Question

Risk assessment for: Synthesis of isoamyl acetate via Fischer esterification Student Name: Chemical Potential hazards How could you be exposed to this hazard? given the exposure, Level of risk what is negative (probability) 0–4 outcome? Suggested protective measure Isopentyl alcohol Glacial acetic acid conc. Sulfuric acid aq 5% sodium bicarbonate anhydrous sodium sulfate isopenyl acetate

Answer 1

ISOPENTYL ALCOHOL

Potential hazards

1) inhalation

2) skin contact

3) eye contact

Nagative outcome

1) inhalation can cause irritation in nose, lungs and throat

2) eye contact can cause burning in eyes and possible damage

3) skin contact can cause burning, prolonged exposure can cause drying and cracking of skin

4) prolonged exposure can cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea.

level of risk - 2

suggested protective measures

1)avoid eating, drinking in places where chemicals are handled or stored.

2) do not take contaminated clothing home

3) wash hands properly before intake of food or fluids.

4) provision of eye wash fountains

5) Monitor airborne chemical concentrations

GLACIAL ACETIC ACID

potential hazards

1) eye contact

2) skin contact

3) inhalation

4) ingestion

nagative outcomes

1) can cause severe skin burns

2) eye damage

3) ingestion can cause damage to internal organs

4) it is toxic when inhaled

level of risk - 3

suggested protective measures

1) use of gloves, goggles and apron

2) keep acid away from heat and flame

3) eye wash and disinfectant soap must be kept ready

CONC SUFURIC ACID

potential hazards

1) inhalation

2) ingestion

3) eye contact

4) skin contact

nagative outcome

1) ingestion can cause serious damage to gastrointestinal tract

2) can cause holes in stomach

3) corrode if skin comes in contact

4) severe eye damage causing blindness

level of risk - 4

suggested protective measures

1) use of complete protective gear

2) rubber gloves and goggles must be used while handling acid

3) use of apron and face shield

4) immediate medical attention to affected person

AQUEOUS 5% SODIUM BICARBONATE

potential hazards

1) contact with damaged skin

nagative outcome

1) irritation to damaged skin

level of risk - 0.5

suggested protective measures

1) use of gloves

ANHYDROUS SODIUM SULFATE

potential hazards

1) eye contact

2) ingestion

3) inhalation

nagative outcome

1) eye irritation, redness and pain

2) igesting can cause vomiting, naseua and diarrhoea

3) inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation

level of risk- 1

suggested protective measures

1) use mask and gloves

2) clean up spills immediately

ISOPENTYL ACETATE

potential hazards

1) eye contact

2) skin contact

3) inhalation

nagative outcomes

1) eye irritation

2) inhalation can cause nose and lungs irritation

3) skin burning

level of risk - 2

suggested protective measures

1) wearing gloves and goggles

2) eye wash should be kept ready