Safety Alerts and Lessons Learned
ETA Safety Alerts are made available as a quick source of information on a specific safety or environmental topic that may be of interest. Safety Alerts are organized by category. There is also a search function. If you can't find what you need, please contact the ETA Safety Manager, Ron Scholtz X8137.
Lab personnel should follow good hygiene practices in the lab area. This will prevent potential exposure to hazardous chemicals. Learn more about chemical hygiene in lab areas.
Many of our lab areas use flammable gasses such as hydrogen. Berkeley Lab has established requirements for the safe use of flammable gases and ensure compliance with applicable fire codes. Learn more about these requirements.
Proper storage of chemical and sample containers is important for the safety of lab personnel and preventing hazardous materials spills. Learn more about the requirements for storage of hazardous materials containers in laboratories.
Incompatible chemicals must be stored separately to avoid a hazardous reaction. View the simple chemical compatibility chart and review key points involving proper segregation of incompatible chemicals.
One particular chemical commonly used in lab areas that is found improperly stored is Nitric Acid. It is a strong oxidizing acid and can cause spontaneous fires when in contact with organic materials. It should be stored in its own separate containment tray inside a corrosives cabinet used for acids. In particular, NEVER store Nitric Acid with flammable solvents and combustibles such as Acetic Acid. Learn more about how to properly store nitric acid.
Check out the “1 Minute 4 Safety” slide library designed to assist Berkeley Lab employees in conducting discussions on the environment, safety, and health topics
Search and contribute to Berkeley Lab's lessons learned library