Appendix A ======== = A 1: Safety Rules for Students in the Laboratory ---- ------ ----- --- -------- -- --- ---------- ``Paracelsus (a middle European medical scientist) recognized as long ago as the 15th century that all materials are toxic at some level. Only dosage separates the medicament from the poison (except for sensitization and allergic reactions). Indeed, practically any substance can be harmful, so are there also degrees of being safe. A complex relationship exists between a material and its biological effect in humans that involves considerations of dose (the amount of a substance to which one is exposed), the length of time of the exposure, the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, absorption through the skin), and myriad of other factors such as sex, stage in the reproductive cycle, age, race, and even lifestyle. Because of the many factors influencing toxicity, all chemicals should be handled with respect for their known or potential hazards.'' The above passage is quoted from the 1985 version of the booklet entitled Safety in Academic Laboratories, published by the American Chemical Society. It is the nature of the profession that chemists must deal with chemicals. All students of chemistry must recognize that hazardous materials cannot be completely avoided. Chemists must learn to handle all materials in an appropriate fashion. While it is not expected that all organizers of the competition will assume that all participating students know the basic safety procedures (as an example of such a safety procedure, the organizers will assume that the students know never to eat, drink or smoke in the laboratory or taste a chemical). In addition to the common-sense safety considerations to which students should have been previously exposed, some specific rules, listed below, must also be followed during the Olympiad. If any question arises concerning safety procedures during the practical exam, the student should not hesitate to ask the nearest supervisor for direction. Rules regarding personal protection 1. Eye protection must be worn in the laboratories at all times. If the student wears contact lenses, full protection goggles must also be worn. Eye protection will be provided by the host country. 2. A laboratory coat is required. Each student will supply this item for himself/herself. 3. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended for individual safety. Long hair and loose clothing should be confined. 4. Pipetting by mouth is strictly forbidden. Each student must be provided with a pipet bulb or pipet filler. Rules for Handling Materials 1. Specific instructions for handling hazardous materials will be included by the host country in the procedures of the practical exam. All potentially dangerous materials will be labelled using the international symbols below. Each student is responsible for recognizing these symbols and knowing their meaning (see Appendix B 1, B 2, and B 3). 2. Do not indiscriminately dispose chemicals in the sink. Follow all disposal rules provided by the host country. A 2: Safety Rules and Recommendations for the Host Country of the IChO ---- ------ ----- --- --------------- --- --- ---- ------- -- --- ---- Certainly it can be assumed that all students participating in the IChO have at least modest experience with safety laboratory procedures. However, it is the responsibility of the International Jury and the organizing country to be sure that the welfare of the students is carefully considered. Reference to the Safety Rules for Students in the Laboratory will show that the students carry some of the burden for their own safety. Other safety matters will vary from year to year, depending on the practical tasks. The organizers of these tasks for the host country are therefore assigned responsibility in the areas listed below. The organizers are advised to carefully test the practical tasks in advance to ensure the safety of the experiments. This can best be accomplished by having students of ability similar to that of IChO participants carry out the testing. Rules for the Host Country (see also A 1): 1. Emergency first-aid treatment should be available during the practical examination. 2. Students must be informed about the proper methods of handling hazardous materials. a) Specific techniques for handling each hazardous substance should be included in the written instructions of the practical examination. b) All bottles (containers) containing hazardous substances must be appropriately labelled using international symbols (see Appendix B 1).