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What protective equipment for copper sulphate experiments

I am conducting an investigation on enzyme activity. in my experiment I will be using copper sulphate ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] as a heavy metal inhibitor. what necessary precautions should I take? e.g.,safety glasses, gloves

Sarah H.
student - London
March 8, 2009

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March 10, 2009

Sorry, Sarah, although copper sulphate is not unduly hazardous compared to many materials in the lab, training in chemical safety and protective equipment must be hands-on. Your teacher or lab instructor has to go over this with you, you simply can't read about it. Emergency shower and eyewash, working alone, how to fit a respirator, how to know the lab hood is running, which exit to take, who to call in chemical emergency are topics for on-location personal instruction rather than the internet.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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March 12, 2009

Just to add to what Ted has said, there has to be a risk assessment and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment carried out on the process. Part of these assessments is to identify any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required, any engineering controls (such as fume hoods, fully enclosed process, etc) that are required and any limitations on who may operate the process (such as restrictions on young persons, pregnant women etc). Ask your teacher or lecturer to see these assessments before you carry out the process.

If neither of these documents exist you MUST NOT operate the process, it is the REQUIREMENT of British law that these assessments are done, not an optional extra.

You may also go to one of the chemical suppliers (such as VWR or Sigme-Aldrich) to obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which will give you a start.

Just remember, you must obey the law, assessments must be in place.

Brian Terry
Aerospace - Yeovil, Somerset, UK