That sounds horrible. Yes, fume cupboards are a type of LEV and have to be tested accordingly. Usually, fume cupboards have chemical storage cabinets below them The chemicals you list shouldn't all be stored together. If you look on the HSE website under "Chemicals" you will find the guidance you need.

Yes what the others have said. As far as the use of RPE goes, we do not use it in labs unless it is absolutely necessary and then only as a back up for certain situations. In a lab you should always be relying on collective protective measures such as LEVs fumecupboards and the like.

Ouch! From the limited information in your posting you have a real issue with the prevention of damage to skin due to chemical exposure. Just as an example, from the list you have given no one glove will provide adequate protection against them all. For example, the thin, single use nitrile gloves that I so often see being used in the laboratory will provide only a few seconds protection against many of these chemicals. Another problem with this type of situation is that your technicians may be dealing with mixtures. This can cause complications with glove selection and use. I can show you a glove that provides better than 240 minutes permeation breakthrough time with each of toluene and methyl ethyl ketone. However, if these are mixed 1:1 then the permeation time drops to just 9 minutes! With the case of Prof. Karen Wetterhahn, using an inadequate glove lead to her death. To be safe you will really need to analyse each task that is carried out (or possibly group the tasks in some way), establish what exposure might occur as a result and then (a) introduce technical controls, (b) define safe working practice and (c) if appropriate specify which glove and how frequently it will need to be changed. Check also that those using gloves have been suitably trained in glove removal. It makes little sense to wear a protective glove if, when removing, the hands become contaminated with the very chemical against which the glove has been protecting that person. You state that filter papers are burnt in that area. Are these clean or are they contaminated with chemicals. If the latter then consider what will then be in the environment! I would take the view that this should only be done in a suitable environment where any fume or chemical given off due to the burning is adequately removed. Keep in mind that a normal face mask will only protect the area of skin it covers. The other skin will be exposed and could result in systemic or allergic reactions. Chris

Claire You should consider using a competent occupational hygienist to help you. You can find one here: http://www.bohs.org/OHSe...es-directory/a-z-search/ LB