Organolithium compounds are highly reactive and pyrophoric reagents widely used in organic synthesis. Because they can ignite spontaneously upon contact with air or moisture, strict laboratory safety protocols are essential for their handling, storage and disposal. This article summarizes the best practices for safely working with organolithium reagents, including experiment...

The use of laboratory reagents and consumables is an indispensable part of scientific research, and employing correct usage methods and precautions ensures experiment accuracy and safety. Below are recommendations on how to use laboratory reagents and consumables to ensure experiment safety: 1. Read Labels and Manuals: Before using laboratory reagents...

Want to avoid violation fines and enhance lab safety when dealing with hazardous waste? The first step to avoiding any penalties is determining if the waste produced in your laboratory is hazardous according to the jurisdiction that you are in. In the United States for instance, failure to comply with...

The one-stop guide to working with flammable material: from hazard classification to mitigating risks What are flammables? Flammable materials are those gases, liquids, and solids that upon exposure with an ignition source (e.g. open flames, sparks, heat-producing chemical reactions, etc.) will ignite and continue to burn in air.  Many flammable...

The ultimate guide to working with explosives: from hazard classification to primary & secondary effects What are explosives?  Explosives are solid or liquid substances (or mixtures) with an intrinsic ability to undergo rapid chemical reactions that produce high temperature and pressure gases which travel at high enough speeds to cause...

The one-stop guide to working with oxidizers: from hazard classification and extinguishing oxidizer fires to mitigating risks What are oxidizers? Oxidizers (or oxidizing agents) are substances that contribute to or cause the combustion of other materials by (generally) providing oxygen. Oxidizing gases are said to contribute more than air, while...