with GHS and outdated labeling systems. J Chem Heal Saf 27:43–51. https://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHAS.9B00002/SUPPL_FILE/HS9B00002_SI_001.PDF

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Kerbaol G (2016) Dossier : Risque chimique. INRS 1–61

  33. Kuzmina O, Hartrick E, Marchant A et al (2022) Chemical management: storage and inventory in research laboratories. ACS Chem Heal Saf 29:62–71. https://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.CHAS.1C00086

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. United States—Department of Labor (2022) Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories. In: OSHA. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1450. Accessed 17 Aug 2022

  35. Boelhouwer E, Davis J, Franco-Watkins A et al (2013) Comprehension of hazard communication: effects of pictograms on safety data sheets and labels. J Safety Res 46:145–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JSR.2013.06.001

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Santos Manuel M, ColanganAggabao B, Ann C (2021) Knowledge attitude and practices about chemical laboratory safety of the faculty, staff and students of Kalinga State University. Indian J Sci Technol 14:3295–3303. https://doi.org/10.17485/IJST/v14i45.822

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Samaranayake AI, Nishadya S, Jayasundara UK (2021) Analyzing safety culture in Sri Lankan industrial chemical laboratories. Saf Health Work. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SHAW.2021.11.001

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. Fatemi F, Dehdashti A, Jannati M (2022) Implementation of chemical health, safety and environmental risk assessment in laboratories: a case-series study. Res Sq https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1396510/v1

  39. Papadopoli R, Nobile CGA, Trovato A et al (2020) Chemical risk and safety awareness, perception, and practices among research laboratories workers in Italy. J Occup Med Toxicol 15:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12995-020-00268-X/TABLES/4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Triolet J, Petit J-M, Gautret de la Moricière G et al (2012) Le stockage des produits chimiques au laboratoire—ED6015. INRS 3–12

  41. Husin SNH, Mohamad AB, Abdullah SRS, Anuar N (2012) Chemical health risk assessment at the chemical and biochemical engineering laboratory. Procedia Soc Behav Sci 60:300–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SBSPRO.2012.09.383

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Secrétariat Général du Gouvernement (2008) Arrêté du ministre de l’emploi et de la formation professionnelle n° 93–08 du 6 joumada I 1429 (12 mai 2008) fixant les mesures d’application générales et particulières relatives aux principes énoncés par les articles de 281 à 291 du code du travail. Bull Off no 5680:1429

    Google Scholar 

  43. Ott J, Tan D, Loveless T et al (2020) ChemStor: using formal methods to guarantee safe storage and disposal of chemicals. J Chem Inf Model 60:3416–3422. https://doi.org/10.1021/ACS.JCIM.9B00951/ASSET/IMAGES/MEDIUM/CI9B00951_0010.GIF

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Mardirossian A, Marc F, Sallé B (2020) Mise en œuvre de la réglementation relative aux atmosphères explosives (Atex). INRS—ED 945

Download references

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the people who participated in this work and contributed greatly to its success.

Funding

No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiopathology Inflammatory, Degenerative and Oncological, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University of Casablanca, 19, Tarik Ibnou Ziad Street, Mers Sultan, B.P. 9154, Casablanca, Morocco

    Hajar Housni, Karima Bendahhou & Nadia Tahiri Jouti

  2. Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Extraction and Valorization, Ain Chock’s Sciences Faculty, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Km 8 El Jadida Road, B.P. 5366, Casablanca, Morocco

    Hajar Housni & Mohamed Tahiri

Authors
  1. Hajar Housni
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Karima Bendahhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mohamed Tahiri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Nadia Tahiri Jouti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hajar Housni.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Ethical approval

Not applicable.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent to publish

Not applicable.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Housni, H., Bendahhou, K., Tahiri, M. et al. Evaluation of Chemical Risks Management During Handling Operations and Determination of Storage Conditions in Scientific Laboratories. Chemistry Africa 6, 1087–1101 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-022-00530-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-022-00530-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation