Always carefully read the reagent label and the material safety data sheet (MSDS) before working with any new and unfamiliar chemical reagent. Issues to research and think carefully about before using a new reagent include the following:
- Chemical compatibility - Is this reagent known to be incompatible with any other reagents with which you or others in the laboratory might be working?
- Chemical reactivity - Is the reagent a strong oxidizer? Reductant? Does it react with moisture? Oxygen?
- Flammability - Is this reagent flammable?
- Volatility - Is this reagent volatile?
- Toxicity - Is the reagent toxic? Is it a mutagen? Carcinogen? What are the symptoms of exposure?
- Handling - What personal protective equipment should one use in working with this reagent? Gloves? What kind of gloves? Safety glasses? Should it be handled in a hood?
- Accidents - How should this material be cleaned up in case of a spill?
- Emergencies - What kinds of emergencies could arise from use/misuse of this chemical? Are you prepared to deal with these?