Organic Chemistry
High-tox laboratory and highly toxic compounds
The high-tox laboratory is especially designed for the synthesis and handling of extremely toxic chemicals. In fact, it is the only place in Switzerland where minute quantities of chemical warfare agents are prepared and studied ( > Reference chemicals ). It entered into operation in 1981 and since then has continuously met the newest safety standards and sets an example for the planning of further facilities in Europe.
Four independent laboratories make it possible to work independently with the complete containment of the toxic chemicals.
Each laboratory unit consists of a main laboratory, preparation and supervision rooms, and, in case of emergency, an airlock housing showers for decontamination.
A special ventilation system allows a safe air flow by maintaining a differential pressure between the individual rooms.
All exhaust air is purified by aerosol and active carbon filters. A sufficiently large-dimensioned emergency tank is installed for the automatic uptake of possible contaminated wastewater. Facilities for the decontamination of such wastewater are also available. Solvents and solid waste are professionally disposed of, like normal chemical waste after a decontamination treatment and testing by analytical instrumentation.
Based on a double-containment philosophy, synthesis and work (in which the unforeseen escape of chemical substances cannot be fully excluded) are carried out in a specially constructed glove box. This means that from the mixing of the starting products to the purification of the formed toxic compound,
all the synthesis stages are performed in a safe environment.
The two-person rule is also observed during the handling of the toxic chemicals in order to increase the safety standards. Furthermore, the use of a semi-automatic controlled system from the supervision room allows us to manage and control all the reaction parameters, such as the temperature, the pressure and the addition rates. Thus, one person wearing a full protective suit and mask works in the laboratory, while a second one supervises all the manipulations and the reaction parameters from the supervision room.
Highly qualified and well-trained personnel, strict work regulations and standard operating procedures, together with the use of modern personal protection material, medical supervision of personnel, as well as readily available rescue and medical services, are further safety measures. All of these together with the infrastructures of the high-tox laboratory guarantee optimum safety for on-site personnel, and the protection of the environment and people living nearby.
Our work naturally strictly complies with environmental protection regulations, as well as with federal legislation pertaining to labour and toxic substances. Our internal measures also substantially exceed these requirements. At an international level, all minute quantities of Schedule 1 compounds which are produced, processed and consumed are declared to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as stipulated in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The Toxic Substances Laboratory which is declared as "Other Schedule 1 Facility for Protective Purposes" is routinely inspected once a year by a team of OPCW inspectors to ascertain that no illicit activities are performed (Obligations).