8. You are working in a lab that contains (very beautiful but) very hazardous and radioactive butterflies. You need to take steps to minimize any type of skin-to-skin contact with these butterflies as you handle them. In addition, they also happen to breathe out toxic fumes and fire. Answer the questions below, using your knowledge of lab safety. (4 marks)

Question

a. Describe the precautions you would take to minimize direct skin-to-skin contact with these butterflies.

b. Describe the precautions you would take to minimize airborne poisons entering your body.

c. While working with these butterflies, your lab partner's hair catches on fire. What steps would you take to help your lab partner?

d. To help control these butterflies, you use a special substance called 'Zzzz.' When you inject these butterflies with this substance, it puts the butterflies to sleep. Unfortunately, Zzzz accidentally leaks onto the counter as you are using it. What resource would you use to help you determine the cleanup procedures?

Answer 1

Handling hazardous materials, such as radioactive butterflies that emit toxic fumes and fire, requires strict adherence to safety protocols. Here are the precautions and responses to the scenarios presented:

a. Precautions to Minimize Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear disposable gloves, lab coats, and protective goggles to create a barrier between the skin and the butterflies.
• Use of Tools: Utilize long-handled forceps or tongs to handle the butterflies, reducing the need for direct contact.
• Controlled Environment: Work within a designated containment area, such as a glove box or a fume hood, to further prevent skin contact and contain any potential hazards.

b. Precautions to Minimize Airborne Poisons:

• Respiratory Protection: Use a properly fitted N95 respirator or a full-face respirator with chemical/particulate filters to protect against inhalation of toxic fumes.
• Ventilation: Ensure that the lab is well-ventilated. Use a fume hood or exhaust system to limit exposure to airborne contaminants and to help dissipate any harmful fumes.
• Avoid Disturbance: Handle the butterflies gently to minimize disturbance and the release of toxic fumes; also, ensure that any spills are cleaned up immediately to prevent vaporization.

c. Steps to Help Your Lab Partner:

• Stop, Drop, and Roll: Instruct your lab partner to stop moving, drop to the ground, and roll to extinguish the flames if their clothing is on fire.
• Fire Extinguisher: If safe to do so, grab the nearest fire extinguisher and use it according to the PASS method (Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side).
• Safety Shower: If the fire is severe, direct your partner to the safety shower to extinguish the flames, ensuring they are away from electrical sources or any flammable materials.

d. Resource for Cleanup Procedures:

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the substance 'Zzzz.' The SDS provides critical information on hazard identification, handling and storage requirements, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and specific cleanup procedures for spills, including any environmental precautions necessary for dealing with leaks of hazardous substances.