PURPOSE:

 

To provide the necessary work practices, procedures and information to laboratory users to protect them from potentially hazardous chemicals and processes found in the laboratory.

 

SCOPE:

 

All laboratory users engaged in the handling or use of hazardous chemicals.

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

The OSHA Laboratory Safety standard requires that exposures to hazardous chemicals be

maintained at or below the permissible exposure limits (PELs) specified in other OSHA

standards. This is to be achieved by implementing this Chemical Hygiene Plan. The Chemical

Hygiene Plan includes the necessary work practices, procedures and policies to ensure that

workers are protected from all potentially hazardous chemicals in use in their work area. The

Chemical Hygiene Plan also includes training, medical consultation and examinations, hazard

identification, respirator use and recordkeeping requirements.

 

 

I. General Principles

 

A. Perform Hazard Assessment

 

Prior to the initiation of new experiments or procedures, assessments of potential hazards must

be accomplished. Appropriate protective measures, including personal protective equipment,

shall be identified and implemented. All affected employees must have the appropriate training

prior to beginning work with hazardous chemicals.

 

B. Hazard Review and Prior Approval

 

Any new procedure is subject to review, not only from a scientific standpoint, but also to

assure that all safety considerations are in place prior to implementation. Approval to proceed

with a laboratory task should be obtained whenever:

 

1. There is a new procedure, process or test, even if it is similar to older practices.

 

2. There is a change, substitution, or deletion of any of the ingredient chemicals in a

procedure.

 

3. There is a substantial change (25% or more) in the quantity of chemicals used.

 

4. There is a failure of any of the equipment used in the process, especially such

safeguards as fume hoods or clamp apparatus.

 

5. There are unexpected test results, in which case a review of how the new result impacts safety practices must be made.

 

6. When members of the laboratory staff become ill, suspect exposure, detect a chemical's odor, or otherwise suspect a failure of any safeguards.

 

C. Minimize Chemical Exposures

 

It is prudent to minimize all chemical exposures. Because few laboratory chemicals are without

hazards, general precautions for handling all laboratory chemicals should be adopted in addition to specific guidelines for particular chemicals with known hazards and protective procedures. Skin contact with chemicals should be avoided at all times.

 

D. Avoid Underestimation of Risk

 

Even for substances of no known significant hazard, exposures should be minimized. For work

with substances which present special hazards, special precautions should be taken. One should

assume that any mixture will be more toxic than its most toxic component, and that all

substances of unknown toxicity are toxic.

 

E. Provide Adequate Ventilation

 

The best way to prevent exposure to airborne substances is to prevent their escape into the

working atmosphere by use of laboratory hoods and other ventilation devices. There must be a

maintenance program for the laboratory hoods and other devices.

 

F. Follow the Chemical Hygiene Plan

 

Procedures described in this Chemical Hygiene Plan are designed to minimize exposures.

Implementation of the program procedures should be a regular, continuing effort, not merely a

standby or short term activity.

 

G. Observe the PELs and TLVs

 

The Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) of OSHA and the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) of

the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) must not be

exceeded. Where there are no PELs or TLVs, other recognized exposure limits should be

followed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

II. Responsibilities

 

A. Director of Environmental Health and Safety

 

The Director of Environmental Health and Safety has the ultimate responsibility for chemical hygiene within the University and, along with other officers and administrators, provides continuing support for efforts to improve laboratory safety and health.

 

B. Chemical Hygiene Officer

 

The Chemical Hygiene Officer is given the authority to shut down or suspend operations that do not conform to health and safety practices required by this Chemical Hygiene Plan. The Chemical Hygiene Officer will exercise the authority in order to minimize the short and long-term dangers to laboratory employees, other workers, the community, and to the environment.

 

The major duties of the Chemical Hygiene Officer are to:

 

1. Coordinate functions of the Chemical Hygiene Committee and work with that

committee to evaluate, implement, and update the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

 

2. Provide technical expertise to the laboratory community in the area of laboratory safety and health, and direct inquiries to appropriate resources.

 

3. Ensure that hazardous substances are appropriately labeled, handled, and stored and

that specific standard operating procedures that instruct all personnel in the safe use of

these substances are developed and followed.

 

4. Review specific operating procedures developed by Principal Investigators and

department personnel for the use, disposal, spill cleanup, and decontamination of

extremely hazardous chemicals and substances.

 

5. Review new research protocols prior to their initiation to determine if hazardous

chemicals are used and, if so, to ensure that proper measures are taken to protect

laboratory personnel.

 

6. Conduct annual inspections of laboratories and storage areas with other members of

the Chemical Hygiene Committee and provide inspection forms to departmental

personnel and Principal Investigators to conduct their own routine inspections.

 

7. Write inspection reports and recommend follow-up activities (with input from other

members of the inspection team).

 

8. Review and approve the operation, acquisition, and maintenance of fume hoods,

emergency safety showers, eyewashes, and fire extinguishers in all laboratories where

chemicals are handled.

 

9. Conduct (or coordinate) department-specific laboratory employee health and safety

orientation sessions along with other department personnel and assist laboratory

supervisors in developing and conducting hands-on sessions with employees.

 

10. Investigate all reports of laboratory hazards incidents, chemical spills, and near-misses to prevent repeat occurrences.

 

11. Act as a liaison between the laboratory and the departmental administrator and, if

necessary, bring unresolved and potentially serious health and safety problems to the

administrator's attention.

 

12. Maintain records and make them available to employees and administrative personnel.

 

13. Ensure that hazardous waste generated in laboratories is disposed of in accordance

with Upstate Medical University policy.

 

14. Review and approve the creation, modification or closing of laboratories.

 

15. Remain aware of campus-wide safety- and health-related activities.

 

C. Laboratory Safety Committee

 

The Laboratory Safety Committee oversees and monitors the effectiveness of the Chemical Hygiene Plan and revises and updates it annually.

 

The duties of the Chemical Hygiene Committee members are to:

 

1. Attend committee meetings

 

2. Periodically review and update the Chemical Hygiene Plan

 

3. Review academic research protocols and ensure that appropriate controls and

laboratory space are available to protect employees

 

4. Participate in annual inspections of laboratories with the Chemical Hygiene Officer and follow-up visits to laboratories not meeting initial compliance

 

5. Stay informed of plans for renovation or new laboratory construction projects at the

institution and ensure involvement of appropriate laboratory personnel in its planning

stages to integrate lab safety in the design process

 

6. Bring unresolved departmental issues to the attention of the committee

 

D. Department Chair

 

The department chair is responsible for chemical safety in the department and must know and

understand the goals of the Chemical Hygiene Program. The duties of the department chair are to ensure the:

 

1. Completion of an annual inventory of all chemicals in storage rooms and laboratories in the department.

 

2. Routine identification of expired and unusable chemicals for disposal.

 

3. Maintenance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for chemicals used in

laboratories in the department.

 

4. Ensure the training of all laboratory employees and other departmental personnel who may come in contact with hazardous chemicals.

 

5. Routine inspections of departmental laboratories and maintenance of a file of

completed inspection forms.

 

6. Purchase and ensure the use of safety equipment in the department laboratories.

 

7. Inform the Chemical Hygiene Officer of the creation, modification or closing of

department laboratories.

 

E. Principal Investigators and Laboratory Supervisors

 

Principal Investigators, faculty, and other laboratory supervisors have ultimate responsibility for chemical hygiene in the research or teaching laboratories in which they work. It is their duty to:

 

1. Know and implement the guidelines and procedures of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

 

2. Write specific operating procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous

substances used in their laboratories and submit these procedures to the Chemical

Hygiene Officer for review.

 

3. Train laboratory personnel in these operating procedures and ensure the use of proper control measures.

 

4. Conduct routine inspections of laboratories with their laboratory employees.

 

5. Ensure that all appropriate controls including fume hoods and safety equipment are

available and in good working order in their laboratories.

 

6. Ensure that all incidents occurring in their laboratories are reported to the Chemical

Hygiene Officer and that a written Incident Report is filed.

 

7. Complete annual inventories of chemicals in their laboratories and provide them to

designated departmental representatives.

 

8. Supervise the maintenance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and ensure

laboratory employee access to MSDSs and standard operating procedures.

 

9. Include provisions for Chemical Hygiene Plan compliance in grant proposals.

 

F. Laboratory Employees, Users, Volunteers and Visitors

 

Laboratory employees, users, volunteers and visitors are those who, in the course of their work, are present in the laboratory or are at risk of possible exposure on a regular or periodic basis. These include laboratory technicians, instructors, researchers, secretaries, graduate assistants, and student aides, part-time and temporary employees. All employees, users, volunteers and visitors will:

 

1. Follow procedures and guidelines outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan and standard operating procedures.

 

2. Report any unsafe working conditions, faulty fume hoods, or problems with emergency safety equipment to the laboratory supervisor and Chemical Hygiene Officer.

 

3. File incident reports with the supervisor.

 

4. Conduct hazard reviews for procedures conducted in the laboratory and maintain a file of those evaluations.

 

III. Laboratory Facility Requirements

 

A. Design

 

1. All laboratories must have the following minimum safety features:

 

a. Local exhaust ventilation for chemical usage (e.g., fume hoods).

b. Chemical storage areas and cabinets, including:

i. hazardous waste area,

ii. compressed gas cylinder rack,

iii. storage cabinets for flammable liquids, acids, bases, and solvents as

needed.

c. Laboratory sinks.

d. Hand washing facilities.

e. Emergency eyewashes in the laboratory, and emergency showers that are

readily accessible to the laboratory.

f. Fire extinguishers.

g. Spill control station.

h. Room pressurization must be negative compared to the hallway.

 

2. New laboratories or laboratories that are undergoing remodeling must also include:

 

a. Emergency fuel gas shut off.

b. Master electrical disconnect switch.

c. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) at each electrical outlet or for the

entire laboratory.

d. Continuous air flow monitoring devices for the fume hoods.

 

3. Laboratories that will be using particularly hazardous chemicals should include:

 

a. Seamless construction of the walls and floors.

b. Vacuum systems protected with HEPA filtered traps.

c. Change and shower rooms or areas.

 

B. Signs

 

All employees must be alerted to hazards that exist in an area they enter. Signs must be posted

to inform employees that they have the right to information from their employer regarding the

toxic substances found in the workplace. The hazard warning signs must be removed when no

longer needed. The location of information and emergency equipment must be clearly marked.

 

The following signs must be posted wherever required:

 

1. Laboratory: Potentially Hazardous Substances

 

A sign with the above words in red on a white background must be posted on the door outside of each laboratory at the midpoint of the height of the door.

 

2. Emergency Equipment and Exit Identification

 

Signs indicating the location of each safety shower, eyewash station, fire extinguisher, and exit must be posted and must be large and conspicuous.

 

3. Emergency Telephone Numbers

 

Telephone numbers of emergency personnel, building manager, physical plant, supervisors, Principal Investigators and the Chemical Hygiene Officer must be posted next to the phone in each laboratory, storeroom or stockroom, and storage area. If there is no phone in the room, a sign should be posted indicating the location of the nearest phone (which should have posted next to it all the pertinent telephone numbers).

 

4. No Smoking

 

These should be posted inside storage areas and laboratories.

 

5. Special Hazards

 

All laboratories in which the following materials are used must post signs outside the laboratory and storage area indicating the presence of these hazards:

 

Designated Areas

Water-reactive chemicals

Carcinogens

Flammable gases or explosives

Reproductive Hazards

Toxic gases (e.g. cyanide, hydrogen sulfide)

Radioactive materials

Bio-hazardous materials

Lasers

 

Hazard identification signage has four distinct categories:

 

a. NOTICE

 

This states a policy related to safety of personnel or protection of property, but is not

for use with a physical hazard.

 

b. CAUTION

 

This indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor

or moderate injury.

 

c. WARNING

 

This indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death

or serious injury.

 

d. DANGER

 

This indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

 

6. Flammable Storage Cabinets and Refrigerators

 

A sign stating "Store no flammables flashing below 100 degrees F" must be posted on refrigerators that are not explosion-proof and on walk-in cold rooms.

 

C. Closing or Vacating a Laboratory

 

1. To ensure compliance with existing Federal and State law it is essential that the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Chemical Hygiene Officer be notified at least 60 days prior of the Principal Investigator's intention to vacate a laboratory.

 

2. Transportation of hazardous materials from one location to another unless conducted

in accordance with existing Department of Transportation regulations can result in

severe financial penalties to individuals transporting the material. Therefore,

arrangement for surveys, packaging, and transportation of such materials should be

made by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Chemical Hygiene Officer.

 

3. Each Principal Investigator shall ensure that all areas of the laboratory that are

contaminated with hazardous material are permanently decontaminated.

 

4. Each Principal Investigator shall ensure that pre-decommissioning surveys are carried out and that arrangements are made for the removal of all hazardous waste and

hazardous waste containers. In addition, all storage areas (including containers,

drawers, cabinets, refrigerators, safes, and rooms) are free and clear of all hazardous

materials.

 

5. Upon notification from the Principal Investigator that the laboratory is ready for

decommissioning, the Chemical Hygiene Officer will perform a close-out survey on the

lab areas and generate a permanent decommission report for the Department Chair.

 

6. Should contamination or hazardous material be discovered, the Principal Investigator

will be notified of all the details of the survey. After corrective action is taken by the

Principal Investigator, step #5 will be repeated until the laboratory is found to be free

and clear of any contamination or hazardous material.

 

IV. Criteria Used to Determine and Implement Control Methods

 

A. Recognition of Potential Hazards

 

1. Departments and Principal Investigators are responsible for recognizing potential

hazards in the work areas under their jurisdiction. This requires familiarity with the

processes and work operations involved, maintenance of an inventory of the chemical

and physical agents associated with those processes, and periodic review of the

different job activities of a work area. Departments shall also study the effectiveness of

the existing control measures.

2. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety Chemical Hygiene Officer will

assist departments and Principal Investigators in reviewing the job activities for

potential hazards.

 

B. Hazard Identification

 

1. Labels

 

a. Labels on all chemical containers will be maintained and not defaced. Labels must

include the following information:

 

i. The common name of the chemical

 

ii. Name, address, and emergency telephone number of company responsible for

the product

 

iii. A hazard warning indicating the most serious health or safety hazard the

chemical poses (e.g., corrosive, carcinogen, water-reactive, flammable),

including target organs

 

b. Portable containers must be labeled and if used by more than one person must include the information described above. This information can be found on the original label or on the Material Safety Data Sheet for the product.

 

c. Adequacy of container labeling will be assessed during routine inventory of chemicals and inspections of laboratories and storage areas by the Chemical Hygiene Committee and departmental laboratory employees. Unlabeled containers, if unidentifiable, will be disposed of according to the Environmental Protection Agency regulations and this institution's hazardous waste disposal policy. Waste of unknown or incorrectly described composition presents difficult handling and disposal problems and may require costly analysis before removal and disposal can be accomplished. The cost of this analysis and disposal is the responsibility of the generator.

 

d. All employees involved in unpacking chemicals are responsible for inspecting each

container to ensure that it arrives properly labeled. When there is a problem with an

incoming product label, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety should be

contacted. All employees should reject shipment of improperly labeled products.

 

e. Any laboratory employee finding a container without the minimum required

information, an unlabeled container, or a label that is torn or illegible must report it

immediately to their supervisor.

 

 

2. Chemical Inventory

 

 

 

a. Each laboratory or department is responsible for maintaining an accurate inventory of all chemicals used and stored in the work area. A copy of the inventory must be forward to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Chemical Hygiene Officer.

 

b. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will maintain a master inventory of all chemicals used and stored at Lock Haven University.

 

3. Material Safety Data Sheets

 

a. Material Safety Data Sheets must be collected and maintained in each department to

ensure that all employees have access to them. Copies of MSDS are provided on

request to employees or their representatives. A copy of each and every MSDS

received by individual departments or laboratories must be forwarded to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Chemical Hygiene Officer.

 

b. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will assist departments in obtaining the MSDSs, and will also maintain a master inventory of MSDSs that are used at Upstate.

 

c. Other hazard information resources that must also be made available to employees are discussed further in Laboratory Employee Training and Information.

 

4. Newly Synthesized Chemicals

 

a. Principal Investigators in research laboratories will be responsible for ensuring that

newly synthesized chemicals are used exclusively within the laboratory and are properly labeled. If the hazards of a substance produced in the laboratory are unknown, it must be assumed to be hazardous, and the label must indicate that the potential hazards of that substance have not been tested and are unknown. The Principal Investigator should develop a preliminary Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) at the earliest opportunity, and add to it as properties of the chemicals become known.

 

b. If the chemical is to be transferred outside of the laboratory, the Principal Investigator shall comply with the Hazard Communication/Right-to-Know Program, including labeling and preparation of the MSDS.

 

c. Newly synthesized chemicals may be subject to the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), 40 CFR 700. Chemical substances manufactured solely for non-commercial research and development purposes are exempt from TSCA reporting requirements unless the activity is for eventual commercial purposes. TSCA requires that notification of health and safety hazards for chemical substances used for research must be made to all persons handling the chemical, particularly if the chemical is sent to another laboratory on or off campus. Contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Chemical Hygiene Officer for specific requirements.

 

C. Evaluation of Potential Hazards

 

1. Departments and Principal Investigators shall evaluate the degree of risk arising from

exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents. Evaluation involves making a

judgment based on observation and measurement of the magnitude of these agents.

Evaluation involves determining the quantity of agents, hazard class, toxicity, routes of

entry, possibility of reaction with another agent, duration of employee exposure,

exposure concentration, process hazards, and effectiveness of control methods.

 

a. Chemical Hazard Class

 

This section presents criteria and guidelines used to classify the type and degree of

chemical hazard associated with materials used in the laboratory, and thus the

engineering controls and personal protective equipment necessary for their safe use.

 

i. Flammable Liquid

 

A liquid having a flash point below 100 degrees F (38.7 degrees C) and having

a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 pounds per square inch (2.72 atm) absolute

at 100 degrees F is designated a Class I liquid. This class is subdivided as

follows:

 

a. Class IA is a liquid having a flash point below 73 degrees F (22.8

degrees C) and having a boiling point below 100 degree F (38.7

degrees C).

 

b. Class IB is a liquid having a flash point below 73 degrees F (22.8

degrees C) and having a boiling point at or above 100 degrees F (38.7

degrees C).

 

c. Class IC is a liquid having a flash point at or above 73 degrees F (22.8 degrees C) and below 100 degrees F (38.7 degrees C).

 

ii. Combustible Liquid

 

A liquid having a flash point at or above 100 degrees F (38.7 degrees C) and

below 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). This class is subdivided as follows:

 

a. Class II is a liquid having a flash point at or above 100 degrees F (38.7 degrees C) and below 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).

 

b. Class IIIA is a liquid having a flash point at or above 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) and below 200 degrees F (93.4 degrees C).

 

c. Class IIIB is a liquid having a flash point at or above 200 degrees F

(93.4 degrees C).

                       


iii. Reactive Chemical

 

Any chemical which fits any one of the following:

 

a. Identified or described in the MSDS or on the label as unstable or reactive.

 

b. Ranked by the NFPA as 3 or 4 for reactivity.

 

c. Determined by the U.S. DOT (49 CFR 173) as either an oxidizer, an organic peroxide, or an explosive.

 

d. Determined by the U.S. EPA (40 CFR 261.23) as reactive:

 

1. It is normally unstable and readily undergoes violent change without detonating.

 

2. It reacts violently with water.

 

3. It forms potentially explosive mixtures with water.

 

4. When mixed with water, it generates toxic gases, vapors, or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment.

 

5. It is a cyanide or sulfide material which, when exposed to pH

conditions between 2 and 12.5, can generate toxic gases, vapors or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment.

 

6. It is capable of detonation or explosive reaction if it is subjected to a strong initiating source or if heated under confinement.

 

7. It is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or reaction at standard temperature and pressure.

 

e. Meets the OSHA Laboratory Standard definition of "Unstable": a chemical which in the pure state, or as produced or transported, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive under conditions of shocks, pressure or temperature.

 

f. In the experience of the Principal Investigator or the Laboratory Supervisor, is known or found to be reactive with ordinary substances.

 

iv. Corrosive Chemical

 

Any chemical which fits any one of the following:

 

a. Is identified or described in the MSDS or on the label as corrosive.

 

b. Is identified by the DOT (49 CFR 173) as corrosive.

 

c. Meets the EPA (40 CFR 261.22) definition of corrosive:

 

1. An aqueous solution and has a pH less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5.

 

2. A liquid and corrodes steel at a rate greater than 6.35 mm per year at a test temperature of 55 degrees C (130 degrees F).

 

d. Meets the OSHA definition of corrosive: A chemical that causes visible

destruction of, or irreversible alteration in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact.

 

e. In the experience of the laboratory supervisor or Principal Investigator, is known or found to be corrosive.

 

v. Contact Hazard

 

Any chemical which fits any one of the following:

 

a. Is identified or described as an allergen or sensitizer in the MSDS or on the label.

 

b. Is identified or described in the medical or industrial hygiene literature as an allergen or sensitizer.

 

c. In the experience of the laboratory supervisor or Principal Investigator, is known or found to be an allergen or sensitizer.

 

vi. Carcinogen

 

Any chemical which fits any one of the following:

 

a. Is identified or described as a carcinogen in the MSDS or on the label.

 

b. Is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen.

 

c. Is listed under the category "known to be carcinogens" or "reasonably

anticipated to be carcinogens" in the Annual Report on Carcinogens

published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP).

 

d. Is listed under Group 1 "carcinogenic to humans", Group 2A or 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs (IARC).

 

vii. Reproductive Toxin

 

Any chemical which fits any one of the following:

 

a. Is identified or described as a reproductive toxin, mutagen or teratogen in the MSDS or on the label.

 

b. Is known or suspected to affect the reproductive capabilities including

chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects on fetuses(teratogenesis).

 

c. Is identified and described in the medical or industrial hygiene literature as a reproductive toxin.

 

viii. High Acute Toxicity

 

Any chemical which fits any one of the following:

 

a. Is identified or described as highly toxic in the MSDS or on the label.

 

b. Meets the OSHA definition of highly toxic:

 

1. The median lethal dose (LD50) is equal to or less than 50 mg/kg of body weight when administered orally to rats.

 

2. The median lethal dose (LD50) is equal to or less than 200 mg/kg of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of rabbits.

 

3. The median lethal concentration (LC50) in air is equal to or less than 200 parts per million (ppm) by volume or less of gas or vapor, or equal to or less than 2 mg per liter or less of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to rats.

 

c. The Threshold Limit Value (TLV) or Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) is equal to or less than 5 ppm or 5 milligrams per cubic meter.

 

d. The median tolerance limit is equal to or less than 10 ppm by weight of

material in water, or the median aquatic lethal concentration is equal to or less than 10 mg/L of material, when administered for 96 hours to a medium sensitivity warm water or cold water species of fish.

 

e. Is identified or described in the medical or industrial hygiene literature as being acutely toxic.

 

ix. Unknown Toxicity

 

a. Any chemical for which there is no known statistically significant study

conducted in accordance with accepted scientific principles that establishes its toxicity.

 

b. Process Hazards

 

1. Process hazards include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

 

i. Exothermic reactions

ii. Cryogenic materials or endothermic reactions

iii. High vacuum or pressure

iv. Electrical hazards

v. Hazards associated with machinery and tools (e.g. guarding)

vi. Compressed gases

 

V. Hazard Review and Prior Protocol Approval

 

A. Hazard Reviews

 

1. Purpose

 

The Hazard Review process promotes health, safety and environmental compliance and

emphasizes prudent laboratory practices when introducing new hazards into the workplace. The results of the Hazard Review become the standard operating procedures for the project or process and must be communicated to all affected employees. This can be done through labeling, signs, memos, training and forms.

 

2. Initiate a Hazard Review:

 

a. When starting a new project or process, a new project phase, the restart of an

idle project or process, or the scale up of a project or process.

 

b. When there is a significant change to a project due to a change in raw materials which present a new hazard, an equipment or instrumentation modification which introduces a new hazard, or a change in personnel.

 

c. When significant new hazards are recognized due to a change in toxicological

data or a newly discovered or suspected hazard is documented.

 

d. When there is an unexpected event involving real or potential damage to

people, property or the environment.

 

e. When there is no previous hazard review.

 

3. Review Information

 

The Hazard Review process includes compiling the following information:

 

a. Quantities of materials to be handled.

b. Types of health and physical hazards involved in project or process.

c. Use of containment devices or other engineering controls.

d. Chemical storage requirements.

e. Process safety considerations.

f. Procedures for handling reaction chemicals, product, and by-product.

g. Hazardous waste handling, packaging, and labeling requirements and

procedures.

h. Spill and release response materials and procedures.

i. Decontamination procedures.

j. Personal protective equipment.

k. Personal hygiene practices.

l. Availability, location, and use of emergency response equipment.

m. Requirements for isolating materials and/or equipment to a designated chemical area.

n. The need for exposure monitoring.

o. The need for medical consultations, examinations, or surveillance.

p. The need to provide hazard information and training to laboratory employees,

custodians/housekeepers, maintenance employees, support staff and visitors.

 

4. Clearance Check

 

a. All projects involving chemicals must undergo an initial clearance check. Each laboratory must designate a person with the appropriate level of training and experience to be responsible for the Clearance Check. Copies of the Hazard Review must be kept on file within the laboratory.

 

b. The Clearance Check authorizes procedures for low hazard operations that use chemicals that are relatively harmless to slightly toxic and require Basic Laboratory Practices, or medium hazard situations requiring Standard Laboratory Practices where the type and level of hazard does not significantly change from previous work experience.

 

c. Procedures that do not meet the above requirements must be reviewed at the next level.

 

5. Local Peer Review

 

a. Projects that may effect the health and safety of all users in the laboratory must undergo a Local Peer Review. At a minimum, these projects or processes are reviewed by the Laboratory Supervisor, Principal Investigator, and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Chemical Hygiene Officer. A copy of theHazard Review and the people conducting the review must be kept on file within the laboratory.

 

b. The Local Peer Review authorizes procedures for medium hazard operations

requiring Standard Laboratory Practices where new hazards are introduced, and high hazard situations requiring additional protection where the type and level of hazard does not significantly change from previous work experience. These practices are satisfactory for handling:

 

i. most corrosive substances;

ii. chemicals that are not known to cause cancer in humans, but may cause cancer in animals;

iii. chemicals with up to a moderate chronic or acute toxicity rating;

iv. chemicals or processes involving flammable or reactive materials.

 

c. Procedures that do not met the above requirements must receive Prior Protocol Approval from the Chemical Hygiene Committee.

 

6. Incident Review

 

a. The Chemical Hygiene Committee will conduct a Hazard Review when there is an unexpected event involving real or potential damage to people, property or

the environment.

 

b. The review will identify what happened, how the incident was handled, and

what corrective action must be taken to prevent a reoccurrence.

 

B. Prior Protocol Approval

 

1. Chemical Hygiene Committee Review

 

a. Projects or processes involving high hazard procedures that require additional

protection where new hazards are introduced must undergo review by the

Chemical Hygiene Committee. A copy of the Hazard Review and the people

involved with the review must be kept on file in the laboratory.

 

b. This review authorizes high hazard procedures that involve:

 

i. Carcinogens;

ii. Reproductive Toxins;

iii. Acute and Highly Toxic Chemicals

iv. Processes that involve explosive, highly unstable or pyrophoric

materials, or very high or low pressures.

 

2. Approval

 

a. If the Chemical Hygiene Committee is satisfied that all safety and health

concerns have been adequately addressed, approval will be granted.

 

b. If the Chemical Hygiene Committee is not satisfied that all safety and health

concerns have been adequately addressed, the committee will assist the

Principal Investigator in completing the approval application.

 

VI. Control Measures for Chemical Use

 

A. Hazard Potential

 

1. Once a Hazard Review has been conducted, the hazard potential of the operation can

be determined. The hazard potential of an operation will determine the type of control

measures that must be used to protect the safety and health of the laboratory users.

 

2. Control measures are briefly described in this section. Refer to appropriate sections of this plan for more detailed requirements.

 

B. Types of Control Measures

 

1. Engineering controls, such as local exhaust ventilation, reduce or eliminate exposures by modifying the source or reducing the quantity of contaminants released into the air.

 

2. Administrative controls include job rotation, work assignment or time periods away

from the contaminant, and performing hazardous operations in a safe manner.

 

3. Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes respirators, gloves, eye protection, and other protective equipment. PPE is used after engineering and administrative controls have reduced, but not eliminated, the hazards.

 

C. Low Hazard Operations

 

1. Low hazard operations include work with chemicals that are relatively harmless to

slightly toxic, have no potential for uncontrolled process hazards, and staff have

previous experience with the type of work.

 

2. Low hazard operations require a "Clearance Check" prior to beginning work.

 

3. Observe Good Laboratory Practices when conducting a low hazard operation:

 

a. Personal Hygiene

 

i. Never store food or beverages in storage areas, refrigerators,

glassware, or utensils that are also used for laboratory operations.

 

ii. Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, take medicine, or apply cosmetics

                                    in laboratories where chemicals or other hazardous materials

(e.g., radioactive or bio-hazardous materials) are present.

 

iii. Mouth pipetting is prohibited. Always use a pipette bulb or other

mechanical pipette filling device.

 

iv. Wash areas of exposed skin well before leaving the laboratory.

 

v. Remove contaminated personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coats)

before leaving the laboratory.

 

b. Wear Appropriate Personal Apparel

 

i. Confine long hair and loose clothing. Wear shoes at all times in the

laboratory but do not wear sandals, perforated shoes, or canvas

sneakers.

 

ii. Always wear long-sleeved and long-legged clothing. Jewelry should

not be worn that interferes with gloves and other protective clothing or

that could come into contact with electrical sources or react with

chemicals.

 

c. Proper Equipment Use

 

i. Use equipment only for its intended purpose.

 

ii. Inspect equipment or lab apparatus for damage before use. Never use

damaged equipment such as cracked glassware or equipment with

frayed electrical wiring.

 

iii. Shield or wrap Dewar flasks and other evacuated glassware to contain chemicals and glass fragments should explosion occur.

 

d. Transport of Chemicals

 

The following guidelines will be used when transporting all chemicals within

facilities, from building to building, and on public streets.

 

i. Hand-carried chemicals should be placed in a secondary container or

acid carrying bucket to protect against breakage.

 

ii. Wheeled carts used to transport chemicals should be stable and move

smoothly over uneven surfaces without tipping or stopping suddenly,

and should have lipped surfaces that would contain the chemicals if the

containers break.

 

iii. Laboratory employees transporting chemicals must wear splash

goggles and a lab coat or apron in case containers break or chemicals

are splashed.

 

iv. Use freight elevators when available. Passenger elevators should be

used only during low-use time periods and only by those who are

handling the chemicals.

 

v. Compressed gas cylinders should be transported with hand trucks only

with the cylinder strapped in place. Cylinders should NEVER be rolled

or dragged. Keep the cylinder capped until it is used.

 

e. Housekeeping

 

i. All work areas, including work benches and floors must be kept clean,

dry, and uncluttered.

 

ii. Access to emergency equipment, fire extinguishers, utility controls,

showers, eyewash stations, and laboratory exits must never be blocked.

 

f. Toxic Discharges and Waste Disposal

 

i. Deposit chemical waste in their appropriate, labeled receptacles and

follow all other disposal procedures described in this Chemical Hygiene

Plan.

 

ii. Be particularly careful not to release hazardous substances into

designated "cold" or "warm" rooms, since these facilities have

re-circulated atmospheres.

 

iii. Minimize the release of toxic vapors into the laboratory by using

venting apparatus such as vacuum pumps and distillation columns into

local exhaust devices. When especially toxic or corrosive vapors are

involved, they should pass through scrubbers prior to being discharged

from the local exhaust system.

 

g. Working Alone

 

Employees should avoid working alone when conducting research and

experiments involving hazardous substances and procedures.

 

i.. Undergraduate teaching laboratories: A representative

trained in chemical safety must be present in the laboratory at all times

when undergraduate students are conducting experiments.

 

ii. Research Laboratories: Personnel working alone should contact Public

Safety to make them aware of their presence in the facility. Public

Safety should make periodic checks of all laboratories. These personnel should plan a route of escape in case of an emergency. If the operation must be left unattended, place an appropriate sign on the door and provide for containment of toxic substances in the event of failure of a utility service to an unattended operation.

 

h. Unattended Operations

 

i. All chemical containers, including reaction vessels and process

equipment, must be labeled.

 

ii. An emergency phone number for the responsible person must be

posted on the laboratory door.

 

iii. A sign stating "Let Run" must be posted near the process.

 

iv. The laboratory light must be kept on at all times.

 

v. Provide for the containment of toxic substances in the event of failure

of a utility service, such as cooling water. Additional controls are

needed for particularly hazardous chemicals.

 

D. Medium Hazard Operations

 

1. Medium hazard operations include work with chemicals that are identified as:

 

a. Allergen

b. Cause burns

c. Corrosive

d. Flammable

e. Heavy Metal

f. Lachrymator

g. Neurotoxin

h. Oxidizer

i. Peroxide or Peroxide forming

j. Reactive

k. Sensitizer

l. Toxic

m. Unstable

n. Water Reactive

 

2. Medium hazard operations require "Local Peer Review" prior to beginning work.

 

3. Observe the following Standard Laboratory Practices in addition to Good Laboratory

Practices for work with medium hazard operations.

 

a. Engineering Controls

 

i. Use an appropriate laboratory hood if material is volatile or the process may produce aerosols.

 

ii. Use appropriate storage containers for raw materials and waste

materials (e.g., flammable safety cans).

 

b. Administrative Controls

 

i. Have an appropriate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) available for

chemicals and procedures. Ensure that all laboratory users are familiar

with SOPs.

 

ii. Wash hands and any other potentially exposed skin immediately after

working with chemicals.

 

iii. Never eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, apply cosmetics, take medicine, or store food where chemicals are used.

 

iv. Ensure all chemical containers are appropriately labeled.

 

v. Cover work surfaces with absorbent plastic backed paper to simplify

clean-up.

 

vi. Have an appropriate waste disposal plan for waste chemicals.

 

vii. Have an appropriate spill plan for chemicals.

 

viii. If required by Hazard Review, conduct exposure monitoring and

medical consultations.

 

c. Personal Protective Equipment

 

i. Glove material must be compatible with chemical.

 

ii. Laboratory coat with long sleeves worn closed (snaps are preferred).

 

iii. Appropriate safety goggles.

 

E. High Hazard Operations

 

1. High hazard operations include work with particularly hazardous chemicals that are

identified as:

 

a. Carcinogens

b. Reproductive Toxins

c. Highly Toxic

i. Extremely Toxic

ii. Fatal

iii. Poison

d. Severe allergens

e. Causes severe burns

f. Explosive

g. Pyrophoric

h. Strong oxidizers

i. Strong sensitizers

 

2. High hazard operations require "Prior Protocol Approval" before beginning work. A

Hazard Review must be conducted annually for work that is ongoing.

 

3. High hazard operations require additional protection. Refer to Section VII for specific control measures.

 

VII. Special Control Measures for Particularly Hazardous Chemicals

 

A. General

 

1. All high hazard operations (Section VI) require Prior Protocol Approval.

 

2. During the planning of a high hazard operations, substitution of highly toxic substances with less toxic alternatives and the use of the smallest amount of material that is practical for the conduct of the experiment should be considered.

 

3. All laboratory users working with particularly hazardous chemicals must receive

additional training on the special control measures required.

 

4. Laboratories conducting high hazard operations must have restricted access. All

entrances to a laboratory or storage area where particularly hazardous chemicals are

present must be posted with permanent signs indicating the use of specific classes of

chemicals and stating "Authorized Personnel Only". If necessary, such as during

unattended operations or storage rooms, the rooms must be locked. Only personnel

with special instruction on the hazards and safe handling of the particularly hazardous

substances must be permitted access to the areas.

 

5. Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (Section V) for high hazard operations

must include specific information on the use of designated areas, engineering controls,

personal protective equipment, and decontamination procedures.

 

6. It is desirable first to conduct a "dry run" of the experiment, without the use of the

particularly hazardous chemicals. The "dry run" will serve as a training tool, and will

also assist in determining if adequate control measures have been selected.

 

B. Designated Areas

 

1. All high hazard operations must be conducted in a designated area.

 

2. Designated areas can be the entire laboratory, a portion of the laboratory, or

equipment, such as the fume hood or glove box.

 

3. Warning signs must be posted to identify the designated area. The sign must include

the name of the hazardous chemical or process, and the appropriate hazard warning.

 

C. Engineering Controls

 

1. Containment devices, such as fume hoods or glove boxes, must be used in the

following circumstances:

 

a. When the particularly hazardous chemical is volatile

 

b. When conducting manipulations that may result in the generation of aerosols

 

c. When conducting any manipulation, handling or reaction that may result in the uncontrollable release of the particularly hazardous chemical.

 

2. Fume hoods used in high hazard operations must have a continuous air flow monitor or some other mechanism for ensuring the performance of the hood.

 

3. Glove boxes must be used under negative pressure. The gloves must be checked for

integrity and compatibility with the hazardous substance. They should have at least 2

air changes per hour.

 

D. Personal Protective Equipment

 

1. Personal protective equipment (PPE), when practicable, should be disposable.

Reusable PPE must be appropriately decontaminated after use and checked before use

for wear and tear.

 

2. PPE used with high hazard operations must be removed in the designated area.

 

3. Double gloves should be used when handling particularly hazardous chemicals.

 

4. Hands, neck, arms and face must be washed after removing contaminated PPE.

 

E. Decontamination

 

1. All work surfaces in the designated area must be thoroughly washed and rinsed after

 

using particularly hazardous chemicals and before resuming normal laboratory

activities.                                                         


2. Clean floors with a wet mop or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency

particulate air (HEPA) filter. DO NOT dry sweep the area with a broom.

 

3. Laboratory equipment, such as vacuum pumps, contaminated with particularly

hazardous chemicals must be decontaminated after use. This should be done in the

fume hood.

 

4. Additional decontamination procedures may be required depending on the hazardous

material being used.

 

VIII. Engineering Controls

 

A. General Laboratory Ventilation

 

1. General laboratory ventilation shall comply with the ASHRAE Handbook of

Fundamental Guidelines and state building codes.

 

2. General laboratory ventilation shall operate continuously during working hours to

provide a source of air for input to local ventilation devices ("make-up air"). In general, a change of room air four to twelve times per hour is adequate.

 

a. Doors to laboratories must be kept closed as containment of hazardous

materials is partially dependent on proper balance of air flow. Disruption of the

positive pressure in the corridor by a laboratory door opened for an extended

period of time may result in transmission or airborne materials from the

laboratory to the corridor. Laboratory fume hoods will also function more

efficiently when the door is kept closed.

 

3. General laboratory ventilation shall not be relied on for protection from toxic

substances. The ventilation system shall direct air flow into the laboratory from non-

laboratory areas and out to the exterior of the building.

 

B. Local Exhaust Ventilation

 

1. Local exhaust ventilation systems shall be used after every effort has been made to

control the contaminant by isolation, a change in the process, or by substitution of a

less harmful material.

 

2. At a minimum, the following activities must be conducted in a laboratory fume hood:

 

a. Reactions

b. Heating or evaporating solvents

c. Work involving explosive or reactive chemicals

d. Working with 100 milliliters or more of a chemical which is a fire hazard.

 

3. The following activities must have local exhaust ventilation, such as a canopy or a spot exhaust:                                                


a. Vacuum pump exhausts

b. Gas chromatograph exit ports

c. Liquid chromatographs

d. Distillation columns

 

D. Fume Hoods

 

1. Refer to Environmental Health and Safety Policy #18 Laboratory Hood Safety for

design and failure protocols.

 

2. Fume Hood Classification System for Authorized Use

 

a. Category A

 

i. Chemicals or process reaction byproducts which are considered to be

carcinogens, reproductive toxins, allergens, or highly toxic and the

breathing zone air concentration (if no hood is present) exceeds the

substance's PEL, TLV or other safe limit.

 

ii. The ventilation flow rate must be at least 100 feet per minute (fpm),

but no greater than 150 fpm.

 

b. Category B

 

i. Chemicals or process reaction byproducts which are considered to be

carcinogens, reproductive toxins, allergens, highly toxic and the

breathing zone air concentration (if no hood is present) does not exceed the substances PEL, TLV, or other safe limit.

 

ii. Chemicals or process reaction byproducts which are not considered to

be carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or highly toxic, but the PEL, TLV

or other safe limit, is less than 100 ppm.

 

iii. The ventilation flow rate must be at least 80 fpm, but no greater than

150 fpm.

 

c. Category C

 

i. Not suitable for use with carcinogens, reproductive toxins, allergens or

highly toxic materials.

 

ii. The ventilation flow rate is at least 60 fpm but no greater than 150 fpm.

 

3. Work Practices

 

a. The user shall establish work practices that minimize emissions and employee

exposure.                                             


b. The following list concerns only those work practices related directly to hood

performance and applies only when hazardous materials are to be used in the

hood:

 

i. The worker shall not lean into the hood so that his/her head is inside

the plane of the hood face without adequate respiratory and personal

protection, except for setup work or hood maintenance;

 

ii. Equipment in the hood should not block airflow to slots in the baffle;

 

iii. Equipment that might be a source of emission (including in case of

breakage) should not be placed closer than 6 inches from the plane of

the hood face;

 

iv. Flammable liquids should not be stored permanently in the cabinet

under the hood unless that cabinet meets the requirements of ANSI/NFPA 30 and 45 for flammable liquid storage. Storage of

flammable or otherwise hazardous materials (including compressed gas

cylinders) in the active work areas of the laboratory should be kept to a

minimum. Normally, a one or two day supply should be sufficient;

 

v. The hood sash or panels shall not be removed except for setup work

without hazardous chemicals in the hood;

 

vi. The hood sash or panels should be closed to the maximum position

possible while still allowing comfortable working conditions;

 

vii. A hood that is more than 10% below standard in exhaust volume shall not be used unless its condition is labeled and the maximum sash

opening marked clearly.

 

c. Each hood shall be posted with a notice giving the date of the last periodic field test. If the hood failed the performance test, it shall be taken out of service until repaired, or posted with a restricted use notice. The notice shall state the partially closed sash position necessary and any other requisite precautions

concerning the type of work and materials permitted or prohibited.

 

d. Each laboratory hood shall be evaluated for catastrophe potential in terms of

the maximum credible accident, involving the properties and quantities of the

chemicals used and the nature of the operations. Examples of such a

catastrophe would be:

 

i. explosion

ii. violent ejection of life threatening chemicals into the room

iii. overheating of the exhaust duct

 

If the potential for a catastrophe is present, special designs to prevent the event or limit

the consequences should be implemented. Examples of such provisions would be:

 

i. special hood design

ii. fire or explosion suppressing systems

iii. redundant installed spare exhaust blowers

iv. emergency power supply

 

4. Fume Hood Failure Procedures

 

a. If it is noted by the users that their fume hood is not drawing enough air, they

should:

 

i. Immediately stop all work in the hood.

ii. Report the problem to:

 

a. Their supervisor

b. Physical Plant (464-4230)

c. Environmental Health and Safety (464-5782)

 

b. Notify others in the area and on additional shifts that the fume hood is not

operating and cannot be used. This may be done by posting the hood with a

sign. This must be strictly enforced.

 

c. Seal off any opened/exposed containers of chemical or radioactive materials

currently under the hood, or remove any supplies or equipment which may be

required as access to hood may be denied due to repair.

 

d. Work with the supervisor and other departments to either arrange for the use

of other fume hoods which are operating properly or postpone work until repairs are made.

 

e. The fume hood must not be returned to use until retested and approved for use by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

 

E. Glove Boxes

 

1. Glove boxes and glove bags are isolation units used for handling highly toxic chemicals and carcinogens. These units are negative pressure, so air leakage is into the unit. The ventilation rate must be at least 2 volume changes per hour and pressure at least 0.5 inches of water.

 

2. Some units are positive pressure, so there is the potential for leakage into the

laboratory.

 

a. Positive pressure units are used when protection from atmospheric moisture or

                        oxygen is required. Never use toxic chemicals in a positive pressure unit.

 

b. These units must be regularly tested for leaks and must have a shutoff valve

and pressure gauge installed.

 

3. Exhaust air is treated by scrubbing and/or absorption prior to release into the regular

exhaust system.

 

F. Biological Safety Cabinets

 

1. See Environmental Health and Safety Policy #18 Laboratory Hood Safety for

Biological Safety Cabinet specifications.

 

2. Biological Safety Cabinet Requirements

 

a. Class I or II cabinets should be used for Biosafety Level 2 work: if the

aerosolization potential increases the risk of exposure and disease to

unacceptable levels.

 

b. Class I or II cabinets must be used for Biosafety Level 3 work: all manipulations of infectious materials.

 

c. Class III containment hoods must be used for all procedures and activities of

Biosafety Level 4 work.

 

3. Certification

 

a. Biological safety cabinets shall be used only after certification has been

completed by a qualified outside contractor.

 

b. Biological safety cabinets shall be recertified at least yearly, or as deemed

necessary by the hazards involved.

 

c. All biological safety cabinets must also be recertified if relocated, repaired or

HEPA filters are changed. If filters are to be changed, it will require

formaldehyde decontamination of the cabinet. To facilitate this process, all

vented Type I, II, and III cabinets must be installed with seal-tight dampers to

prevent premature escape and contamination of the formaldehyde gas as it will

require the complete shut-down of the fume hood exhaust system.

 

d. All biological safety cabinets shall be posted with a "Certificate of Certification" will be posted on the unit displaying required certification dates.

 

IX. Chemical Storage

 

A. General Requirements

 

1. Every chemical will have an identifiable storage place and must be returned to that

location after use.

 

2. A storage scheme must be developed in each chemical storage area to ensure the

segregation of incompatibles. An effort must be made to isolate particularly flammable,

reactive, and toxic materials. Because of the risk of placing incompatible materials

side-by-side, a storage scheme based solely on alphabetizing is prohibited.

 

3. The storage of working containers on bench tops will be minimized to prevent the

accidental spilling of chemicals and to reduce the risk of fire.

 

4. Compatible chemicals should be grouped by container size to make it easier to retrieve chemicals and to reduce the possibility of bottle breakage. Large containers should be stored on lower shelves. Chemicals will not be stored on the floor.

 

5. Chemical storage in hoods should be kept to a minimum. Storing containers inside the hood interferes with airflow, reduces the work space, and increases the risk of a spill, fire, or explosion. Where possible, chemicals will be stored in cabinets that vent

directly into the fume hood or toxics exhaust system.

 

6. Labels must be maintained on all stored materials. New labels must be created for

secondary containers.

 

7. Stored chemicals should be stored in amber bottles and must not be exposed to direct

sunlight or heat.

 

8. Storage trays should be used to minimize the spread of a spill.

 

9. Do not store food in laboratory refrigerators.

 

10. All chemical containers left out of storage areas will be checked at the end of each

workday. Unneeded items will be returned to chemical areas or stockrooms.

 

11. All chemical containers in the following groups will be dated when they are initially

opened:

 

a. Picrics

b. Peroxides

c. Other materials known to deteriorate, or become unstable over time

d. Polymerizers that react violently in polymerization or become hazardous after

polymerization

e. Perchlorates

f. Peroxidizable materials (aldehydes, ethers, and compounds containing benzylic hydrogen atoms, e.g. isopropyl benzene and most alkene, vinyl and vinylidene compounds)

 

Expiration dates will be assigned to these chemicals. When provided, the

manufacturers' expiration date should be displayed. Peroxidizable materials must be tested routinely for peroxides.

 

12. When a laboratory is being closed or relocated, the laboratory supervisor and Chemical Hygiene Officer will arrange for the removal or safe storage of all hazardous materials remaining in their work area.

 

13. Appropriate spill-control, cleanup, and emergency equipment must be available

wherever chemicals are stored.

 

B. Segregation of Incompatible Chemicals

 

Chemicals must be segregated to prevent mixing of incompatible chemical vapors or liquids in

the event that containers break or leak. Chemicals must not be arranged alphabetically or

haphazardly in stockrooms or in laboratory work areas. It is acceptable to store solid

chemicals alphabetically if hazard classes are segregated. Particular attention must be paid to

isolating flammables, air-reactives, peroxidizables, and toxic chemicals.

 

Special attention must be paid to the following chemicals because of their potential instability.

 

Inorganic                                                                                  Organic

¨ Nitrates, nitrites, and azides                                        ¨ Ether

¨ Perchlorates                                                              ¨ Azides

¨ Perchloric acid

¨ Peroxides

¨ Phosphorous

¨ Phosphorous pentoxide

 

C. Chemical Stockrooms

 

Stockrooms are areas in facilities in which relatively large quantities of chemicals are stored for laboratory use.

 

1. General Requirements for All Stockrooms

 

a. Stockroom access must be strictly limited to specified personnel. All

laboratories, preparation rooms, and storeroom/stockrooms must be locked

and secured when designated laboratory employees are not present.

 

b. A mechanical exhaust ventilation system must be in place and must provide at

least 6 air changes per hour. Additional local exhaust may be required if

activities such as dispensing take place in the storage area.

 

c. Each storage area must have at least one large sink, safety shower, eyewash

station, and appropriate fire extinguisher with adequate extinguishing capacity.

 

d. Each chemical storage area must have a master control shutoff valve for water, electricity, and gas.

 

e. Shelving must be secure and well-braced. The weight limit provided by the

manufacturer of the shelving unit must not be exceeded. Other shelving

characteristics should include:

 

i. Anti-roll lips on all shelves to prevent containers from falling off shelves

 

ii. Metal shelves should be corrosion-resistant.

 

iii. Aisles at least 3 feet between standing shelving

 

f. All chemical storerooms and stockrooms must have clearly marked,

unobstructed exits. Each area must have two exits that are not right next to

each other.

 

g. Chemical stockrooms must be well-lit so that labels can be easily read.

 

h. No aisle is permitted to dead end. Aisles must be kept clear of clutter.

 

i. The environment in stockrooms must be controlled to avoid extremes of

temperature and high humidity. Open flames, smoking, humidifiers, and heating

units such as space heaters, hot plates and coffee makers are not permitted.

 

j. Floors must be kept clean and dry.

 

k. Wherever toxic chemicals are stored and could be released, self-contained

escape respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus must be made

available.

 

2. Flammable Materials Stockrooms

 

Flammable materials not currently in use should be isolated in stockrooms. Storage facilities for flammables must meet the following specifications:

 

a. The walls, ceilings, and floors of an inside storage room for flammable

materials must be constructed of materials having at least a 2-hour fire

resistance.

 

b. All doors between the room and the building must be self-closing Class B fire

doors.

 

c. Adequate mechanical ventilation must be provided and controlled from a

switch outside the stockroom door. Ventilation should be at floor level since

flammable vapors tend to sink.

 

d. In areas where Class I flammable liquids are stored or dispensed, electrical

power, lights, switches, and sockets must be explosion-proof.

 

e. Fan motors and ventilation equipment motors must be non-sparking.

 

f. All smoking and lighting of matches are prohibited.

 

g. An inside storage room meeting all the above specifications and not exceeding 150 square feet in floor area is permitted to contain no more than 2 gallons of flammables per square foot of floor area. Five gallons per square foot are allowed if in addition the room has an automatic sprinkler system.

 

h. Chemical storage must meet applicable local fire codes.

 

D. Chemical Storage Outside Stockrooms

 

The nature of laboratory work calls for a certain amount of chemicals to be on hand for easy

access. However, all laboratory employees must limit, as much as possible, the amounts of

chemicals stored on bench tops, in hoods, under sinks or other exposed areas. When these

chemicals are flammable, combustible, reactive, toxic, or corrosive, the following rules will be

observed.

 

1. Flammables and Combustibles

 

Legal limits on amounts of flammables, combustibles, reactives, and unstable chemicals

in laboratories will be determined and observed for each laboratory.

 

a. Flammable Liquids Storage Cabinets

 

i. Flammable materials must be stored in cabinets that meet OSHA and

National Fire Protection Association specifications that cabinet contents be protected from temperatures exceeding 325 degrees F for at least

10 minutes, enough time for personnel to evacuate the area.

 

ii. NO MORE THAN 60 GALLONS OF FLAMMABLES AND 120

GALLONS OF COMBUSTIBLES MAY EVER BE STORED IN

THESE CABINETS.

 

b. Maximum Container Sizes

 

i. OSHA and NFPA limit the size of the container for classes of

flammable and combustible materials. The more fire-resistant a

container, the larger it may be. Only certified containers will be used.

 

c. Safety Cans for Flammables

 

i. Portable and approved safety cans should be used when possible for

storing flammable liquids. Flammable liquids in quantities greater than 1

liter (2.2 quarts) will be stored in metal containers. Flammable liquids

purchased in large containers should be re-packed into smaller safety

cans for distribution to laboratories. The cans must be grounded and bonded during transfer.

 

d. Flammable and Other Compressed Gases

 

i. The names of compressed gases must be prominently posted.

 

ii. Storage of flammable gases in laboratories is not permitted, except

when being used. No more than twice the procedure's requirements

will be present in the laboratory.

 

iii. Flammable gas cylinders should be stored in a separate area from other types of compressed gases.

 

iv. Cylinders of incompatible gases must be segregated by distance.

Cylinders must be grouped by the type of gas (e.g. toxic, corrosive, etc.)

 

v. Empty cylinders should be separated from nonempty cylinders and

labeled "empty" or "MT."

 

vi. All compressed gases must be stored away from direct or localized

heat (including radiators, steam pipes, or boilers) in well-ventilated and

dry areas and away from areas where heavy items may strike them

(e.g., near elevators or service corridors).

 

vii. All compressed gases, including empty cylinders, must be secured in an upright position with chains, straps or special stands of adequate

strength and must be capped when stored or moved.

 

viii A hand truck must be available for transporting gas cylinders to and

from storage areas.

 

2. Oxidizers

 

a. Oxidizers must be stored away from incompatible materials such as:

 

i. Flammables and combustible materials

ii. Greases

iii. Paper trash bins

iv. Finely divided metals

v. Organic liquids

vi. Other oxidizers

 

b. Nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and perchloric acid should be stored separately from organic acids in rooms, cabinets, or break-resistant containers and placed in acidic-resistant trays.

 

c. Strong oxidizing agents should be stored and used in glass or other inert

containers. Corks and rubber stoppers should not be used. High energy

oxidizers should be segregated.

 

3. Peroxides and chemicals that tend to form peroxides must be stored in airtight

containers in a dark, cool, and dry place.

 

a. To minimize the rate of decomposition, peroxides and peroxidizable materials

should be stored at the lowest possible temperature consistent with their

solubility and freezing point. Liquid peroxide or solutions should not be stored

at or below temperature the peroxide freezes or precipitates at, because

peroxides in these forms are extremely sensitive to shock and heat.

 

4. Toxics

 

a. Extremely toxic substances must be stored in unbreakable chemically resistant

secondary containers.

 

b. Adequate ventilation must be provided in storage areas especially for toxics

that have a high vapor pressure.

 

c. All dispensing of these materials must be conducted in a fume hood.

 

X. Personal Protective Equipment

 

A. General

 

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used after engineering and administrative

controls have been put into place, but the potential for exposure to hazardous materials

still remain.

 

2. PPE includes, but is not limited to protective eyewear, gloves, respirators and clothing.

 

3. PPE must be evaluated by the Chemical Hygiene Officer for chemical compatibility and suitability for use with the potential hazards.

 

4. Users must be trained in the proper use of PPE. If respiratory protection is required,

medical clearance and fit testing are also required. Refer to Environmental Health and

Safety Policies #28 Personal Protective Equipment and #30 Respiratory Protection for

additional information.                           


5. Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (Section V.) must include specific

information on the type of PPE required for each hazardous chemical or process.

 

B. Requirements

 

1. Eye Protection: When an operation or activity has the potential of an eye injury from dust, liquids, impact, glare, or any other foreign object entering the eye.

 

2. Face Protection: When an operation or activity has the potential of a face injury from flying objects, chemical splash, or injurious radiation. Eye protection must always be worn under face protection.

 

3. Respiratory Protection: When an operation or activity has a potential of harmful

concentrations of dusts, fumes, gases, vapors, or radionuclides being present in the

work environment.

 

4. Hearing Protection: When working in an area designated as a hearing protection area and/or when working near equipment with a noise level of 85 dB or greater.

 

5. Hard Hats: When working at or visiting construction sites, designated hard hat areas, or any other area where tools or objects may fall from above. When working with equipment used for lifting or excavating, or working on high voltages that require rubber gloves.

 

6. Safety Shoes: When an operation or activity has the potential of a foot injury from

falling and/or rolling objects, from piercing the sole, or from electrical hazards.

 

7. Gloves: When an operation or activity has the potential to cut, burn, blister or bruise

the hands, especially when working with chemicals, high voltages, metal plates, or

pipes.

 

8. Safety Belts: When working from an aerial lift, riding in a man-lift or working on any unguarded raised platform or roof.

 

9. Safety Harness: When working in Confined Space Operations.

 

10. Disposable Clothing: When an operation or activity has the potential of an exposure to asbestos, PCB oil, pesticide spray, or any other contaminant.

 

11. Protective Clothing: Whenever engaged in an activity or operation where the normal working attire will not afford suitable protection from injury.

 

 

 

 

 

C. Eye and Face Protection Selection Chart

______________________________________________________________________________

Source                                                 Assessment of Hazard                                                Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMPACT - Chipping, grinding   Flying fragments, objects, large   Spectacles with side protection,

machining, masonry work,                      chips, particles of sand, dirt etc.  goggles, face shields. See notes (1),

woodworking, sawing, drilling,                                                    (3), (5), (6), (10). For severe

chiseling, powered fastening,                                                      exposure, use faceshield.

riveting, and sanding.

.___________________________________________________________________________________________________

HEAT - Furnace operations,     Hot sparks.....................                       Face shields, goggles, spectacles with

pouring, casting, hot dipping, and                                                 side protection, For severe exposure

welding.                                                                                                use faceshield. See notes (1), (2), and (3)

 

Splash from molten metals..       Face shields worn over goggles. See

notes (1), (2), and (3).

High temperature exposure..      Screen face shields, reflective face

shields. See notes (1), (2), and (3).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHEMICALS - All chemical   Splash.........................              Goggles, eyecup and cover types. For

handling.                                                                                   severe exposure, use face shield. See

notes (3), (11).

Irritating mists...............                        Special purpose goggles.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

DUST - Woodworking, buffing, Nuisance dust                           Goggles, eyecup and cover types. See

general dusty conditions.                                                                        note (8).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

LIGHT RADIATION -

Welding: Electric arc                 Optical radiation..............          Welding helmets or welding shields.

Typical shades: 10-14. See notes (9), (12).                                                                                             

Welding: Gas                             Optical radiation..............          Welding goggles or welding face

shield. Typical shades: gas welding

4-8, cutting 3-6, brazing 3-4. See note (9).

 

Cutting, Torch brazing, Torch     Optical radiation..............          Spectacles or welding face shield.

soldering                                                                                   Typical shades 1.5-3. See notes (3), (9).

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Notes to Eye and Face Protection Selection Chart:

 

(1)        Care should be taken to recognize the possibility of multiple and simultaneous exposure to a variety of hazards. Adequate protection against the highest level of each of the hazards should be provided. Protective devices do not provide unlimited protection.

 

(2)        Operations involving heat may also involve light radiation. Protection from both hazards must be provided.

 

(3)        Face shields should only be worn over primary eye protection (spectacles or goggles).

 

 

(4)        Filter lenses must meet the requirements for shade designations in 29 CFR

1910.133(a)(5). Tinted and shaded lenses are not filter lenses unless they are marked or identified as such.

.

(5)        Persons whose vision requires the use of prescription (Rx) lenses must wear either protective devices fitted with prescription (Rx) lenses or protective devices designed to be worn over regular prescription (Rx) eyewear.

 

(6)        Wearers of contact lenses must also wear appropriate eye and face protection devices in hazardous environment. It should be recognized that dusty and/or chemical environments may represent an additional hazard to contact lens wearers.

 

(7)        Caution should be exercised in the use of metal frame protective devices in electrical hazard areas.

 

(8)        Atmospheric conditions and the restricted ventilation of the protector can cause lenses to fog. Frequent cleansing may be necessary.

 

(9)        Welding helmets of face shields should be used only over primary eye protection (spectacles or goggles).

 

(10)      Non-side shield spectacles are available for frontal protection only, but are not acceptable eye protection for the sources and operations listed for "impact".

 

(11)      Ventilation should be adequate, but well protected from splash entry. Eye and face protection should be designed and used so that it provides both adequate ventilation and protects the wearer from splash entry.

 

(12)      Protection from light radiation is directly related to filter lens density. See note (4). Select the darkest shade that allows task performance.

 

D. Selection Guidelines for Hand Protection

 

Gloves are often relied upon to prevent cuts, abrasions, burns, and skin contact with chemicals that are capable of causing local or systemic effects following dermal exposure. There are no gloves available that provide protection against all potential hand hazards, and commonly available glove materials provide only limited protection against many chemicals. Therefore, it is important to select the most appropriate glove for a particular application and to determine how long it can be worn, and whether it can be reused. Hypo-allergenic gloves must be provided if necessary. The following chart can be used as a guide in determining the correct chemical protective clothing material for the chemical hazard. For the best protection, check with the manufacturer for degradation and permeation information.

 

Chemical                                 Excellent                     Good                           Do Not Use

______________________________________________________________________________

Acetaldehyde                            None                           Natural Rubber                        Nitrile

Neoprene                      Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Acetic Acid (Glacial)                 Neoprene                      Natural Rubber             PVA

Nitrile                           PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Acetone                                                None                            Natural Rubber             Nitrile

Neoprene                      PVA, PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Benzene                                   None                            PVA                            Natural Rubber

Neoprene, Nitrile

______________________________________________________________________________

Butanol                                                 Natural Rubber             PVC                             PVA

Neoprene

Nitrile

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Butyl Cellosolve                                    Neoprene                      Natural Rubber             PVA, PVC

(2-butoxyethanol)                                  Nitrile

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Butyl Acetate                            PVA                            Nitrile                           Natural Rubber

Neoprene, PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cellosolve                                 Neoprene                      Nitrile                           Natural Rubber

(2-ethoxyethanol)                                                                                                          PVA , PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chloroform                               PVA                            None                            Natural Rubber

Neoprene, Nitrile, PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ethyl Acetate                            None                            Natural Rubber             Nitrile

Neoprene                      PVC

PVA

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ethyl Ether                                Nitrile                           Neoprene                      Natural Rubber

PVA                                                                PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ethylene Glycol                                     Natural Rubber             None                            PVA

Neoprene

Nitrile, PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Formaldehyde                           Nitrile                           Natural Rubber             PVA

(>10%)                                                             Neoprene

PVC

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hexane                                                 Neoprene                      PVA                            Natural Rubber

Viton                                                                PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hydrochloric Acid                     Neoprene                      Natural Rubber                         PVA

(concentrated)                           Nitrile

PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Chemical                                 Excellent                     Good                           Do Not Use

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Isobutyl Alcohol                                    Natural Rubber             Supported Neoprene      PVC

Nitrile                                                               Unsupported Neoprene

Viton

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Isopropanol                               Natural Rubber             PVC                             PVA

Neoprene

Viton

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Methanol                                  Natural Rubber             PVC                             PVA

Neoprene

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Methylene Chloride                   None                            PVA                            Natural Rubber

Viton                            Neoprene, PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Methyl Ethyl Ketone                  None                           Natural Rubber             Neoprene

PVA                            Nitrile, PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone              None                            Natural Rubber             Neoprene

PVA                            Nitrile, PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mineral Spirits                           Nitrile                           Neoprene                      Natural Rubber

PVA                                                                PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nitric Acid (70%)                      Neoprene                      PVC                             Natural Rubber

Nitrile, PVA

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Perchloroethylene                      PVA                            None                            Natural Rubber

Viton                                                                Neoprene., PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________Sodium Hydroxide                   Natural Rubber             PVC                             PVA

Neoprene

Nitrile

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sulfuric Acid (95%)                   PVC                             Neoprene                      Natural Rubber

Nitrile

PVA

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Toluene                                    Viton                            PVA                            Natural Rubber

Neoprene

PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

1,1,1 Trichloroethane                 PVA                            None                            Natural Rubber

Neoprene

PVC

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Xylene                                      PVA                            None                            Natural Rubber

Viton                                                                Neoprene, PVC

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

E. Respirator Selection and Use

 

1. Selection of respirators and respirator accessories, fit testing and training must be coordinated through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

 

2. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will evaluate the work area for

chemical toxicity, the potential for exposure, the concentration and duration of

exposure, and the limitation of the various types of respiratory protection that are

available.

 

3. A respirator must never be worn before an evaluation has been made. Use of a

respirator by an untrained individual, or in an application other than that for which it

was designed, can prove extremely dangerous. In addition, a single respirator facepiece

cannot be designed to fit the entire working population.

 

4. Any laboratory user who is required to wear a respirator must receive medical

clearance, be fit tested and trained before using the respirator.

 

XI. Emergencies

 

A. General

 

For emergencies such as fires, explosions, spills or transportation accidents, the basic protocol

is:

 

1. Rescue anyone immediately affected by the emergencies. Only perform the rescue if it does not put yourself at risk. If trained, provide first aid to the victims.

 

2. Notify the proper authorities:

 

a. If the emergency involves a fire, use the manual pull box to activate the alarm.

 

b. For other emergencies, contact Law Enforcement at 2278, and describe the

emergency. Request the Office of Environmental Health & Safety for

biological and chemical emergencies, and the Radiation Safety Office if

radiological materials are involved.

 

3. Warn others in the area about the emergency, and stay clear of the area.

 

4. Follow the directions of the Emergency Responders (i.e. Fire Department personnel,

Office of Environmental Health and Safety personnel). Do not re-enter the area until the area is deemed safe by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety or other emergency responders.

 

5. Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures must include information on preventing

and responding to spills for each hazardous chemical or process.

 

B. Bio-hazard Spills in the Laboratory

 

1. Employee Contamination

 

a. If the skin becomes contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials,

wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.

 

b. If blood or other potentially infectious material is splashed into the eyes, immediately

use the eyewash station, and flush for at least 15 minutes.

 

c. Remove grossly contaminated clothing immediately. Place the contaminated clothing in a plastic bag.

 

d. Report the spill to the Supervisor, and seek medical attention.

 

2. Clean Up

 

a. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to clean up the spill. At a

minimum, this includes gloves, protective eyewear and a mask, or a faceshield.

Depending on the size and type of spill, impervious gowns, protective foot coverings,

or respirators may be needed.

 

b. Pick up any broken glass with tongs or some other mechanical device. Do not use your hands.

 

c. Place absorbent towels over the spill, making sure not to spread the liquid.

 

d. Carefully pour a dilute bleach solution (1:10) or other EPA registered tuberculocidal

agent over the absorbent towels. Let this remain for 10 minutes in order to disinfect the

spill.

 

e. Carefully pick up the absorbent towels, and place into a plastic bag. Wash the

contaminated area again with the bleach other disinfectant. Rinse the area with water.

 

f. All PPE, towels, and other items that became contaminated must be disposed of a

regulated medical waste.

 

g. Wash hands and any other exposed skin with soap and water before leaving the work

area.

 

3. Spills or Breakage in a Centrifuge

 

a. Turn off the centrifuge, and allow it to come to a full stop before opening the cover.

 

b. Wear the appropriate PPE to clean the spill.

 

c. Remove any broken glass with tongs, and clean the spill as outlined above.

 

4. Spills in a Biological Safety Cabinet or Laminar Flow Hood

 

a. Do not shut off the ventilation. The cabinet should be left running to prevent the escape of contaminants. If there is a UV light, leave it on.

 

b. Wear the appropriate PPE. If the material is infectious, a respirator may be needed.

Contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for additional information.

 

c. Use a diluted bleach solution (1:10) or an EPA registered tuberculocidal agent to

disinfect the cabinet. Wipe the walls, work surfaces, and equipment with the

disinfectant. Use sufficient amount of the disinfectant to ensure that the drain pans and

catch basins below the work surface get disinfected. Lift the front exhaust grill and tray

and wipe all surfaces. Let the disinfectant stand for 10 minutes. Wipe the catch basin

and drain the disinfectant into a container. Wipe the area with water.

 

d. This procedure will not disinfect the filters, blowers airducts, or other interior parts of the cabinet. If the cabinet is to be sterilized, contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for additional information.

 

C. Chemical Spills

 

1. Employee Contamination

 

a. If the skin becomes contaminated with hazardous materials, wash the affected area

thoroughly with copious amounts of water. If available, use the Emergency Shower for

at least 15 minutes.

 

b. If hazardous material is splashed into the eyes, immediately use the eyewash station,

and flush for at least 15 minutes.

 

c. Remove grossly contaminated clothing immediately. Place the contaminated clothing in a plastic bag.

 

d. Report the spill to the Supervisor, and seek medical attention.

 

2. Small Chemical Spill Clean Up

 

a. Small spills are less than 20 to 30 cc, or 1 ounce. These spills can be cleaned up by

trained laboratory personnel.

 

b. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to clean up the spill. At a

minimum, this includes gloves, and protective eyewear. Depending on the size and type of spill, protective clothing, protective foot coverings and a respirator may be needed.

 

c. Pick up any broken glass with tongs or some other mechanical device. Do not use your hands.

 

d. Place absorbent material over the spill, making sure not to spread the liquid.

 

e. Dispose of all contaminated material in a plastic bag. Label the bag with the name of

the hazardous material. Contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety

for disposal.

 

3. Large Chemical Spill Clean Up

 

a. Large chemical spills are spills greater than 20 to 30 cc, or any quantity of a chemical that has a highly hazardous material.

 

b. Immediately evacuate the area and close all doors. Notify others not to enter the area.

 

c. For spills of highly hazardous material, activate the fire alarm by pulling the nearest fire alarm box.

 

d. Contact Law enforcement at 2278 and request the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.

 

e. Inform Environmental Health & Safety of the location, the name of the material

that spilled and the approximate quantity of spilled material.

 

f. Do not reenter the area until advised by the Office of Environmental Health and

Safety that it is safe to do so.

 

D. Reporting

 

1. All fire, chemical or biological emergencies or injuries to laboratory workers due to

laboratory work, must be reported to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety within 48 hours.

 

2. The incident report must include the following:

                                                                       


a. Type of emergency

b. Name of material spilled, including pH, strength, concentration, etc.

c. Area of spill and estimate of volume

d. Remediation performed

e. Any follow-up that may be necessary

f. Contact person

g. Names of people who may have been exposed to substance

 

XII. Hazardous Waste Disposal

 

A. General

 

1. Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (Section V.) must include information on

waste disposal for each hazardous chemical or process.

 

B. Work Practices

 

1. The generation of hazardous waste is to be minimized. Investigators are encouraged to develop and use validated experimental procedures that replace hazardous materials

with non-hazardous materials, minimize generation of hazardous wastes, or result in

effective treatment of wastes to reduce or eliminate hazardous characteristics.

 

2. When packaging any type of waste for collection, do not put more than 40 pounds of

waste in a single container nor fill more than 3/4 full. Allow space in containers for

expansion of vapors.

 

3. All materials that pose a potential puncture hazard (e.g., hypodermic needles, broken

glass, and plastic-ware) must be packaged in puncture resistant containers prior to

removal from the work area.

 

4. Do not mix general waste with hazardous wastes (e.g., Regulated Medical Waste,

Asbestos, Chemical, or Radioactive Waste). Do not commingle hazardous waste

categories (e.g., Flammables and Poisons). Do not package general waste in hazardous

waste containers.

 

5. Non-water soluble materials, Primary Radioactive Wastes, and Hazardous Chemical

Wastes such as Corrosives, Flammable Liquids, Carcinogens, Mutagens and other

toxic or reactive chemicals shall not be discharged into any sanitary or storm drain

systems. Any exceptions must be approved by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety prior to disposal.

 

6. Hazardous wastes must never be left on loading docks, freight elevator lobbies,

hallways or any other unrestricted locations.

 

7. All hazardous wastes must be identified before being offered for disposal. Waste of

unknown or incorrectly described composition presents difficult handling and disposal

problems and may require costly analysis before removal and disposal can be

accomplished. The cost of this analysis and disposal is the responsibility of the

generator.

 

8. Before initiating treatment or recycling of a hazardous waste, generators are requested to contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety to ensure that the proposed treatment process meets safety, regulatory, and recordkeeping requirements.

 

XIII. Exposure Monitoring and Evaluation

 

A. Exposure Monitoring

 

1. Monitoring for airborne concentrations of hazardous materials is not normally needed. OSHA regulated chemicals (e.g., formaldehyde, benzene, methylene chloride and cadmium) may require initial monitoring, and additional monitoring if the Action Level or Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) is exceeded.

 

2. Exposure monitoring for non-OSHA regulated chemicals will be conducted under the

following circumstances:

 

a. when large quantities of a hazardous chemical is used for a long period of time

 

b. when the PI or Laboratory Supervisor requests monitoring.

 

c. an accident involving release of air contaminants

 

3. Within 15 days of receipt of monitoring results, laboratory users will be notified of the results in writing either individually or by posting results in an appropriate location.

 

4. Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures must include information on whether or

not exposure monitoring is required for each hazardous chemical or process.

 

B. Exposure Evaluation

 

1. An exposure evaluation is performed to determine whether there was an exposure that might have caused harm to one or more laboratory users and if so, to identify the

hazardous chemical, or chemicals, that were involved and the equipment and

procedures relevant to the event.

 

2. Events or circumstances which might reasonably be considered as evidence that an

overexposure to hazardous chemicals has occurred include:

 

a. uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical

 

b. any monitoring or air sampling results indicating an exposure above acceptable levels

 

c. direct skin or eye contact with a chemical

 

d. detection of an odor, especially if the person was working with any chemical

which has a lower PEL or TLV than odor threshold

 

e. the manifestation of health hazard symptoms

 

f. disappearance of some or all symptoms when the person is taken away from

the chemical area and into fresh air

 

g. reappearance of prior symptoms soon after person resumes working with

chemicals again

 

h. complaints from more than one person in the same work area.

 

3. The following procedure will be followed for an exposure evaluation:

 

a. Interview the person reporting the event, and any other persons potentially

exposed.

 

b. List essential information about the circumstances of the event, including:

 

i. Specific chemical(s) involved

ii. Other chemical used by workers involved in the event

iii. Other chemicals used by others in the immediate area

iv. Other chemicals stored in that area

v. Symptoms exhibited or described by workers

vi. Symptoms stated in the MSDSs or other pertinent references for

chemicals in the area

vii. Description of control measures, such as fume hoods and PPE, and the way they were used at the time of the event

viii Results of any air sampling or monitoring devices in place

 

c. Sample air and work surfaces as appropriate in the area

 

d. Determine how the worker's symptoms compare to the information in the

literature

 

e. Decide whether to send the worker for preliminary medical evaluations

 

f. Review the adequacies of present control measures and safety procedures

 

XIV. Medical Consultations and Exams

 

1. Employees who work with hazardous chemicals are provided the opportunity to receive a medical consultation and examination whenever:

 

a. An employee develops signs and symptoms of exposure associated with chemicals they are using, or may be in contact with, in the laboratory.

 

b. OSHA regulated substances are measured above permissible exposure limits (PEL).

 

c. Whenever an event takes place in the work area such as a spill or leak resulting in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure, the affected employee shall be provided an opportunity for a medical consultation. Such consultation shall be for the purpose of determining the need for a medical examination.

 

2. All medical examinations and consultations must:

 

a. Be performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. Every effort should be made to refer employees to licensed physicians who have been trained to recognize signs and symptoms of chemical-related exposure and disease.

 

b. Be provided at no cost to the employee.

 

c. Be provided without loss of pay to the employee.

 

d. Be performed at a reasonable time and place for the employee. Every effort should be made to schedule medical examinations and consultations during the employee's regularly scheduled work hours, provided there is no undue delay in medical attention.

 

Note: The consultation and the exam are not mandatory for the employee.

 

3. The Department must provide to the examining physician:

 

a. The generic and trade names of all hazardous chemicals and chemical compounds to which the employee may have been exposed. The employer should also provide to the physician copies of Material Safety Data Sheets for any suspect chemical.

 

b. Conditions under which the exposure occurred. The employer must provide all available information including data pertaining to experiments or procedures involved.

 

c. Signs or symptoms of exposure experienced by the employee during, soon after, and within 72 hours after the incident. Everyone in the proximity of the exposure should be interviewed to determine if others experienced similar

                        symptoms. In the event that the employee is not able to communicate, others in the laboratory may be able to recall symptoms they observed or know the employee complained of.

 

4. The Department must obtain a written opinion from the examining physician. The written opinion must include:

 

a. Recommendations for medical follow-up

 

b. The results of all medical examinations and tests

 

c. Any medical condition the employee has that places him or her at risk as a result of future exposures to hazardous chemicals

 

d. A statement confirming that the employee has been advised of the results of the examinations and tests, including any medical conditions relevant to occupational or chemical exposures

 

The written opinion must not reveal specific findings of diagnoses unrelated to occupational exposure.

 

5. Medical records well be kept by the Department for 40 years. Medical records are considered privileged information, and must be kept in a secured location.

 

XV. Employee Information and Training

 

A. Information

 

Each division or department must make health and safety information for each chemical (or

hazard class of chemicals) used or stored in the lab readily available to all laboratory

employees during working hours. Access to Material Safety Data Sheets and other reference texts on chemical health hazards, fire hazards, reactivity hazards, and properties (vapor density, vapor pressure, lower and upper explosive limits, etc.) will be provided on each shift. Employees must have access to a copy of the OSHA Laboratory Standard and its appendices, as well as to a list of OSHA permissible exposure limits.

 

B. Training

 

1. All laboratory employees including faculty, graduate student teaching assistants,

postdoctoral candidates, secretaries, laboratory technicians, and maintenance and

custodial employees who may come in contact with the laboratory environment must

attend a laboratory employee training session provided by the Chemical Hygiene

Officer at the time of initial employment and each year thereafter. The training will

cover their rights and responsibilities under the OSHA Laboratory Standard, and

specific operating procedures for working with chemicals. Additional training will be

provided when new hazards are introduced.

 

2. Training Program Elements

 

a. Orientation sessions

 

A department-specific chemical hazard orientation session will be conducted

for each department by the Chemical Hygiene Officer. Specific focus for

training sessions will be developed by the Chemical Hygiene Officer in

conjunction with departmental representatives.

 

Times and locations for these sessions must be sent to each department

chairperson and sign-up sheets will be posted. All laboratory employees must

attend this session at least once a year. Training must be given in languages

that can be understood by all employees. The Chemical Hygiene Officer will

coordinate attendance through designated Department personnel. These

orientation sessions will cover the following topics:

 

i. Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law Provisions

ii. Contents of the OSHA Laboratory Standard and its appendices and

how the institution has responded to meet its responsibilities

iii. Location and availability of the Chemical Hygiene Plan, Material Safety Data Sheets, and additional resources on all aspects of laboratory

health and safety relevant to employee exposure

iv. How to read a Material Safety Data Sheet

v. Physical and health hazards of chemical classes (flammable, reactives,

carcinogens, corrosives, etc.) used by employees and general operating

procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of these materials

vi. Signs and symptoms of exposure to chemicals and availability of

medical consultations and exams

vii. Use of fume hoods and personal protective equipment

viii Special operating procedures to be used for extremely hazardous

chemicals

ix. How to conduct a hazard evaluation of lab operations

x. How to conduct a laboratory inspection

xi. Protocol for dealing with faulty hoods and equipment and lack of

proper safety equipment

xii. OSHA permissible exposure limits and other recommended limits

(National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health, American

Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists).

xiii Filing incident report forms

 

b. Hands-on Instruction

 

All laboratory supervisors will conduct training with assistance from the

Chemical Hygiene Officer or other capable individual to ensure that all

employees in the laboratory receive hands-on experience with:

 

i. Proper use of fume hoods and other local exhaust system and

assessment of hood performance

ii. Use of emergency showers and eyewash stations

iii. Location and use of spill-control equipment

iv. Emergency protocol and telephone numbers

v. Chemicals and standard operating procedures used in the lab

 

When feasible, spill scenarios (derived from selected hazard evaluations of

procedures conducted in the laboratory) and potential medical emergencies will

be simulated (using inert materials) and discussed.

 

3. Refresher and New Hazard Training

 

Training for experienced workers will be scheduled whenever new hazards are

introduced, and when lab conditions or practices change. Refresher training will be

scheduled or integrated into other lab activities as needed. Training will be coordinated

by the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

 

4. Training Materials

 

The following materials, at a minimum, will be distributed in each initial training

program:

 

i. Right to Know fact sheet

ii. Laboratory Standard fact sheet

iii. List of key emergency telephone numbers including Chemical Hygiene Officer

iv. Sample MSDS and fact sheet on how to read

v. Chemical storage scheme chart

vi. List of hazard classes and chemical examples

vii. Hazard review checklist

viii Laboratory inspection form

ix. Incident report form

 

C. Recordkeeping

 

Each department must maintain records of all laboratory training sessions, including sample

agendas, handouts, sign-in sheets, course date, and the number of hours participants attended.

Copies of these records must be provided to the Chemical Hygiene Officer after each training

session. The Chemical Hygiene Officer will maintain training records. Records will be

maintained for three (3) years.

 

XVI. Resources

 

Journals

Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of

Governmental Hygienists.

 

Chemical and Engineering News. Washington, D.C.: American Chemical Society.

 

Journal of Chemical Education. Easton, PA: American Chemical Society, Division of Chemical Education.

 

Chemical Health & Safety, Washington, D. C.: Division of Chemical Health and Safety and the American Chemical Society.

 

Laboratory Safety and Environmental Management. Burbank, CA: Target Group.

 

Laboratory Safety

Ashbrook, P. C. and Renfrew, M. M. Eds. Safe Laboratories: Principles and Practices for Design and Remodeling. Lewis Publishers: Chelsea, MI, 1991.

 

Luxon, S. G. Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory; 5th ed.; Royal Society of Chemistry: London, 1993.

 

Mayo, D.W., et. al. Microscale Organic Laboratory; Wiley: New York, 1989.

 

Pipitone, D.A., Ed. Safe Storage of Laboratory Chemicals; 2nd ed.; Wiley/Interscience: New York, 1991.

 

Stricoff, R. S. Handbook of Laboratory Health and Safety, 2nd ed.; 1995.

 

Young, J.A., Ed. Improving Safety in the Chemical Laboratory: A Practical Guide; 2nd ed.;

Wiley/Interscience: New York, 1991.

 

Design of Safe Chemical Laboratories: Suggested References; Committee on Chemical Safety;

American Chemical Society: Washington, D.C., 1991.

 

Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals; National Academy of Sciences: Washington, D.C., 1995.

 

Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories; 6th ed., American Chemical Society: Washington, D. C., 1995.

 

Safety in the Chemical Laboratory; 4 vols.; Reprints from J. Chem. Educ., Journal of Chemical Education: Easton, PA, 1964-1980.

 

Understanding Chemical Hazards: A Guide for Students; American Chemical Society: Washington, D.C., 1994.

 

McKusick, B.B. "Procedures for Laboratory Destruction of Chemicals", J. Chem. Educ. 61, A152 (1984).

 

Hoods, Laboratory Ventilation

Burton, J. Laboratory Ventilation Workbook; 2nd ed.; IVE: Cincinnati, OH, 1994.

 

DiBerardinis, L. J.; et al. Guidelines for Laboratory Design: Health and Safety Considerations, 2nd ed.; Wiley/Interscience: New York, 1993.

 

Saunders, G. T. Laboratory Fume Hoods: A User's Manual; Wiley/Interscience: New York, 1993.

 

Industrial Ventilation; A Manual of Recommended Practice; 22nd ed.; American Conference of

Governmental and Industrial Hygienists: Cincinnati, OH, 1995.

 

Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation of Local Exhaust Systems, ANSI Z9.2-1992; American National Standards Institute: New York, 1992.

 

Methods of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods, ANSI/ASHRAE 110-1985; American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, Atlanta, GA, 1985.

 

Mikell, W. G.; Fuller, R. H. "Good Hood Practices for Safe Hood Operation", J. Chem. Educ. 65, A36 (1988).

 

Hazardous Substances Information

Budavari, S. The Merck Index of Chemicals and Biologicals, 12th ed.; Rahway, NJ: Merck and Company.

 

Clayton, F. & G., eds. Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology (5 vols), New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1994.

 

Sax, N. I. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 9th ed.; New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

 

Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, 3rd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Publications, 1992.

 

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Threshold Limit

 

 Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Work Environment and Biological Exposure Indices; Cincinnati, OH; ACGIH.

 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Pocket Guide to Chemical

 Hazards; NIOSH Publication 90-117. Washington, D. C.; US Government Printing Office.

 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Toxic and Hazardous Substances, 29 CFR Part 1910.1000-1101. Washington, D. C.; US Government Printing Office.

 

Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS); DHHS (NIOSH); Governmental Printing Office: Washington, D. C.

 

Carcinogens

 

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Monographs on the Evaluation of the

Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. Albany, NY: World Health Organization.

 

Castegnaro, M.; Sansone, E. B. Chemical Carcinogens: Some Guidelines for Handling and Disposal in the Laboratory; Springer-Verlag: New York, 1986.

 

Walters, D. B. Ed. Safe Handling of Chemical Carcinogens, Mutagens, Teratogens, and Highly Toxic Substances; Ann Arbor Science/ CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 1980.

 

Carcinogens - Regulation and Control: A Management Guide to Carcinogens, Regulation and

Control; NIOSH, DHEW Publication 77-205; US Government Printing Office; Washington, D. C., 1977.

 

Carcinogens - Working with Carcinogens - Regulation and Control. Working with Carcinogens - A Guide to Good Health Practices; NIOSH, DHEW Publication 77-206; US Government Printing Office: Washington, D. C., 1977.

 

NIH Guidelines for the Laboratory Use of Chemical Carcinogens; National Institutes of Health, DHSS; US Government Printing Office: Washington, D. C., 1981.

 

Annual Report on Carcinogens; DHHS (NTP), a summary from National Toxicology Program; Public Information Office: Research Triangle Park, NC, 1994.

 

Reproductive Toxins

 

Shepard, T. H. Catalog of Teratogenic Agents; 8th ed.; Johns Hopkins: Baltimore, MD, 1995.

 

Messite, J.; Bond, M. B. "Reproductive Toxicology and Occupational Exposure", Chapter 54. In: Occupational Medicine, C. Zenz ed.; Chicago, IL, Yearbook Medical Publishers, 1988.

 

Reproductive Health Hazards in the Workplace; Office of Technology Assessment; US Government Printing Office: Washington, D. C., 1985.

 

Beyler, R. E.; Myers, V. K. "What Every Chemist Should Know About Teratogens", J. Chem. Educ. 59, 759 (1982).

 

Toxicology

 

Gosselin, R. E., Ed. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products; 5th ed.; Williams and Wilkins: Baltimore, MD, 1984.

 

Klassen, C. D.; Amdur, M. O. and Doull, J. Cassarett and Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, 5th ed. MacMillan Publishing Company: New York, 1995.

 

Reactive Chemicals

 

Bretherick, L. Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards; 4th ed.; Butterworths: London, 1990.

 

Manual of Hazardous Chemical Reactions; NFPA Manual 491M; National Fire Protection

Association: Quincy, MA, 1986.

 

Compressed Gases

 

Braker, W.; Mossman, A. L. Gas Data Book; 6th ed.; Matheson Gas Products: East Rutherford, NJ, 1980.

 

Handbook of Compressed Gases; 3rd ed.; Compressed Gas Association: Arlington, VA, 1990.

 

Biosafety

 

Fleming, D. O., et. al. Laboratory Safety: Principles and Practices, 2nd ed.; American Society for Microbiology: Washington, D. C., 1995.

 

Biosafety Reference Manual; 2nd ed.; American Industrial Hygiene Association: Fairfax, VA., 1995.

 

Biosafety in the Laboratory: Prudent Practices for the Handling and Disposal of Infectious

Materials; National Academy Press: Washington, D. C., 1989.

 

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 3rd ed.; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health; HHS Publication No. (CDC) 93-8395; U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1993.