Employer downplaying safety of Sodium Azide?

Probably shouldn’t be pouring that down the sink? If it builds up somewhere it could explode and then be breathed in.... 0.1% however is extremely small so getting a few drops on clothing is probably fine. However what do I know? Contact your institutions EH&S and see what they say.

Google "ucla ehs sodium azide" and it answers your questions. I think your skin is fine as long as you wash it off, but maybe you shouldn't dump it down the sink.

Before we use anything we have to consult the MSDS and create a risk assessment for the task. Check out the Material Safety Data Sheet it has recommended precautions, concentrations, storage and disposal for anything you might use in a lab. I’m surprised this isn’t standard practice. I have to do this and I’m currently “just” teaching Chem, Bio and Science in senior high school, however I also recall having to do this in the uni lab, quite a few years ago now. Maybe we have higher workplace health and safety standards in Australia, idk

I wouldn't take a bath in 0.1% sodium azide but a drop in your clothing's probably fine. If you start turning blue you might want to go to the hospital but I wouldn't stress too much

The azide should definitely be collected in a waste container and officially disposed of.

"Dilution is the solution to pollution" doesn't fly anymore these days.

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At my previous biotech job we consistently dumped PBS with .09% azide down the drain. Several liters a day