Appendix A. Common Safety Symbols
Appendix B. National Fire Protection Association Hazard Labels
Appendix C. Substances with Greater Hazardous Nature Than Educational Utility
Appendix D. Substances with a Hazardous Nature, But May Have Potential Educational Utility .
Appendix E. Incompatible Chemicals
Appendix F. Recommended Safety and Emergency Equipment for the Laboratory
Appendix G. How Does a Chemical Enter the Body?
Appendix H. What are Exposure Limits?
Appendix J. Understanding an MSDS
Appendix K. Sample MSDS
Appendix L. Web Site Resources
Appendix M. Glossary

Appendix I. General Guidelines to Follow in the Event of a Chemical Accident or Spill

• Assess the overall situation.
• Determine the appropriate action to resolve the situation.
• Follow the pre-existing, approved local emergency plan.
• Act swiftly and decisively.

Below are some recommended actions for specific emergencies. Some of the actions have been proposed by the Council of State Science Supervisors in Science & Safety: Making the Connection.

Chemical in the Eye

• Flush the eye immediately with water while holding the eye open with fingers.
• If wearing contact lens, remove and continue to rinse the eye with water.
• Continue to flush the eye and seek immediate medical attention.

Acid/Base Spill

For a spill not directly on human skin, do the following:

• Neutralize acids with powdered sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate/ baking soda), or bases with vinegar (5% acetic acid solution).
• Avoid inhaling vapors.
• Spread diatomaceous earth to absorb the neutralized chemical.
• Sweep up and dispose of as hazardous waste.

For spills directly on human skin, do the following:

• Flush area with copious amounts of cold water from the faucet or drench shower for at least 5 minutes.
• If spill is on clothing, first remove clothing from the skin and soak the area with water as soon as possible.
• Arrange treatment by medical personnel.

Mercury Spill

• Evacuate the affected area.
• Close off interior doors and windows, and heating and air conditioning vents in the incident room.
• Open exterior doors and windows to move the inside air outside.
• Follow specific cleanup instructions detailed by the EPA (www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/mercury/spills.htm) or by your state.