Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan

Transcription

1 Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Fisk University th Avenue North Nashville, TN Telephone: and Website: Revised April 2016

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This executive summary highlights the policies, procedures and regulations set forth in the Fisk University Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan (Plan). This summary is not intended to replace the full Plan and its associated attachments, some of which must be filed with the Fisk University Environmental Health & Safety Office (EH&S). The comprehensive Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan consists of fifteen sections as outlined below. Section Introduction This section explains the purpose of the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan. The specific goals of the Plan are to minimize chemical and biological exposures, prevent workrelated injuries and illnesses, and mitigate risks to the environment. The Plan complies with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations including the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and the Nashville Fire Department (NFD). These regulations and standards are designed to assure that laboratory personnel work in a healthy and safe environment with a minimum burden on research and teaching activities. Section Administrative Responsibilities The Fisk Environmental Health and Safety Leadership Team oversees the activities of all environmental health and safety related programs on campus. The Environmental Health & Safety Office is responsible for implementing the policies of the Environmental Health and Safety Leadership Team. The EH&S is staffed with professionals who have experience in chemical/biological/radiation (CBR) safety, fire safety, laboratory safety, industrial hygiene, and waste management. The office periodically reviews the Plan and represents the University to various city, state, and federal agencies. The EH&S also conducts regular laboratory safety surveys. The Department Chair/Principal Investigator (PI) is a faculty member or research scientist appointed by the University to conduct laboratory research or manage a department that conducts laboratory courses as part of the teaching curriculum. The Department Chair/Principal Investigator is responsible for developing, updating, and submitting the Individual Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan that is provided in ATTACHMENT I of the Plan. On Fisk s campus, the Department Chair/Principal Investigator is ultimately responsible for compliance with the Fisk University Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan. The Laboratory Safety Manager is a senior researcher appointed by the PI and is responsible for all safety aspects of the laboratory. This researcher helps the PI implement the Fisk University Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan. As a designated person-in-charge of a laboratory, the senior researcher should hold a Certificate of Training. Another individual may also be designated to obtain a certificate. Persons working during offhours are strongly urged to hold a certificate. The Certificate of Training can be obtained by passing an onsite test, which is administered by the Fisk University Environmental Health & Safety Office. Laboratory workers and laboratory training instructors are responsible for being familiar with the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan. Additional responsibilities include knowing where Safety Data Sheets are located, attending required laboratory safety training courses, and having knowledge of any required medical surveillance. ii

3 Section Medical Surveillance Individuals using respirators must be medically evaluated, trained, and fit-tested. The Fisk Environmental Health & Safety Office should be consulted regarding any applicable policies and procedures. Workers should immediately seek medical examination in response to an incident where the employee may have been exposed to an occupational hazard. Section General Safety Procedures All general safety procedures are detailed in this section of the Fisk University Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan, and should be second nature to all experienced laboratory workers. If an individual worker is not sufficiently familiar with the procedures, they should be required to read the relevant sections. Laboratory work must be performed in ways that will reduce the probability and severity of an accident or exposure. Specific procedures must be established when particularly hazardous substances are used. Minimizing risks depends on employing safe laboratory practices such as: Substitution of a toxic chemical or a biological agent with a safe one. Using engineering controls such as fume hoods or a laminar flow hoods Using proper PPE, i.e., safety glasses and shields, gloves, and lab coats. Maintaining safety equipment such as spill control kits, eyewash, fire extinguishers, centrifuge door locks, and cold temperature traps. Safely storing and transporting chemicals and compressed gas cylinders Maintaining safe work practices, i.e., clear emergency exits, aisles, and doorways. Grounding all electrical equipment and minimizing the use of extension cords. Using appropriate signage at a laboratory s entrance (EH&S can provide these placards). Section Proper Use of Laboratory Equipment A number of laboratory equipment items can be hazardous if used improperly. These include compressed gas cylinders, ultraviolet light sources, lasers, ultra-low temperature equipment, liquid nitrogen, dry ice, and high voltage power supplies. Section Procedures for Hazardous Substances The OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR ) defines a hazardous substance as one in which there is statistically significant evidence that health effects may occur in exposed employees. Hazardous chemicals include carcinogens; highly toxic agents; reproductive toxins; hepatotoxins; ncphrotoxins; neurotoxins; corrosives; irritants; sensitizers; agents that act on the hematopoietic system; and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. A partial list of hazardous chemicals is given in ATTACHMENT IV. The following precautions must be taken to handle these substances: They must be appropriately labeled and stored in a specifically designated area where access is limited to personnel specifically trained in safe handling and use. A Material Safety Data Sheet/Safety Data Sheet providing hazard information must be available. Chemicals must be segregated into compatible groups or hazard classes including flammables, reactive (including water-reactive, pyrophoric, and flammable solids), oxidizers and organic peroxides, toxics, and corrosives (acids and alkalis). Flammables (flashpoint less than 100 F) must not be stored in an ordinary household refrigerator. iii

4 Chemicals for which there is an OSHA substance-specific standard are listed in ATTACHMENT IX along with their permissible exposure levels (PELs). These compounds may require medical surveillance and should be used only with approval by the Environmental Health & Safety Office. Section Laboratory Waste Disposal Policies The Environmental Health & Safety Office in cooperation with the Facilities Office coordinates the disposal of chemical waste at Fisk. The PI is responsible for contributing their share to chemical waste disposal costs. Procedures given in this section of the Plan define hazardous waste, outline the proper packaging and labeling of waste, emphasize the No-Drain-Disposal policy, and discusses the disposal of laboratory glass. These procedures do not apply to the disposal of radioactive waste. Section Chemical Spill Response Chemical spills must be cleaned up promptly, efficiently, and properly. Spills are classified as manageable or unmanageable. Manageable spills are spills that do not spread rapidly or endanger people or the environment. They can be safely managed by lab personnel. Laboratory personnel must know how to clean up such spills. Having the proper spill response kits available will greatly help in dealing with manageable spills. All other spills are considered unmanageable and should be reported promptly to the Environmental Health & Safety Office and the Department of Public Safety who will take charge of the spill and its cleanup. Procedures are also outlined for response to after hours chemical spills. Section Personal Contamination Response Guidelines Spills of hazardous chemicals that involve personal contamination increase the possibility of exposure, especially if the chemical may be absorbed through the skin. Procedures are recommended in the event of chemical spills on the body; chemical splash in the eye; minor cuts and puncture wounds; accidental inhalation or ingestion of hazardous chemicals; and work-related illness, injury, and accident reporting. Section Work-related Illness, Injury, and Incident Reporting Employees suffering from a work-related illness or injury must report this to their supervisor using ATTACHMENT VIII ( Fisk University Departmental Accident Form ). Section Fire Safety and Emergency Response to Fires and Explosions Research laboratories differ from other work environments in that they usually contain a variety of fire hazards. Depending on the presence or absence of sprinkler systems, labs are assigned a fire rating that limits the quantity of flammable liquids, solids, oxidizing chemicals, and unstable or reactive chemicals that may be stored. Laboratories must determine their classification and limit the storage of chemicals (including waste) to the permitted amounts. Fires are classified into 5 groups: CLASS A: Wood, paper, textiles, rubber, coal. CLASS B: Flammable or combustible liquids, greases, petroleum products, solvents. CLASS C: Live electrical equipment involved in a fire. CLASS D: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium and other metals. CLASS K: Cooking oils and fats. iv

5 Each type of fire must be fought with an extinguishing agent and procedure appropriate for it. All laboratories are equipped with multi-purpose (ABC) dry chemical extinguishers which can be used on all types of fires with the exception of those in class D. Do not use fire extinguishers as door stops. Section Training Requirements for Laboratory Personnel All laboratory personnel are required to attend various training sessions as mandated by the OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR Part ). Section Laboratory Surveys The Fisk Environmental Health & Safety Office conducts annual laboratory safety surveys in each laboratory. A self-audit form in ATTACHMENT XI ( Monthly Laboratory EHS Self- Survey Checklist ) should be used to help personnel perform monthly evaluations of their laboratories for potential health and safety issues. Section Vacating Procedures and Discarding Equipment When vacating a laboratory, ATTACHMENT IX ( Vacating Laboratory Procedures ) must be signed and returned to the Fisk Environmental Health & Safety Office. Section Recordkeeping The Fisk Environmental Health & Safety Office maintains records for personal monitoring exposure, medical surveillance, and chemical inventories as needed. v

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7 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan Scope and Usage ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES EHS Leadership Team and Advisory Operating Committee Environmental Health & Safety Office Principal Investigator Department Chairperson/Principal Investigator Laboratory Safety Manager Laboratory Workers Compliance MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES Minimize Exposure Chemical Substitution Engineering Controls Chemical Fume Hood Ductless Chemical Fume Hood Safety Shields Temperature Control Rooms Centrifuge Safety Devices Traps Work Practice Purchasing Chemicals General Housekeeping Transport of Chemicals Working Alone/Working During Off-Hours Safety Equipment Eyewash Units Fire Extinguishers Spill Control Kits Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Eye Protection... 14

8 4.6.2 Lab Coats and Apron Gloves Other Clothing Considerations Respirators Safety Signage PROPER USE OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT Compressed Gas Cylinders Ultraviolet (UV) Light Sources Intense Visible Light Sources (including LASERS) Ultra-low Temperature Equipment and Devices Liquid Nitrogen (LN) Dry Ice PROCEDURES FOR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Definitions Chemical Labeling Requirements Chemical Storage Particularly Hazardous Substances OSHA Substance-Specific Standards Substances Without Health and Safety Information LABORATORY WASTE DISPOSAL POLICIES Classification of Hazardous Waste Accumulation and Packing of Chemical Waste Hazardous Chemical Waste Labeling Drain Disposal Policy Annual Laboratory Waste Stream Analysis Chemical Waste Disposal Disposal of Biological Waste Sharp Waste Management Disposal of Intact or Broken Laboratory Glass CHEMICAL SPILL RESPONSE Manageable Chemical Spills Unmanageable Chemical Spills Mercury Response to Chemical Spills After Hours

9 8.5 Accident Reporting PERSONAL CONTAMINATION RESPONSE GUIDELINES Chemical Spill on the Body Chemical Splash in the Eye Accidental Inhalation of Hazardous Chemicals Accidental Ingestion of Hazardous Chemicals Minor Cuts and Puncture Wounds WORK-RELATED ILLNESS, INJURY, INCIDENT REPORTING FIRE SAFETY AND EXPLOSIONS Classification of Fires RACE and PASS Fire-Fighting Procedures for Controllable Fires Evacuation Procedures for Uncontrollable Fires Fires Caused by Explosions Certificate of Training for Supervising Chemical Laboratories TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR LABORATORY PERSONNEL LABORATORY SURVEYS VACATING PROCEDURES AND DISCARDING EQUIPMENT Vacating Laboratory Space Discarding Used Equipment RECORDKEEPING Personal Exposure Monitoring Medical Consultation Records Chemical Inventories Safety Data Sheets...37 ATTACHMENT I Individual Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan ATTACHMENT II Peroxides ATTACHMENT III Chemical Segregation by Hazard Class ATTACHMENT IV Particularly Hazardous Substances ATTACHMENT V OSHA Substance Specific Laboratory Air Standard ATTACHMENT VI Hazardous Chemical Waste Guidelines and Disposal Form ATTACHMENT VII Response to After Hours Chemical Spill ATTACHMENT VIII Fisk University Departmental Accident Form ATTACHMENT IX Procedure for Vacating Lab ATTACHMENT X Glossary ATTACHMENT XI Monthly Laboratory EHS Self-Survey Checklist 3

10 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan Fisk University is committed to providing safe and healthy working conditions for the campus community. The Fisk University Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan establishes a formal written program for protecting laboratory personnel against health and safety hazards associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratory settings. While it primarily addresses work in laboratories, much of the information is also applicable to non-laboratory areas on campus where hazardous chemicals or processes are used. The goals of implementing the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan include: Minimizing risk of chemical exposure. Minimizing risk of work-related injury and illness. Minimizing risk to the environment. Compliance with applicable regulations and standards. Achievement of goals with a minimum burden on research activities. The Plan complies with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations including the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and the Nashville Fire Department (NFD). The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) adopted the OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR Part ) as written without modification. The OSHA Laboratory Standard is available on Fisk University s Environmental Health and Safety website, i.e., Scope and Usage The Fisk University Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan provides a broad overview of the information necessary for handling hazardous chemicals in laboratories. It establishes the general safety principles for laboratory procedures, equipment usage, and work practices; however, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. Where the scope of chemical hazards is not adequately addressed by this Plan, laboratory-specific safe work practices and emergency response procedures must be developed and implemented to ensure a safe laboratory. ATTACHMENT I ( Individual Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan ) must be completed and filed with the Fisk University Environmental Health & Safety Office. By signing and submitting ATTACHMENT I, a Department attests that they are in compliance with the Fisk University Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan, and where applicable, have augmented the Plan with any lab-specific procedures. The Environmental Health & Safety Office will verify completeness and compliance during annual laboratory audits. Each Principal Investigator (refer to Section 2.3) is responsible for ensuring that the laboratory has access to an up-to-date Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan. The Plan is updated annually in order to keep the contents current with regulations and best practices. When using a hard copy of the Plan, remember to check the revision date. The most current copy of the Plan will be maintained on the Fisk University Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) website. 4

11 2.0 ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1. EHS Leadership Team and Advisory Operating Committee The Fisk EHS Leadership Team is composed of the Director of Facilities, Academic EHS Coordinator, and Chief Administrative Officer/Chief Financial Officer. It has administrative responsibility for chemical/biological/radiation safety, fire safety and occupational health. It oversees the activities of all Environmental Health and Safety programs on the Fisk campus to ensure continued high quality and compliance in these programs and activities. The EHS Advisory Operating Committee supports the work of the EHS Leadership Team and is composed of the Chairperson of the Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Chairperson of the Department of Arts and Languages, Director of Campus Services (Student Housing and Food Services), and Director of Facilities and Grounds, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Business and Chief/Director of Campus Safety. The Environmental Health and Safety Leadership Team recommends policies to the Chief Administrative Officer/Chief Financial Officer and Provost/Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. 2.2 Environmental Health & Safety Office The Fisk Environmental Health & Safety Office (EH&S) serves as the campus health and safety resource. EH&S provides technical support, information and training, and is staffed by professionals in chemical, biological, fire, environmental and laboratory safety, as well as industrial hygiene and waste management. The Environmental Health & Safety Office is responsible for: Providing technical support and assistance including chemical, hazardous waste, biological, industrial hygiene, fire/life safety and environmental stewardship. Developing and implementing the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan for the Fisk campus. The office reviews the program for regulatory compliance including OSHA, EPA, and NFD. Developing and implementing educational programs designed to improve the health and safety of the University community and to foster compliance with governmental regulations and professional standards. Conducting regular survey visits to laboratories/studios at the Talley-Brady Building, Dubois Hall, Biology Lab Building, Little Theater, Art Department and all other Laboratory/Studio Facilities. 2.3 Principal Investigator The Principal Investigator (PI) is a faculty member or research scientist appointed by the University to conduct laboratory research. The PI has overall responsibility for safety in his/her laboratory and is responsible for developing, updating and submitting ATTACHMENT I ( Individual Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan ). The Individual Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan is required for the operation of each laboratory and must be re-submitted whenever significant changes in the work of the laboratory take place. 5

12 2.4 Department Chairperson/Principal Investigator The Department Chairperson/Principal Investigator is responsible for: Filing ATTACHMENT I ( Individual Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan ) with the Environmental Health & Safety Office. When there are significant changes in the work performed by the laboratory, revisions must be submitted to EH&S. Completing the List of Laboratory Personnel including addresses, and identifying laboratory hazards and maintaining a current inventory of chemicals, hazardous substances and devices in the laboratory, including Material Safety Data Sheets/Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDSs). Identifying the location of the nearest safety equipment and posting the list in a conspicuous place in the laboratory. Safety Equipment includes: safety shower and/or plumbed eye wash station; fire extinguishers; spill clean-up kits; equipment and supplies; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as goggles, gloves and aprons; and Pull Stations. Identifying the location of Compressed Gas Cylinders, Ultraviolet (UV) Light Sources, and intense Visible Light Sources (including LASERS). Ensuring laboratory personnel have read the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan, and ensuring that new laboratory personnel attend the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Training Lecture within one (1) month of employment, and ensuring current and new laboratory workers receive adequate lab specific safety training. Ensuring personnel are made aware of safety procedures when introducing a new chemical, equipment or procedure that has an unfamiliar hazard. If needed, developing an operating procedure to accommodate a particular hazard used in the laboratory. Exposure monitoring may be required. Ensuring proper signage inside the laboratory where hazards may exist. Ensuring containers are labeled so that any laboratory worker can determine the identity of the contents. Each container should be inspected periodically for label and integrity. Ensuring a Certificate of Training holder is present in the building at all times when personnel are working in the laboratory. Completing ATTACHMENT IX ( Procedures for Vacating Lab ) prior to any laboratory renovation. 2.5 Laboratory Safety Manager The Laboratory Safety Manager is a senior researcher appointed by the Principal Investigator or is the PI him/herself, who is responsible for all safety aspects of the laboratory. The Laboratory Safety Manager is responsible for: Working with the PI and EH&S, to ensure laboratory personnel are informed of and follow, the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Ensuring laboratory personnel conduct activities consistent with good laboratory practices. 6

13 Ensuring that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and used. Ensuring appropriate spill control material is available and workers are trained in their use. Ensuring MSDS/SDSs are accessible for any chemicals used. Training laboratory workers on specific procedures and equipment. Ensuring that chemical containers are properly labeled and closed. Ensuring that chemical inventory is taken and made part of the Plan. Monitoring the procurement, use, and disposal of hazardous substances. Advising and informing Facilities Operation and maintenance personnel, as well as custodians, of potential hazards that might be encountered when they enter the laboratory. 2.6 Laboratory Workers Laboratory Workers include all individuals who work in the laboratory including PIs, research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, technicians, undergraduate and graduate students, visiting scientists, laboratory volunteers, support personnel, and glassware washers. Each laboratory worker is responsible for: Knowing where the Laboratory Safety & Chemical Hygiene Plan is, reviewing it, and being familiar with any lab-specific procedures. Knowing where Material Safety Data Sheets/Safety Data Sheets are located. Attending laboratory safety training and safely handling and disposing of chemicals. Sharing responsibility to ensure all chemical containers are labeled and kept closed. Using appropriate PPE and clothing/shoes when working in the laboratory. 2.7 Compliance Department Chair/Principal Investigators are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan on the Fisk campus. Should there be a violation, the following procedure will be followed: EH&S in conjunction with the Laboratory Safety Manager will immediately take measures to eliminate or reduce the hazard. EH&S may issue a written report, including recommendations about remedial action, to the Laboratory Safety Manager and Principal Investigator, specifying a time period in which any violation must be corrected. If the violation is not corrected within the time period specified, a formal written warning would be sent to the Department Chair. If the matter remains unresolved within the stated time period, it will be referred to the Fisk Environmental Health and Safety Leadership Team and if need be to the Provost Office. If the safety hazard remains uncorrected, the laboratory may be closed until the hazard has been eliminated. The Provost or EHS Leadership Team may require an appearance before them. 7

14 3.0 MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE A laboratory worker shall be required to obtain medical consultation and examination under the following circumstances: Whenever an employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which the employee may have been exposed in the laboratory. Where exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level above the OSHA Action Level (AL), Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) or Short-term Exposure Level (STEL). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also publishes Recommended Exposure Levels (RELs) in its publicly available NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. When an event takes place in the work area such as a spill, leak, explosion or other occurrence resulting in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure. When working with certain biological, chemical and physical agents including employees who work with, laboratory animals, bloodborne pathogens, other infectious agents, formaldehyde, xylene, class 3b or 4a lasers, and/or those whose work requires the use of a respirator. If assistance is needed for a medical emergency, please contact the Office of Public Safety at (615) and immediately report to the closest Emergency Room (ER). Employees may seek medical care through a personal physician of his/her choice, with a summary of the findings reported to EH&S. PIs, EH&S Managers and/or Supervisors shall collect as much information as possible about the person, the substances involved, MSDS/SDSs, symptoms, and any other relevant data, to provide to the attending physician. The physician in charge will inform the employee about the medical examination results, related conditions, tests required, and whether any follow-up is required. The Environmental Health & Safety Office shall keep written records of all such medical examinations and must maintain these records for the duration of employment plus 30 years. Such records shall contain, but are not limited to, physicians opinions, recommendations, results of any tests performed, and any follow-ups. Upon written request by the employee or an authorized representative, the employer shall make such records available for review. 4.0 GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES Laboratory work must be performed in ways that will reduce the probability and severity of an accident or toxic exposure to a negligible level. Minimizing risks depends on employing safe laboratory practices, proper engineering controls, proper selection and use of personal protective equipment, using the smallest quantity of material needed for experiments, and whenever possible, chemical substitution. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be established when particularly hazardous substances are used. Principal Investigators and laboratory managers should develop them in consultation with EH&S and include them in ATTACHMENT I ( Individual Chemical Hygiene Plan ). 8

15 4.1. Minimize Exposure Laboratory safety requires the full cooperation from everyone in the lab. The ultimate responsibility for one s safety rests with the individual. This can be achieved by following all safety instructions carefully. Do not deviate from these instructions without discussing the issue with your Principal Investigator and/or a representative from EH&S. Before performing any laboratory work, laboratory personnel must: Know the location and proper use of safety equipment (fire extinguishers, eyewash, fume hoods, spill kits) and emergency exits. Be familiar with the hazards of the chemicals being used. Review safety precautions and emergency procedures. Become familiar with the apparatus being used and the process involved. Know what to do to protect themselves and others from such hazards. Wear appropriate eye protection, gloves and clothing/shoes that protect from splashes and spills. Be aware of the dangers of ingesting chemicals. Do not store, prepare, or consume food and beverages in any laboratory. Do not apply cosmetics in a laboratory setting. Wash hands before leaving the laboratory, even if gloves were worn. Do not wear lab coats into areas where food is consumed. Never pipette by mouth. Use aspirator bulbs or automatic pipe setting devices. Do not attempt to identify chemicals by smell or taste. Chemical use shall be restricted to only laboratory areas. Use of chemicals in a non-laboratory area such as an office, study, reading or meeting area, is not permitted. Obey the Two Person Rule. A second person must be aware you are working in the lab. A Certificate of Training holder must be in the building when the lab is operating Chemical Substitution One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is to eliminate it. This can be accomplished by replacing hazardous materials with safer, less toxic ones. Some examples include: Use temperature/pressure-sensing devices that operate without mercury. Use enzymatic detergents instead of chromic/sulfuric acid mixture for ultra clean glassware. Use mini-chromatography columns for nucleic acid preparations replacing phenol/chloroform. Use a substitute for xylene and formaldehyde when tissue processing, and use pre-diluted acryl amide to eliminate the risk of dispersion from weighing out solid material. 9

16 4.3. Engineering Controls Engineering control are those devices that automatically isolate or limit exposure to a hazard, thereby reducing the risk to personnel. Those that are more automatic are preferred to those that are less so. For this reason, engineering controls are considered as the first line of defense for reducing exposure, as opposed to personal protective equipment and work practices which are subject to human error. Engineering controls must not be modified unless appropriate testing clearly indicates that protection of personnel will be equal or greater than the original protection afforded by the control device Chemical Fume Hood Engineering controls such as the laboratory fume hood are primary means of controlling or minimizing hazardous chemical exposures. These controls must be properly maintained to ensure the highest level of protection. Any fume hood that is not functioning properly or is inoperable must be reported immediately to Facilities Operations at (615) Do not use a hood unless it has been certified within twelve months with a face velocity of ft per minute. EH&S certifies hoods and records the information on a sticker affixed to the frame. An Out of Service/Do Not Use sign will be posted on a hood that fails the requirement. Work with a 12-inch sash opening. This is the height at which proper airflow velocity is established and that will protect the upper body from splashes. Use a fume hood, glove box, or other specially ventilated or enclosed space, for work in which airborne, toxic, flammable and malodorous substances may be released either from the material in use or as products of a reaction. Substances listed in ATTACHMENT IV ( Particularly Hazardous Substances ) require a chemical fume hood for use. This also applies to acutely toxic substances (LD50 < mg/kg), carcinogens mutagens, and reproductive hazards. Devices that may discharge hazardous gases, vapors, or fine dusts, e.g., vacuum pumps, distillation columns should be used in a fume hood or ducted so that the exhaust is discharging into a fume hood, rather than allowing it to discharge directly into the laboratory. Elevate (bricks, blocks) large pieces of equipment and keep the opening at the bottom of the back wall unobstructed. If a hood is not equipped with an airflow monitor, tape a Kim-Wipe to the bottom of the sash to verify the direction of flow and qualitative force of the airflow Ductless Chemical Fume Hood These are stand-alone devices that discharge air back into the room, relying on filters to remove airborne contaminants. Filters for these units are the user department s responsibility. Typically, they operate at face velocities lower than those in chemical fume hoods and filtration is not as reliable as exhaust (as in a standard fume hood) for removing hazardous gases and vapors. For these reasons the purchase and use of ductless fume 10

17 hoods are prohibited unless preceded by approval from EH&S. A description of the procedures to be conducted, material to be used, and the schedule for filter checks and change out must be provided. If given, approval will be limited to the use of the device with small quantities of relatively low hazard materials. They must never be used in rooms from which air is re-circulated Safety Shields Appropriate safety shields should be used whenever splashes or exothermic reactions are possible or evacuated glassware is present. Pull-down fume hood sashes are also effective for this purpose. Tip-resistant bench-top safety shields stop splashed substances as well as flying glass shards and other debris produced by an uncontrolled reaction or by an implosion resulting from a defect in the glass in an evacuated system Temperature Control Rooms Temperature control rooms (i.e., cold rooms and warm rooms) usually do not have a supply of fresh air. Do not allow the release of volatile chemicals and other hazardous substances into sealed cold or warm rooms since the air in these facilities is recirculated. If released, the concentrations of these substances in the air can increase to dangerously high levels. Liquid nitrogen should not be used in these rooms because a release in sufficient amount may displace the oxygen in the room Centrifuge Safety Devices Always secure the rotor s top to reduce contamination of the chamber if a tube breaks. Use safety cups (gasketed, screw-capped containers) when centrifuging tubes containing hazardous chemicals or infectious materials Traps Some vacuum set-ups include traps that use either extremely low temperatures or chemical media (e.g., charcoal, limestone) to capture organic or acid vapors. Ensure that these systems are assembled properly, and that connections are tight and residues are properly disposed of through EH&S. Sewer drain traps, especially cup sink drains, must be kept filled with water (can also add some mineral oil) to prevent noxious fumes from entering the laboratory from the sewer drain. 4.4 Work Practice Work practices are procedures for safe and proper work that are used to reduce the duration, frequency or intensity of exposure to a hazard. It is imperative that all laboratory safety rules are followed. All laboratory workers should strive to adopt a culture of safety Purchasing Chemicals Purchase chemicals in the smallest quantity sufficient for your work. The purchase of moderate to extremely hazardous chemicals (especially all unstable reactive substances & carcinogens) should be reviewed by EH&S to ensure that proper consideration has been given to their safe use & disposal General Housekeeping Disorderly laboratories contribute to accidents and can hinder emergency response activities. The following rules must be adhered to: 11

18 Do not block exits, aisles and doorways; they must be kept free of obstructions. Equipment may not be placed in the corridor at any time. With approval by EH&S, nonvolatile materials may be stored in a fireproof cabinet in a corridor if sufficient clearance (44 inches) is provided for passage. Never obstruct access to emergency equipment i.e. fire extinguishers, eyewashes & safety showers. Work with flammable substances only after removing sources of ignition (i.e. flames, hot surfaces, sparks or electrical switches and motors) near enough to cause a fire or explosion. Store incompatible substances apart from one another per ATTACHMENT III ( Chemical Segregation by Hazard Class ). Chemicals should be stored in a cabinet or on shelves. If it is absolutely necessary to place a bottle of chemical on the floor, put the container in a plastic tray and store away from high traffic areas. Keep only the minimum amount of chemicals that are necessary. Do not store chemicals in excess of limits. Below are storage requirements for a laboratory of approximately 800 square feet. If you are unsure of the laboratory rating, contact EH&S at (615) Lab Type Fire Rating Fire Protection Flammable Liquids Flammable Solids Oxidizing Materials Unstable Reactive 1 2 hour Sprinklers 30 gals 15 lbs 50 lbs 12 lbs ll 1 hour Sprinklers 25 gals 10 lbs 40 lbs 6 lbs lll 2 hour No Sprinklers 20 gals 6 lbs 30 lbs 3 lbs IV I hour No Sprinklers 16 gals 3 lbs 20 lbs 2 lbs Table 4.4.2: Laboratory storage requirements (area 800 ft 2 ) Flammable liquids requiring refrigeration must be kept only in explosion-proof refrigerators. Securely clamp or wire all flexible tubing in place on fittings. This prevents leakage of water, coolant fluids, etc., caused when the tubing slips loose from the fittings. Spills of this kind can lead to serious flooding with consequent extensive property damage as well as overheating of equipment. Handle and store laboratory glassware with care to avoid damage. Glassware, especially when used in vacuum systems should be carefully inspected before each use. Never use glassware that is nicked or cracked. Discard it immediately in a container for broken glassware. Secure compressed gas cylinders either by chaining to a secure support or by securing to a lab bench with a clamp. Systems containing or generating poisonous, flammable, explosive, or malodorous gases should always be used in fume hoods. Joints and other connections should be periodically checked for leaks. 12

19 All electrical outlets must have a grounding connection requiring a three-pronged plug. Electrical wires that are frayed or worn shall not be used. Electrical wires must not be stretched across the floor where personnel and visitors could trip over them. Electrical outlets must have a cover plate. Ground-fault interrupters should protect electrical outlets, especially those located near sinks and faucets Transport of Chemicals Secondary containers must be used whenever chemicals are transported. Secondary containers are made of rubber, metal, or plastic, with carrying handles and are large enough to hold the contents of the chemical container should it break. Secondary containers are available commercially through laboratory equipment suppliers. Before moving any compressed gas cylinder, insure that securing the cover cap to the cylinder protects the valve and strap the cylinder to a cylinder cart. Do not carry jugs and bottles by the caps or by the molded glass ring. Use both hands when moving chemicals in the laboratory, one under the vessel and the other around the neck of the bottle Working Alone/Working During Off-Hours Working with chemicals alone, at night, or in isolation places individuals at special risk and should be avoided whenever possible. The PI is responsible for ensuring that employees and students perform only those tasks for which they are qualified by training and experience, especially during off-hours when they may be unsupervised. These person must have received the required EH&S Lab Safety Training. They must also define for their staff any prohibited activities for people working alone or during off hours based on the hazard of the materials used or the activity performed. Laboratory personnel working alone/during off hours should contact the office of Campus Safety before starting and after completing work Safety Equipment Proper maintenance of safety equipment is vital to the health and welfare of all laboratory personnel. The following items, common to almost all laboratories, must be properly maintained and regularly inspected to prevent or respond to laboratory accidents or emergencies. These devices must be accessible at all times Eyewash Units Laboratories should be equipped with a plumbed-eyewash. Call EH&S if one is not present. Laboratory personnel are responsible for weekly inspection, which entails flushing the unit for at least three minutes and reporting any problems to Facilities Operations. Eyewash stickers are posted at each eyewash station Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly and tested annually under a program managed by Facilities Operation. If an extinguisher has been used to extinguish a fire or is accidentally discharged, this must be reported immediately to Facilities Operations at (615) Warning systems: Facilities Operation maintains Pull Stations and alarms. Telephone system: Emergency numbers are posted on all laboratory telephones. 13

20 4.5.3 Spill Control Kits Spill control kits are available from laboratory supply companies. Neutralizers and absorbents are available for specific classes of chemicals. Most laboratories will need specific neutralizers/absorbents for acids, bases, and organic solvents. Spill control kits for formaldehyde and mercury are also available Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Eye Protection Safety glasses with solid side shields and a brow are the basic forms of eye protection and must be used whenever handling hazardous chemicals or in the vicinity of someone else doing so. Safety goggles, which provide a tighter fit than glasses, must be used whenever activities entail a moderate splash risk or when handling corrosive (strong acids or bases), and highly irritating or toxic chemicals. Face shields are necessary for high risk activities such as pouring large amounts of corrosive or toxic liquids, filling liquid nitrogen dewars, washing glassware with acid, handling glassware at non-ambient pressure, and using highly reactive chemicals. If the potential exists for splashed material to drip from the top of the head toward the eyes, goggles are also required. Face shields capable of blocking UV rays or that protect against high-energy lasers (not all shields are rated for these activities-check with the supplier) are required when using devices that emit these wavelengths. Personnel who wear glasses have several options for eye protection. They may purchase safety glasses that incorporate their prescription or wear their regular glasses beneath a face shield. Contact lenses are prohibited when chemical vapors are present or when a greater than negligible risk of a splash to the eyes exists. However, contact lenses may only be worn in conjunction with tight-fitting goggles for the lowest risk activities Lab Coats and Aprons Lab coats must be worn whenever working with hazardous chemicals or infectious materials. They must be changed immediately if they become contaminated and they must not be worn outside of the laboratory. Keep coats buttoned to prevent their getting caught in equipment. Liquid resistant (vinyl, rubber, depending on particular compound in use) aprons supplement lab coats for activities with an elevated splash potential. Grossly contaminated lab coats should be bagged and disposed as chemical waste. Lab coats may not be taken home for cleaning Gloves Protection is largely a factor of the ability of the glove material to resist permeation by the materials used; there is no glove material that will protect against all chemicals. Glove selection guides are available from manufacturers and are included in lab supply catalogues. You may also contact EMS for help with glove selection. Latex gloves are resistant to aqueous materials but provide little protection against non-polar solvents and corrosives. Their principle application is for protection against blood and body fluids. 14

21 Nitrile gloves should be used to avoid the risk of latex sensitization. If latex gloves are chosen, use only powder-free gloves that the manufacturer documents as being low in soluble proteins (to reduce the risk of sensitization). Always wash hands thoroughly before and after glove use. Never reuse disposable gloves. Change gloves frequently and as soon as possible if they become contaminated, torn, or damaged in any way. Remove gloves as soon as work with hazardous materials is completed; this will prevent contamination of notebooks, work surfaces, telephones, etc. Remove gloves when leaving the laboratory. Wash reusable gloves (the heavier, utility type) after use and inspect carefully for cracking and other signs of degradation Other Clothing Considerations Shorts and sandals should not be worn in the laboratory. While long pants and closed shoes are by no means considered protective equipment, the small additional element of protection they provide may make the difference between a serious injury and simply a ruined piece of clothing. Avoid loose, dangling jewelry that may get caught in equipment or dip into chemicals; the same considerations apply to unrestrained long hair. A change of clothes should be kept at work in the event that an accident requires clothing removal Respirators Respirators protect against gases, vapors, and micron-sized particulates. They are distinct from (surgical) masks which provide no protection from gases and vapors and are minimally effective against small particulates. Fume hoods and other engineering controls should largely eliminate the need for respirators. On the rare occasions when appropriate engineering controls are not available, respirator use may be considered but must be preceded by contacting EH&S for a risk assessment. If a respirator is deemed necessary, EH&S will facilitate medical clearance, training in proper use, and fit testing. 4.7 Safety Signage Laboratories should be identified with a laboratory placard at the entrance to the laboratory. EH&S provide such signage. In addition, EH&S will also provide the following signs upon request: Placards including BIOHAZARD, Hazard Class 4 (water reactive), and Flammable Gas Eyewash safety signage Flammable and Acid signage for chemical storage cabinets Refrigerator signage prohibiting flammables from storage Emergency contact telephone numbers 15

22 5.0 LABORATORY EQUIPMENT Users of laboratory equipment are responsible for their safe operation. Information provided by the manufacturer should be reviewed; contact them or EH&S if the information is incomplete. This section addresses only common laboratory equipment. The presence of compressed gas cylinders, UV light sources, or Class 3b or 4a lasers requires completion of the applicable portion of ATTACHMENT I. 5.1 Compressed Gas Cylinders Must be labeled and be hydrostatically (pressure) tested within past 10 years. The test date is typically stamped into the body of the cylinder. Cylinders must be secured to the wall or other stationary object (i.e. lab bench) by a chain or strap. Contact Facilities Operation at (615) if a chain is needed. Check connections regularly; a soap solution can be used to test for leaks. Protective cap must be in place for all cylinders not being used. Use pressure regulators and tubing appropriate for and compatible with the gas and pressure. Keep cylinders away from heat sources store and use only in a well-ventilated area. Transport cylinders with a hand truck with a chain. Limit the number of cylinders to a one-month supply. For flammable or toxic gases limit quantities to one in-use cylinder and one back up. Contact the supplier for removal and replacement promptly when a cylinder is empty. If the supplier is unknown or any other reason exists why an empty or unwanted cylinder cannot be removed from the laboratory, contact EH&S Ultraviolet (UV) Light Sources Wear gloves, a long sleeve lab coat, and a face shield capable of blocking UV rays when working around sources of uncontrolled UV (e.g., transillluminators). Glasses or goggles provide no face protection. Some devices have a degree of UV shielding built in. Understand the limitations of these controls and follow manufacturers instructions. Many Biological Safety Cabinets (tissue culture hoods) are equipped with UV lights; be sure these are off when working in the cabinet. UV bulbs contain mercury. Contact Facilities Operations at (615) for disposal. 5.3 Intense Visible Light Sources (including LASERS) EH&S must be notified when Class 3b and Class 4 lasers are used Ultra Low Temperature Equipment and Devices (Freezers (-70 C) and below) Post signs or otherwise identify personnel to be contacted in the event of a freezer malfunction. Be sure that lab personnel are informed of actions to be taken if this occurs. Use cold-resistant gloves. Clearly label storage boxes to make finding specimens easier. Use only tubes, vials, etc. manufactured for ultra-low temperature storage. For units with a CO back up observe the aforementioned precautions for compressed gas cylinders. 16

23 5.5 Liquid Nitrogen (LN) Always wear a face shield, long sleeved lab coat, and long pants for operations involving LN. When transferring LN from large storage tanks into smaller vessels, open the valve slowly while holding the nozzle securely. Most systems are designed for storage in the gaseous phase (above the liquid); do not overfill storage vessels. Thaw specimens removed from LN in a Biological Safety Cabinet behind a shield. The inadvertent entry of LN into a cryotube has resulted in explosions upon thawing. Do not store laboratory dewars in cold rooms or other unventilated spaces; this may result in oxygen displacement and asphyxiation if there is a leak or if the vessel is improperly closed Dry Ice Wear a face shield when making a dry ice bath ; add liquid very slowly to avoid spattering. Do not store in cold rooms or other unventilated areas. 6.0 PROCEDURES FOR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 6.1 Definitions The OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories) defines a hazardous chemical, as one in which there is statistically significant evidence that health effects may occur in exposed employees. Hazardous chemicals include: < Carcinogens < Neurotoxins < Toxic or highly toxic agents < Corrosives < Reproductive toxins < Irritants < Hepatotoxins < Sensitizers < Nephrotoxins < Agents that act on the hematopoetic system < Agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes A list of carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxins commonly used in research laboratories can be found in ATTACHMENT IV ( Particularly Hazardous Substances ). These chemicals must be stored in a specifically designated area (by the PI) and access should be limited to personnel specifically trained in their safe handling and use. This area should be located in the least busy area of the laboratory and secondary containment and local ventilation should be provided, as applicable. Physical hazards refers to combustible liquids, compressed gases, explosives, organic peroxides, peroxide-forming chemicals, oxidizers, or flammable, pyrophoric, reactive (unstable), or water-reactive materials. 6.2 Chemical Labeling Requirements Any container holding a chemical substance must be labeled with the substance s proper chemical name. Shortcuts, ring structures, abbreviations may not be used. If the hazardous properties of the chemical are known, they must be included on the label. In most cases, manufacturer s chemical labels will indicate whether or not the chemical is hazardous. Look 17

24 for key words such as flammable, toxic, corrosive, reactive, oxidizer, and carcinogen. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) also provides hazard information. Certain ethers and other peroxidables must be dated upon breaking the seal. NFD requires that these be disposed of within 12 months of opening. Certain chemicals must be disposed within 3 months. Containers with expiration dates on the label should be disposed of prior to the printed date. A short list of common peroxidables with applicable disposal dates is located in ATTACHMENT II ( Information On Peroxide Forming Chemicals ) Chemical Storage Use sturdy cabinets and shelving for storage with spill protection. Chemicals should not be stored on floors. Store chemicals away from direct sunlight, heat, or ignition sources. Avoid storing chemicals on top of cabinets. Avoid storing chemicals on bench tops or in chemical fume hoods, except during use. Do not store hazardous chemicals above eye level. Chemicals must be segregated into compatible groups or hazard classes. These include: flammables, reactives (including water reactives, pyrophoric, and flammable solids), oxidizers and organic peroxides, toxics, and corrosives (acids and alkalis). Provide a definite storage place for each hazard class of chemical. Separate dry chemicals away from wet chemicals. Segregate acids and alkalis. Segregate organic and inorganic acids. Segregate inorganic acids from flammables. Do not store flammables (flashpoint less than 100 F) in an ordinary household refrigerator. Keep reactives and oxidizers away from incompatible chemicals (acids, alkalis. flammables). Store the most hazardous chemicals in the least trafficked area. A table for segregating and a list of common incompatibilities can be found in ATTACHMENT III ( Chemical Segregation By Hazard Class ) Particularly Hazardous Substances A list of these substances is included in ATTACHMENT IV. Examples of such substances include dimethyl mercury, hydrofluoric acid, and arsenic. Severe harm or disastrous situations can occur from the misuse of these substances. Before these substances are used, researchers must be fully aware of the risks involved and have the necessary safety equipment available. They must be fully trained in the appropriate storage, handling, and disposal procedures prior to using the substance. Their use and storage must be confined to certain designated areas. Contact EH&S if you need assistance. EH&S will evaluate the proposed procedures; prescribe special limitations, necessary equipment and facilities or operating conditions, personal protective equipment, and additional personnel training 18

25 requirements. In development of the experimental procedures, the following issues must be addressed: A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) must be on hand before using a particular substance. Access to the substance and the work area must be limited to personnel who are aware of the hazard involved and are adequately trained to handle the substance safely. The MSDS/SDS must be collected and filed in alphabetical order according to the proper chemical name used in the Hazardous Chemical Inventory. The MSDS/SDS file must be readily accessible to all employees. This file must be updated routinely to account for MSDS changes and the addition of new chemicals. Sign and label requirements for fume hoods and laboratories where the substance is used. Appropriate personal protective measures such as respiratory and skin protection (call EH&S if a respirator may be required) must be defined before using the substance. Maintain a running written inventory of stock material, quantity, dates of use, & name of users. Storage, ventilation and containment requirements. Waste-disposal procedures. Spill control and spill response. Housekeeping and decontamination procedures necessary before the work area can be declared unrestricted again. Initiation and maintenance of medical surveillance. Detection of contaminants that would be unrecognizable under routine circumstances, e.g. use of UV Light to detect small quantities on lab coats and bench tops. 6.5 OSHA Substance-Specific Standards OSHA defines permissible exposure levels (PELs)* for several hundred chemicals. In addition, about two-dozen chemicals are subject to substance-specific standards requiring detailed safety programs to reduce exposure to workers who use them. Toxicity, the potential number of workers exposed, and a record of compound-related adverse health effects are the reasons for the establishment of substance-specific standards. A complete list of compounds with substancespecific regulations can be found in ATTACHMENT V ( OSHA Substance-Specific Standards ). Researchers working with formaldehyde should reference the Formaldehyde Policy found in Attachment #. While mostly used in industry, lead, ethylene oxide and benzene may also be present in some research labs. Laboratories and other University work areas are subject to substance-specific regulations when exposure may occur on a regular basis as opposed to intermittently. Laboratories using any of these compounds must contact EH&S for an initial exposure assessment and whenever a change in the use of the material may increase the chances of exposure. A determination of the applicability of the substance-specific regulation will then be made. The details of the regulations vary for each compound but they all require the development and implementation of a safety plan addressing the following: 19

26 Training on safe handling and disposal, including distribution of MSDS/SDSs and other risk assessment information. Confining use to a specific area with restricted access; specified signs and labels must be posted in and around these areas as well as on containers of the regulated compound. How engineering controls (e.g., fume hoods), work practices, personal protective equipment, administrative procedures (e.g., medical surveillance), and other approaches will be used to reduce exposure and minimize personal risk. Monitoring of airborne concentrations when any PELs may be exceeded. Prompt communication of monitoring results to employees and retention of data for a specified time period. *A PEL may refer to any of the following: Time weighted average (TWA) - the maximum allowable airborne concentration, averaged over an eight-hour workday, to which a person may be legally exposed. Action level (AL.) - a concentration below the TWA, at which some of the requirements of a substance-specific regulation must take effect. Ceiling (C) - the airborne concentration that must never be exceeded. This largely applies to compounds that may be fatal or cause permanent impairment upon even brief exposures such as mercury or carbon monoxide. Short-term exposure limit (STEL) - the maximum allowable exposure for (typically) a fifteenminute period. A limited number of excursions over the TWA may be permissible (if they do not exceed ceiling) provided that the day s average exposure is below the TWA. 6.6 Substances Without Health and Safety Information Special attention must be given to the handling, storage, and use of compounds that have been synthesized for the first time, and for those for which chemical properties, stability, flammability characteristics, and health hazards are not described in the literature. Exercise prudence and caution when designing the procedures for their handling, storage, and use. Since harm occurs only through exposure, minimizing exposure is clearly indicated. Every effort should be made to get health and safety information from the supplier of the substance. 7.0 LABORATORY WASTE DISPOSAL POLICIES EH&S coordinates disposal of chemical waste (ATTACHMENT VI). A significant part of the cost of waste disposal is borne by EH&S. Principal Investigators and Department Heads are encouraged to include a line item in their teaching/research budget for waste disposal. The following procedures apply to any chemical substances generated from University operations (including laboratories, administrative units, laboratory renovations, and facilities operations) 20

27 that are classified as hazardous based on the criteria described below. This procedure does not apply to the disposal of radioactive waste. 7.1 Classification of Hazardous Waste Waste is considered hazardous if: It is on either of two lists (U List or P List) of specific chemical substances developed by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most commonly used organic solvents (e.g. acetone, methanol, toluene, xylene, methylene chloride etc. are included). It is on a list (F List) of nonspecific sources that includes a broad range of spent halogenated and non-halogenated solvents. It is on a list (K List) of specific sources that includes primarily industrial processes. Waste is also considered hazardous if it exhibits any of the following (abbreviated) characteristics as defined by the EPA: Ignitable (U001) A liquid with a flash point less than 60 C/140 F. Not a liquid and capable under normal conditions of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture or spontaneous chemical changes. An ignitable compressed gas. An oxidizer. Corrosive (D002) It is aqueous and has a ph less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to It is a liquid and corrodes steel at a rate greater than inches per year at 55 C. Reactive (D003) It is normally unstable. It reacts violently with water or it forms potentially explosive mixtures with water. It generates toxic gases, vapors or fumes when mixed with water. It is a cyanide or sulfide waste that generates toxic gases, vapors or fumes at ph conditions between 2 and It is capable of detonation or explosive decomposition if subjected to strong initiation or under standard temperature and pressure. It is classified as a Department of Transportation explosive. Toxicity Characteristic (D004-D043) See EH&S website for D List agents. Waste is considered hazardous if an extract of the waste is found to contain certain metals, pesticides or selected organics above specified levels; or if it is otherwise capable of causing environmental or health damage if improperly disposed. 21

28 7.2 Accumulation and Packaging of Chemical Waste Satellite Accumulation Areas are locations within the laboratory near the point of generation where waste is initially accumulated and is under the control of the generator. These could include collection containers within chemical fume hoods or elsewhere in the laboratory. Satellite Accumulation Areas must also comply, i.e. one must pay attention to the lab s flammability rating. Consult with EH&S to check your laboratory flammability rating. The following are standards for waste collected at Satellite Accumulation Areas: Containers must be in good condition and must have some sort of cap or seal. The waste placed in the container must be compatible with the container. Only chemically compatible substances may be accumulated in the same container. Containers must be clearly and legibly labeled Hazardous Waste, with chemical name (no abbreviations or chemical formulas) and percentage of each compound listed. Label must be firmly attached to the container. Hazardous Waste labels available from EH&S. Containers must be placed next to or near the process that generates the waste. Containers must be kept closed at all times except when adding or removing waste. Do not leave a funnel in an unattended hazardous chemical waste container. Containers must be segregated by hazard class. Follow the same rules for segregation of laboratory chemicals in ATTACHMENT III. Satellite accumulation areas must be under the control of the researcher generating waste. Containers must be inspected at least weekly for leakage, degradation and corrosion. Areas must use proper housekeeping Hazardous Chemical Waste Labeling Chemical waste containers must always be labeled with the words HAZARDOUS WASTE. EH&S provides these labels. Laboratory personnel are responsible for ensuring their chemical waste is labeled. Contact EH&S to obtain labels or if assistance is needed. 7.4 Drain Disposal Policy Fisk University has a No-Drain-Disposal policy for hazardous chemical waste. Any chemical or material that matches any of the aforementioned hazard waste characteristics or is a possible carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin, should never be drain disposed. Call EH&S at (615) with any questions. 7.5 Annual Laboratory Waste Stream Analysis 7.6 Chemical Waste Disposal EH&S must be notified using the Chemical Waste Disposal Form in ATTACHMENT VI listing the location and chemicals to be disposed. Either call EH&S at (615) , or the form to EH&S (rwingfld@fisk.edu). The Laboratory Safety Officer, EHS or the University s Hazardous Waste vendor will pick up waste from the lab. Please ensure waste is labeled and the Chemical Waste Disposal Form is filled out in its entirety. 22

29 EPA regulations require removal of a 55-gallon container within 72 hours after it becomes full. Un-labeled chemicals must be identified to the best of the lab s ability prior to disposal and all chemicals for disposal must be listed on the disposal form. Do not include radioactive chemicals, biological materials, controlled substances, or empty glassware with chemical waste. Empty glassware should be triple rinsed. If rinsate is acutely toxic (see ATTACHMENT IV) it must be collected and disposed through Facilities. The label on the original container should be removed or defaced and the original container disposed of through facilities. All hazardous waste must be disposed of through the Director of Environmental Health and Laboratory Safety, according to the following procedures: Container and Storage Requirements: 1. Chemicals must be placed in sealed containers that show no signs of leakage. Bottles with broken caps or stoppers will not be collected. Waste containers will not be returned to the generators unless arrangements have been made prior to the pick-up. 2. Containers should be full, but not overflowing 3. Waste must be stored according to chemical compatibility in proper storage cabinets. 4. The maximum container size is: a. Known Waste: Liquids (5 gallons maximum) Solids (50 pounds maximum) b. Unknown Waste: Liquids (1 gallon maximum) Solids ( 8 pounds maximum) Waste Label Requirements: 1. All chemical waste must be labeled with a Hazardous Waste Label. Waste labels can be obtained by calling EHS at or rwingfield@fisk.edu. 2. All information requested on the waste label must be properly completed (see example below). Improperly completed labels will be returned. 3. Each Waste Label must have the following information: Department from which the waste was produced. Building and room number where the waste is located. If this is a locked room or cabinet, the signer, or the director of the laboratory must provide access during normal working hours, 8:00 am 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Name of the Laboratory Manager/Director. Phone number of the signer or the Director. Waste container size and waste volume. Use proper chemical names for the components of the waste. Do not use formulas, trade names or abbreviations. List the percentages of ALL components in the waste. Measure the ph of all aqueous phases. Write and sign your name at the bottom of the form. Schedule a waste pickup. Scheduling a Waste Pickup: 1. After properly filling out the waste label, tape the top copy to the container. 2. Send the back two copies to Environmental Health & Laboratory Safety. 23

30 3. Waste will be usually collected within two weeks of receipt of the waste labels. 4. If you have (greater than ten (10) containers to dispose of, you can schedule a lab cleanout. Please call (615) for scheduling assistance. You do not have to complete waste tickets for lab cleanouts. However, you must be present during the cleanout process. 7.7 Disposal of Biological Waste Biological waste includes: liquids such as used cell culturing media, supernatant, blood or blood fractions (serum), etc., which contain viable biological agents; materials considered pathological, including any part of the human body, tissues and bodily fluids, but excluding fluids, extracted teeth, hair, nail clippings and the like that are not infectious; any part of an animal infected [or suspected to be infected] with a communicable disease; non-sharp, solid laboratory waste (empty plastic cell culture flasks and petri dishes, empty plastic tubes, gloves, wrappers, absorbent tissues, etc.) which may be, or is known to be, contaminated with viable biological agents; all sharp and pointed items used in medical care, diagnosis, and research, including the manipulation and care of laboratory animals, which should be considered potentially infectious; laboratory glassware which is known or suspected to be contaminated with hazardous biological agents. Packaging & Treatment Materials contaminated with hazardous biological agents must be collected in the appropriate containers and sterilized or disinfected before disposal. All laboratories that manipulate potentially hazardous biological agents and materials, and generate waste containing such agents are responsible for the separation, packaging and treatment of their laboratory waste prior to its removal and disposal. These procedures apply to waste contaminated with or containing biological agents only. For additional information, refer to the Fisk University Biological Waste Removal Policy. 7.8 Sharp Waste Management All laboratories that generate sharp or pointed waste are responsible for the separation, packaging and treatment of their laboratory waste prior to its removal and disposal. Questions should be directed to the Director of Environmental Health & Laboratory Safety at ext or rwingfield@fisk.edu. The term "sharp" is often used as a catch-all expression for any and all sharp or pointed items such as broken glassware, scalpel and razor blades, lancets, hypodermic syringes with needles, etc., which can cause cuts or puncture injuries. In this policy, sharp waste is subdivided into two categories: 1. Needle & Blade Waste 2. Glassware and other sharp or pointed waste These categories are defined and addressed separately. The waste packaging requirements differ. 24

31 7.9 Disposal of Intact or Broken Laboratory Glass All laboratory glassware must be discarded such that it cannot injure anyone who handles it. This includes not only laboratory workers but also custodial staff. This applies to all glass, intact as well as broken, except for radioisotope-contaminated glass (contact EH&S) and Regulated Medical Waste contaminated glass (contact EH&S). Place laboratory glassware, intact as well as broken, (except for clean chemical source containers) into a specially marked rigid container designed for this purpose. A properly labeled thick-walled, rigid cardboard container may be substituted. The container must be able to withstand penetration by any broken glass it contains, and must be lined with a leak-resistant liner (e.g. a polyethylene or polypropylene bag). Seal the container and clearly mark it BROKEN GLASS to describe its contents. Containers can be obtained from most laboratory equipment supply houses. 8.0 CHEMICAL SPILL RESPONSE Laboratory personnel must know what to do in an emergency involving a chemical release. They must know how to report the incident and clean up the spill, if possible. Personnel conducting experiments must keep their co-workers informed of their activities so that they can respond to an emergency. They should be aware of their level of expertise, and ability to respond to a chemical accident. It is advisable not to take action outside your expertise but rely on EH&S or other trained emergency responders. Inappropriate actions by personnel can delay appropriate response activities and worsen the situation. Proper emergency response depends upon knowledge of the chemicals present in the lab. For this reason, laboratories are required to submit a complete inventory (ATTACHMENT I) of all the hazardous chemicals in their laboratories. Inventories must be reviewed annually and/or whenever new chemicals are purchased. Chemical spills must be cleaned up promptly, efficiently and properly. The immediate clean up of a spill limits exposure to toxic materials, prevents possible slips and falls, as well as fire and explosions. It must be noted that the volume spilled is not as important as the toxicity of the chemical. Type of Spill Acid Bases Organic Solvents Mercury Metals e.g., sodium Table 8.0: Chemical spill information Neutralizing Agent/ Clean up supplies Sodium bicarbonate Citric Acid Absorbent pads, charcoal if available Amalgam sponges Sand, Class D fire extinguishers Spills are classified as manageable or unmanageable. Manageable spills are spills that do not spread rapidly, do not seriously endanger people or the environment, and can be managed safely by lab personnel familiar with the hazardous properties of the chemical without the assistance of EH&S personnel. All other spills are considered unmanageable. 8.1 Manageable Chemical Spills Alert people in the immediate area. Avoid breathing vapors and quickly determine what chemical and the quantity of material have been spilled. 25

32 Consult the MSDS/SDS for hazardous properties, incompatibilities, and don appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, long-sleeve lab coat) If the spill involves a flammable liquid, (acetone, methanol, diethyl ether, etc.) turn off all ignition and heat sources. If the spill involves finely divided solids such nitrates, permanganates, perchlorates, they must not come in contact with combustible materials (wood, paper, or reducing agents). Use a scoop, or dustpan and hand broom and collect finely divided solids in a plastic bag. Use an appropriate solvent to clean up residues. Small fires should be extinguished using the portable fire extinguisher. If clothing is on fire, follow Stop, Drop & Roll or wrap with a fire blanket to smother the flame, or douse the person with water. Attend to persons contaminated by chemicals and removing contaminated clothing, and when feasible, flush the affected body area with water. An Accident Form (ATTACHMENT VIII) should be completed and personnel referred as needed for medical attention. Affected employees should go to the nearest Emergency Room and affected students should report to Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center or Emergency Room. Confine spill to small area. Absorb and neutralize spill with appropriate material and create a dam around the perimeter. Use appropriate spill kit or sodium bicarbonate for acids; citric acids for caustics; and vermiculite, dry sand, or diatomaceous earth for other chemicals. Collect residue, place in a container, and dispose as chemical waste through EH&S. Clean spill area with soap and water. Notify the Laboratory Supervisor and/or the Principal Investigator. If they are unavailable, notify other members of your laboratory. EMS must also be notified of any release of toxic materials in the laboratory even if it is deemed manageable. Telephone numbers to call in emergencies are posted on telephones in every laboratory and on the Laboratory Signage at the entrance to each lab. 8.2 Unmanageable Chemical Spills Do not attempt to clean up unmanageable spills. If spill involves a flammable liquid, turn off ignition and heat sources if you can do this safely. Hold your breath and leave the spill area immediately. Alert people in the immediate area and post warning signs to inform others of hazard. Evacuate personnel and close doors leading to affected area. Keep personnel away from affected area until EH&S can evaluate the situation. Call Office of Public Safety at (615) and Facilities (615) and for assistance and notify Lab supervisor or Pl. Determine what chemical and the quantity of material that have been spilled and consult MSDS for hazardous properties, incompatibilities. Attend to any persons contaminated by chemicals by removing contaminated clothing, and when feasible, flush the affected body area with water. An Accident Form (ATTACHMENT VIII) should be completed and personnel referred for medical care. Affected employees 26

33 should go to the nearest Emergency Room and affected students should report to Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center or Emergency Room. After hour spills should be immediately reported to Office of Public Safety at (615) who will contact EH&S for instructions. Be prepared to give the chemical name, volume spilled, location (building and room), and any other pertinent information. Have a person knowledgeable of the incident available to provide information to emergency personnel. 8.3 Mercury Mercury is used in measurement and control systems such as thermometers and sphygmomanometers in dental practices. Several researchers at the Health Sciences have equipment containing mercury or use small quantities of mercury in their laboratories. While small spills in well-ventilated areas do not pose a serious health hazards, they should be promptly cleaned up. Major spills, however, must be reported to EH&S, who has trained professionals to handle and clean up mercury spills. To minimize exposure to mercury vapors and hazardous waste generated from broken thermometers, EH&S has established a mercury substitution program with Fisk s goal of being mercury free by Departments will have the responsibility to replace mercury thermometers with alcohol thermometers. Contact EH&S for additional information on product substitution. The first response to spill involving elemental mercury is to isolate the area. Clean up procedures should begin promptly. In the case of a small spill (broken thermometer): Contain the mercury with an absorbent sponge or powder from your mercury spill kit*. Do not use sulfur to clean up mercury spills. Package the spill waste or breakage in a plastic/glass container or sealable plastic bag. Complete and affix a Hazardous Waste label to the container. Store the container or bag in a chemical fume hood. Fill out a Chemical Waste Disposal Form (ATTACHMENT VI) and to EH&S (rwingfld@fisk.edu). Provide diking around spill to prevent mercury from entering cracks or drains. If mercury spill occurs on a carpeted surface, material needs to be removed and properly disposed of. Labs that use mercury must have proper training in proper use of the mercury spill kit. These can include mercury absorbent sponges and powders, vapor absorbent powders, small pumps and shovels, and bags or jars to contain any spills. A mercury spill kit is located in the 2nd floor chemical storeroom in Talley-Brady. These kits can also be ordered from most laboratory safety supply catalogs. Fisher Scientific: or online at Lab Safety Supply: or online at VWR: or online at 27

34 In case of a large mercury spill (larger than a broken thermometer), confine (isolate) the area of the spill and do not allow access to the area. Contact the Office of Public Safety immediately Response to Chemical Spills After Hours Refer to Attachment VII ( Response to After Hours Chemical Spills ) in this type of situation. If an unmanageable spill occurs after normal business hours (after 5:00 p.m.), leave the area at once. Close all doors leading to the laboratory or spill area after all affected employees exit the room. Post warning signs on the door advising of the impending danger. Do not attempt to clean up spill alone. Immediately call Office of Public Safety at (615) to contact EH&S and have the following information available: Your Name Location of the incident (building and room number) Nature of the incident (name and quantity of chemical spilled, color, odor if any) Call back number (where you can be reached) Number, if any, of injured employees Name of Principal Investigator 8.5. Accident Reporting All incidents must be reported to first to the Office of Public Safety who will then contact EH&S. A short summary of the incident (Fisk University Accident Form (ATTACHMENT VIII) will assist EH&S and the Principal Investigator and/or Lab Safety Manager to determine the root cause of the accident (or near miss) and in determining the appropriate measures to prevent reoccurrence. The summary must include the date and time of incident, location, identification of any injured personnel, a brief narrative of the incident, and any corrective actions taken. 9.0 PERSONAL CONTAMINATION RESPONSE GUIDELINES Spills of hazardous chemicals that involve personal contamination increase the possibility of the exposure, especially if the chemical may be absorbed through the skin. The following procedures are recommended in the event of a personal chemical contamination. Ensure that all accidents are documented on the Fisk University Accident Report Form (ATTACHMENT VIII) Chemical Spill on the Body Do not attempt to wipe or brush hazardous chemicals from clothes, shoes and jewelry. Lab coats offer protection against personal contamination and must be worn when working with hazardous chemicals. The following procedure should be used: Flush exposed area with tepid water from the faucet or deluge hose for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing at once. Try to prevent contamination of the eyes by cutting away pullover garments instead of pulling them over the head. If there are no visible burns, wash with warm water and soap. Remove any jewelry to ensure proper removal of residual material. Ensure areas between fingers are flushed properly. Make sure chemical and contaminated water has not accumulated in shoes. 28

35 Obtain Material Safety Data Sheet/Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS). Obtain medical attention as necessary. Report the incident to your supervisor, complete the Accident Report and notify EH&S. 9.2 Chemical Splash in the Eye Immediately flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. (Eyewash stations are prominently marked and plumbed devices are mounted on at least one sink in each laboratory. Laboratory personnel should be familiar with their location). Hold the eyelids away from the eyeball. Move the eye up and down and sideways to wash the thoroughly behind the eyelids. Obtain copy of the MSDS/SDS. Seek medical attention promptly. If necessary, the supervisor should escort the person to nearest Emergency Room. Call the Office of Public Safety ( ) 24/7 for emergencies or for assistance followed with a call to the EH&S team ( ) Accidental inhalation of Hazardous Chemicals Immediately notify Office of Public Safety ( ) and EH&S ( ). Try to determine the material inhaled and obtain a copy of the MSDS. If the employee is conscious and there is no threat to health, move the employee to fresh air. If an employee is found unconscious in an area of the laboratory where chemical vapors are likely to be trapped, do not enter the space. Immediately call Security or 911 for assistance. Monitor the employee from a safe distance and seek medical attention as soon as possible Accidental Ingestion of Hazardous Chemicals Take the employee to nearest Emergency Room. Do not give the employee water, milk or any other liquid. Try to identify the chemical in question and obtain a copy of the MSDS/SDS. Pay special attention to the Health Hazard section to find out about the symptoms of exposure Minor Cuts and Puncture Wounds Wash injured area with soap and water for several minutes. Report injury to supervisor and seek medical attention as necessary WORK-RELATED ILLNESS, INJURY, INCIDENT REPORTING For a life-threatening emergency, report to the nearest Emergency Room, call Office of Public Safety ( ) for assistance in transport or call 911. Employees suffering from a workrelated illness or injury must report this to their supervisor, complete Fisk University Departmental Accident Report (ATTACHMENT VIII) and seek medical attention. An employee may alternatively seek medical care by a personal physician of his/her choice. Students suffering from a work-related illness or injury must report to Emergency Room. A work-related injury or illness should be reported by completing the Fisk University 29

36 Departmental Accident Report (ATTACHMENT VIII). Certain situations or exposure conditions may warrant medical consultation or medical monitoring of employees at Hospital. This includes medical evaluations for an employee exposed to concentrations of a hazardous substance routinely above the OSHA action level, the PEL or the STEL FIRE SAFETY AND EXPLOSIONS Research laboratories differ from other work environments in that they usually contain a variety of fire hazards. In addition to the ordinary (Class A) fires, those fueled by wood, paper and textiles; hazards include the presence of flammable and volatile solvents such as petroleum distillates which are not miscible with water; reactive metals such as sodium and potassium; flammable metal powders such as magnesium, titanium, and zirconium; metal hydrides such as lithium hydride, lithium aluminum hydride and sodium borohydride; as well as many kinds of electrical equipment. Complications arise when fighting these fires because each type of fire must be fought with the extinguishing agent and procedure appropriate for it. The use of the wrong technique or extinguisher can be catastrophic. EH&S has simplified fire-fighting in the laboratories by recommending laboratories be equipped with multi-purpose (ABC) dry chemical fire extinguishers, which can be used on all types of fires with the exception of reactive flammable metals (which must use extinguishers suitable for the particular metal). Laboratory workers must be trained in the RACE and PASS procedures (Section 11.2). Annual fire drills reinforce this training. Fire extinguishers are inspected monthly and tested annually by an outside vendor. If a fire extinguisher in any laboratory, chemical storeroom, or nearby location requires inspection or recharging, call Facilities Operations at (615) A monthly inspection of the fire extinguisher pressure gage by laboratory personnel is strongly recommended as a further safeguard to ensure the extinguisher is properly charged. Before attempting to extinguish, the fire must first be judged as being controllable by laboratory personnel. This depends on the judgment of the person making the decision and the factors involved: the size, intensity of the fire, the nature of the burning material, proximity of other flammable or explosive materials, availability of escape routes, availability of proper firefighting equipment, and the safety of personnel in the area Classification of Fires Should the nature and size of the fire make it controllable, use the appropriate available extinguisher and proceed with the methods described under controllable fires (Section 11.3). Should the fire be judged uncontrollable, follow the evacuation and notification procedures (Section 11.4). In all cases, call Office of Public Safety ( ). CLASS A (Wood, paper, textiles, rubber, coal) The ABC extinguisher can extinguish this type of fire. CLASS B. (Flammable or combustible liquids, greases, petroleum products, solvents) Carbon dioxide or dry chemical ABC extinguishers should be used. Carbon dioxide extinguishers do not leave any residue, whereas dry chemical devices do. 30

37 Pressurized water units should not be used since the immiscibility of solvents and water may result in spreading of the fire. CLASS C (Live electrical equipment involved in a fire) If possible, turn off the electrical power to the devices, and then use either the dry chemical extinguisher or a carbon dioxide or halon extinguisher, if available. CLASS D (Sodium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium and other metals) If sodium, potassium, magnesium, or any of the flammable metal powders are to be used in a laboratory, call EH&S for guidance on the appropriate dry powder-extinguishing agent. A specific Class D (dry powder) extinguishing agent such as graphite, limestone, sand or sodium carbonate must be made available for fire emergency before work is started. DON T USE pressurized water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or halon (Freon) extinguishers on metal fires. The use of these extinguishers may introduce substances that are very reactive with the burning metal that may either make the fire grow or trigger an explosion RACE and PASS If you are involved in a fire, remember the acronym R.A.C.E. to help you respond safely and correctly. R - RESCUE anyone in immediate danger if it does not endanger your life A - ACTIVATE the alarm C - CONTAIN the fire by closing doors and windows E - EXTINGUISH small controllable fires or EVACUATE if the fire is too large To use fire extinguishers correctly, remember the P.A.S.S. acronym P - PULL the pin on the fire extinguisher A - AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire S - SQUEEZE or press the levers together S - SWEEP from side to side until the fire is extinguished 11.3 Fire-fighting Procedures for Controllable Fires Clothing fires must be extinguished immediately in order to minimize skin burns. For all fires, the fire alarm must be transmitted to ensure Nashville Fire Department response. The decision of whether to fight the fire or wait for fire-fighting help must be made according to the type and size of the fire, its location and the circumstances of the fire. A small fire in a container may be easily snuffed out by the placement of a nonflammable cover across the container opening. A small fire in an area free of other fuels can be extinguished with appropriate available extinguishers. When extinguishing a burning solid, direct the extinguisher discharge at the base of the flame; in the case of burning liquids, direct it at the leading edge. Larger or rapidly growing fires are best left to the Fire Department. After evacuating, immediately notify the Office of Public Safety at (615) Evacuation Procedures for Uncontrollable Fires 31

38 Leave the area of danger. Transmit fire alarm. DO NOT stay to fight a large fire. On your way out, if it can be done safely, turn off equipment and move any explosive or flammable materials away from possible contact with hot surfaces or other sources of ignition. Using the laboratory circuit breaker is often the quickest and most effective way to turn off all the laboratory s electrical equipment simultaneously. Your safe exit, however, must be given the highest priority. After evacuation, notify the Office of Public Safety at (615) Transmit the fire alarm, notify personnel on the floor and call the Office of Public Safety. Fire alarm Pull Stations are located by each exit stairwell. Leave by means of one of the predetermined evacuation routes for your laboratory area. If considerations of safety make it necessary to leave the building, evacuate promptly. If a person s clothing is on fire, they must not be allowed to run, as this will fan the flames and cause a more serious burn. Either wrap him/her in a fire blanket, coat, or whatever is available to smother the flames or put the person under a shower. Roll the person on the floor if necessary. After calling the emergency numbers, place clean, wet, ice-packed cloths on small burned areas, wrap the person warmly to avoid shock, and secure medical assistance Fires Caused by Explosions If an explosion causes a fire, immediately transmit the building fire alarm, and alert and evacuate all personnel in the immediate area. Close all doors leading to the affected area and secure area until Security or other personnel arrive to evaluate the situation. Do not attempt to re-enter the space. Call the Office of Public Safety at (615) for instructions. Be prepared to give the chemical name, location (building and room), and any other pertinent information. Attend to any persons contaminated by chemicals by removing contaminated clothing, and when feasible, flush the affected body area with water. A Fisk University Departmental Accident Form (ATTACHMENT VIII) should be completed during normal business hours; refer the employee or student to the nearest Emergency Room. Have a person knowledgeable of the incident and laboratory available to provide information to emergency personnel Certificate of Training for Supervising Chemical Laboratories The Fisk Environmental Health and Safety Leadership Team requires that there be a Certificate of Training holder on the floor whenever a laboratory is in operation, nights, weekends and holidays included. The Certificate of Training can be obtained by passing and onsite test given by the Environmental Health & Safety Office TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR LABORATORY PERSONNEL All laboratory personnel are required by Fisk University to attend various training sessions as mandated by OSHA (29 CFR Part Section f) and incorporate the requirements of NFPA 45. The purpose of these training sessions include: Recognition of known hazards and determination of appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure to these hazards. 32

39 Reduction of work related illness and injury by instruction of proper use and maintenance of tools, equipment, and materials. Information about the nature, estimation, and mechanisms of hazards in research areas, as well as, information regarding methods of risk reduction, personal hygiene methods, and use of PPE necessary in the specific work area. Instruction on emergency procedures regarding chemical spills and the need for medical monitoring. Explanation of the rights and requirements of Fisk University, Principal Investigators, Laboratory Safety Officers, and Laboratory Personnel. Explanation on the importance of proper chemical hygiene and chemical waste disposal methods. Education and training sessions offered to laboratory personnel include: New employee orientation lectures, in which EH&S provides general laboratory safety requirements, current training session requirements and dates, and Fire Safety training. Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Training, in which all laboratory personnel are required to attend within one month of employment. This session provides an introduction and overview of laboratory safety, a summary of the OSHA Laboratory Standard, and Fisk University s policies regarding laboratory safety and chemical hygiene. Formaldehyde and Xylene Training, in which all workers working with formaldehyde and xylene must attend on an annual basis. Bloodborne Pathogen Protection Training, in which all workers working with bloodborne pathogens must attend on an annual basis. Hazardous Waste training is available by request LABORATORY SURVEYS Environmental Health & Safety, in an effort to augment the laboratory safety program, conducts annual laboratory safety surveys in each laboratory. Laboratories with special needs may be visited more often. In addition, EH&S may visit laboratories more often that regularly accumulate and dispose of hazardous chemical waste ensuring that regulations are properly addressed. The Laboratory Health and Safety Self Survey Checklist (ATTACHMENT XI) should be used as a guide to help Principal Investigators, laboratory safety managers, and laboratory personnel evaluate their laboratory for potential health and safety issues VACATING PROCEDURES AND DISCARDING EQUIPMENT Prior to vacating a Fisk University laboratory due to a renovation, relocation, end of semester or when leaving the institution; and/or when discarding equipment used in a laboratory, certain procedures must be followed to ensure personnel working in the area or handling the equipment do not get exposed to any biological, chemical, or radioactive material. Environmental Health & Safety should be notified as soon as possible when a PI is leaving, relocating and/or has equipment to discard. If any radioactive materials have been used or stored in the laboratory, Radiation Safety clearance must also be given prior to Facilities Operation involvement. The 33

40 Vacating Laboratory Procedures (ATTACHMENT IX) must be signed and returned to EH&S prior to or at the time of clearance. A representative of the laboratory should be available to answer any questions Vacating Laboratory Space The following considerations must be taken prior to clearance by EH&S: Radioactive Materials - The Radiation Safety Office should be contacted prior to leaving. All radioactive materials and sources should be removed from the area and a walk through survey should be performed by the RSO. There should be no contamination. DEA Controlled Substances - All DEA controlled substances requiring disposal must be separated from chemicals and a list of all, including the registration number of the purchaser, must be provided to EH&S. Biohazardous Materials - All sharps (syringes, pipettes, razor blades) must be removed from bench tops and drawers, and placed in a sharps container. Other Regulated Medical Waste including solid media must be placed in red bags. Uncontaminated liquid media may be drain disposed. Work surfaces and equipment must be decontaminated with a 10% bleach or 70% alcohol solution. Chemical Disposal - EH&S should be notified as soon as the move is scheduled. All unwanted chemicals and hazardous chemical waste should be clearly marked and placed in a safe location until a vendor can properly dispose of such. All radioactive materials, biological agents, controlled substances, and empty bottles should be separated from chemicals. Empty Bottles - Bottles must be triple rinsed, rinsate collected (if acutely toxic - P waste), and the label defaced. Bottles must be placed in a lined, puncture proof container for collection by Facilities Operation. Broken glass must be disposed of in a lined puncture proof container. Moving (transporting) Chemicals - A laboratory may move its chemicals if the new lab is within the building complex and no public roadways are crossed. EH&S arrange for a chemical mover if necessary. All Federal, State, and Local regulations must be followed when transporting chemicals. Local movers are not permitted to move any chemicals. Compressed Gas Cylinders - Gas cylinders should be returned to original vendors before vacating the laboratory. Contact EH&S for non-returnable cylinders. Compressed gas cylinders must be moved by the supplying vendor when crossing public roads. Liquid Nitrogen-lined tanks - Tanks should be drained of liquid nitrogen to a minimum level prior to relocation. Old Equipment and Fixtures - All laboratory equipment and bench tops must be decontaminated with either a 10% bleach solution or 70% alcohol solution Discarding Used Equipment Prior to disposal of any equipment, EH&S (and possibly Radiation Safety) must insure that equipment is free of any contamination prior to handling by Facilities Operations. The following steps should be taken prior to disposal. Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) must be decontaminated by an outside vendor prior to 34

41 removal. Cultures and stock of microorganisms as well as Regulated Medical Waste must be removed from equipment. All chemicals must be removed from equipment. Equipment containing oils or fluids should be drained prior to disposal. All sources of radioactive contamination must be removed from equipment. Equipment must be decontaminated with a 10% bleach or 70% alcohol solution RECORDKEEPING 15.1 Personal Exposure Monitoring EH&S will maintain accurate records of any measurement taken to monitor employee exposures for the duration of employment plus 30 years. They shall also keep any results of routine and special personal and/or area monitoring, evaluations of worker exposures to chemicals as a result of accidents, spills, fires, explosions, etc Medical Consultation Records All records concerning medical consultations related to chemical exposures shall be maintained by Human Resources ( ) for the duration of employment plus 30 years as required under OSHA. Records of medical consultations shall be made available to the exposed worker in accordance with 29 CFR Chemical Inventories A list of chemicals present in the laboratory must be prepared, updated, and maintained in the laboratory. The list should include, for each container, the chemical name(s) of its contents, the CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) Number, quantity, and container type. The inventory must be made available, at any time, to lab personnel and workplace visitors, and must be submitted annually to the Environmental Health and Safety Office (ATTACHMENT I) Container Labeling As of June 1, 2015, the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will require pictograms on labels to alert users of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border and represents a distinct hazard. The pictogram on the label is determined by the chemical hazard classification. The HCS Pictograms and Hazards are as follows: Health Hazard Flame Exclamation Point 35

42 Gas Cylinder Corrosion Exploding Bomb Flame Over Circle Environment Skull and Crossbones All laboratory workers should be trained in the OSHA Communication Standard 2012, which involved a GHS update for Hazcom for labeling and SDS sheets format and content. In addition, any accumulated chemical waste must be properly labeled with the words Hazardous Waste, the proper chemical name(s) of the substance(s), the quantity or percentage of material in the container, and the owner (Principal Investigator) and location of origin of the waste Safety Data Sheets Each laboratory is required to maintain current and updated MSDS/SDS (GHS compliant) for each chemical present in the laboratory. MSDS/SDSs must be made available to any worker or workplace visitor within 72 hours of a written request. SDSs are available through the manufacturer or through the EH&S Office. Copies on the Individual Attachment I must be sent to EH&S for review and are required to be updated when either the laboratory changes location or scope of work. EHS will maintain an online library of the MSDS/SDS for the chemicals reportedly used on campus which can be accessed through the Fisk website. 36