How to class chemicals

rosiegbh · Post by **rosiegbh** » 27 Oct 2008, 09:57

Hi everyone,
I am trying to stocktake at present and I seem to be having problems trying to find out what type of chemicals are what. eg are they organic, inorganic, nitrates, oxides etc. I can sometimes find the class they are in but not always. Does anyone know where I can find this info? I have looked in CSIS and in the MSDS but am still having trouble.

Thanks
Rosemary

Lis · Post by **Lis** » 27 Oct 2008, 10:19

Hi Rosemary
When I stocktake I just go with the category they are in, ie NR, oxidising, corrosives etc, but if you have the CSIS folders have a look in volume 2 appendix D there is a huge list of chemicals, it tells you their class, 3= flammable liquid, 4= flammable solid, 5= oxidising and organic peroxides, 6= toxic, 7= radioactive, 8= corrosives, 9=misc dangerous goods, hope this has helped
cheers
Lisa

Post by **Ocker** » 27 Oct 2008, 10:52

Every MSDS will list "Dangerous goods class" which tells you the group, the other info is listed as "packaging group" and tell you the seperation within groups

Post by **Labbie** » 27 Oct 2008, 18:32

Get pages 17 to 262 out of Volume 2 Appendix D, and photocopy them first, so you have a back up, put the pages back in CSIS. Name of the chemical, under the name in a smaller print is the name it was once known as Acetaidehyde, under that is ethanal, some time their is more then one name. Next; Category and User Codes, Tch = Teachers I can not find this written down, but if I remember correctly we labbies are a 2. Then DG class, some times their may be two 8/5.1 store under the first one 8. DG PG Dangerous Group, packing group Acetaidehyde is a 1. Then the UN Cas No useful when looking up a name on Chemwatch. Guidance Notes, also helpful. The small number on the bottom right had corner Acetaidehyde is 13, is your disposal number, how to get rid of that waste. Do hope that helps you.

lizzieb · Post by **lizzieb** » 28 Oct 2008, 22:08

My Appendix D is kept along with E and F, in it's own folder, and is very much a working copy.
I find it useful to write the formula in beside each chemical. and also put a coloured dot next to the different molarities eg. Conc HCL, sulfuric etc. and Teacher Only chems.

Even after 5 years though, there is so much to learn - I still get confused with organic/inorganic, let alone halogenic/non-halogenic. I read the posts of those of you who have degrees, or have been in the job long enough to understand it all, with awe

(and sigh as it goes straight over my head ....

)

J · Post by J » 29 Oct 2008, 07:33

Don't think you're alone there Liz!!!!

Julie

The Search Engine · Post by **The Search Engine** » 29 Oct 2008, 09:32

I'm sighing right along with you!

lizzieb · Post by **lizzieb** » 29 Oct 2008, 11:08

Need to edit my prrevious post (written at home last night)...
I keep Appendices D through I in my working folder, for easy reference.

Lyn · Post by **Lyn** » 29 Oct 2008, 13:37

Your not alone in struggling to understand. I've been in this job for over 25 years and I still struggle with the job and the knowledge I am supposed to have and don't. I pretty much had the junior science sussed out but taking over the senior science as well was a nightmare. Organics/inorganics, halogens, mixing up exact solutions rather than a little bucket chemistry, chemicals which can form explosive peroxides due to age, labelling to correct standards, risk assessments etc, and a multitude of other things that labbies should know and I didn't. Did some reading, checked a lot of websites on safety issues, chemical storage issues and gradually have acquired some more knowledge of the job but there is so much to still learn. So this site is proving to be extremely useful. Thanks to all those that have science backgrounds and share willingly and to those whose on the job training provides them and the rest of us with further insight.
Lyn.

sunray18 · Post by **sunray18** » 29 Oct 2008, 14:27

And just when you think you have it all together - and everything all neat and stored away...............
Yep - someone comes along and tells you that you have one tiny thing wrong...

Post by **Robb** » 29 Oct 2008, 19:51

Hi All,

Most people have hit the nail on the head, (It is great to see) the storage of Chemicals can be a huge thing for some people.

The storage of Chemicals should be in segregated by its Dangerous Good Class, eg Corrosive, Toxic, Dangerour when wet. And within these classes each chemical should be in alphabetical order.

Eg if I have the following in class 8 they should be placed on the same shelf in correct order:

Sulfuric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Oxalic Acid.

This should be:

Hydrochloric Acid, Oxalic Acid, Sulfuric Acid.

Once you have done this you comply with the Australian Standards for storage of Workplace Chemicals.

Hope this helps,

Cheers,

Robb.....

rosiegbh · Post by **rosiegbh** » 30 Oct 2008, 12:32

Thanks guys for all your help. I don't know where I would be without chemtalk. When I started at Wyndham a year ago I was very unsure about what I should be doing, especially with the storage and handling of chemicals. I have learnt a bit more over the year and can understand some of the language and the pracs. I sometimes think the school values it's GA more than it's lab assistant by giving him 2 days inservice on handling and storage of chemicals and me none (though not through lack of asking).
Anyway, I have just found out that all the sessions I wanted at the St Mary's conference I have been given

so am very happy. I hope to see some of you there in November

Cheers
Rosemary

lizzieb · Post by **lizzieb** » 30 Oct 2008, 12:34

Got my first choices, too, Rosemary. Yay!

You'll enjoy it - I've learnt so much each time,

See you there

lainyv · Post by **lainyv** » 31 Oct 2008, 09:43

didn't get to go to St. Marys this year...they have sent me to a data logging class in Dec. instead...will miss meeting all the other labbies out there this is the only time I get to share and ask questions....love this site whoever set it up should be knighted...

CC · Post by CC » 09 Feb 2009, 13:25

Alright guys,

When setting up your chemicals where do the organic acids go? Even the chem teacher is stumped which leaves me out there

Cindy

rae · Post by **rae** » 09 Feb 2009, 13:35

Hi Cindy,
If they are liquid ours are in the Flame proof cupboard.
Hope this helps.

Lorrae

labman · Post by **labman** » 09 Feb 2009, 13:41

Hi Cindy,
Organic acids go in the Corrosives cupboard. My cupboard resembles a 2 door pantry cupboard. In one side, I have the "acids", in the other, the alkalis. Then, in the acid side, I have separated the organic and inorganic onto separate shelves, in alphabetical order, and of course, solids above liquids.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Lisa

noona · Post by **noona** » 10 Feb 2009, 06:33

I can send you a copy of my stocktake it is in class order and chemical order if you like just send me your email address and I will send it to you
My email address is ROSALIE.CASSAR@det.nsw.edu.au
maybe you can use it or it will give you an idea
Noona

CC · Post by CC » 10 Feb 2009, 11:14

Thanks for your input guys and Rosalie I've sent you my email address

CC

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