LABORATORY SAFETY

243-4503 http://www.umt.edu/research/eh/

Environmental Health and Risk Management

EHRM

Introduction

Part 1. Laboratory Hazards & Safety Practices

Hazard Communication Chemical & Physical Hazards Biological Hazards Hazardous waste

Part 2. Emergency Procedures

Hazard Communication Program

5 Elements of your RTK Program

Material Safety Data

Sheets Labeling

Chemical Inventory

Written Program

Training & Safety Awareness

Hazard Communication Chemical Inventory

Chemical Inventory

CHEMICAL INVENTORY Each Lab must have an inventory list of all

chemicals present in the lab Sample Lab Chemical Inventory

Hazard Communication Labeling

Labeling

Original Container Labels

The label from the manufacturer must have the following: The chemical name Hazards of the chemical The manufacture’s name and address Target organ effects

Original Container Label Example

Secondary Container Labels

All chemicals (including solutions and chemicals transferred from their original containers) should be labeled with their names*, concentrations and additional information such as: date received, date opened, date of expiration may also be recorded.

*required Label should also include: All appropriate hazard warnings

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Hazard Labels

What are the health hazards? What are the fire hazards? What are the reactivity hazards? Are there any special hazards?

4 = Severe Hazard 3 = Serious Hazard 2 = Moderate Hazard 1 = Slight Hazard 0 = Minimal Hazard

NFPA Hazard Label Examples

Perchloric Acid Xylene

Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) Labels

HMIS Label Example

Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Pictograms

Environmental Systemic Health Effects Other Health Effects

Acute Toxicity Gases Corrosives

Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Pictograms

Explosives Oxidizing Substances Flammable

GHS Transport Labels

Hazard Communication MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheets

MSDS Components

1. Identification of the substance or mixture and of the supplier

2. Hazards identification 3. Composition information

on ingredients 4. First aid measures 5. Firefighting measures 6. Accidental release measures 7. Handling and storage 8. Exposure controls

/personal protection

9. Physical and chemical properties 10. Stability and reactivity 11. Toxicological information 12. Ecological information 13. Disposal considerations 14. Transport information 15. Regulatory information 16. Other information

Product Information

You must know where to access the MSDS for chemicals in your lab. There may be hard copies or your lab may use online access or both. Be sure you know what your policy requires and how to follow it.

Hazard Communication Written Policies

Written Policies

Sample Laboratory Safety Plan (Chemical Hygiene Plan)

Develop a CHP appropriate for your laboratory and make sure that all workers are familiar with the plan

Your lab should already have a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) in place and you should read it, ask any questions you might have about safe use of chemicals and sign the acknowledgement page in the plan for your lab. For new labs, a sample plan can be found at: http://www.umt.edu/research/eh/CHEMICAL%20HYGIENE%20PLAN.doc

Recommendations for Language to Include in Laboratory Safety Plan

No eating, drinking or smoking in laboratory where chemicals are present

Recommendations for Language to Include in Laboratory Safety Plan

No applying cosmetics or handling contacts lenses in work areas where there is a possibility of exposure

Recommendations for Language to Include in Laboratory Safety Plan

Wear approved eye protection when handling chemicals and/or glassware

Footwear that completely covers the feet is required, because of the danger of broken glass and the possibility of chemical spills.

Secure the lab when unoccupied Two or more people in lab at all

times

Hazard Communication Program Training

Training & Safety Awareness

Laboratory Health Hazards

"Health hazard" means a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees.

Examples include: Carcinogens Toxic agents Irritants Corrosives Sensitizers

Routes of Entry

Eyes Skin Inhalation Ingestion Injection

Routes of Entry

Inhalation: The major route of entry when working with solvents. Great rapidity of absorption

Routes of Entry

Absorption: May produce systemic poisoning. Condition of skin determines rate of entry. Examples: organic lead, solvents, (xylene, methylene chloride) organo phosphate pesticides, cyanides

Routes of Entry

Ingestion: Usually accidental or due to poor hygiene practices

Health Conditions

You should talk with your supervisor or doctor if you are working with hazardous chemicals and you: Are taking medication Are pregnant Have a medical condition such as a chronic

allergy or asthma. Asthma is a common condition which can be exacerbated by breathing noxious chemicals.

Medical Conditions and Symptoms

First Aid - Chemical Burns (Eyes) Forcibly open eyelids to

ensure effective washing behind eyelid

Wash from nose out to ear to

avoid washing chemicals back into eye or into an unaffected eye

• Flood eyes and eyelids with water/eye solution for minimum of 15 minutes

First Aid - Chemical Burns (Eyes)

• Remove contact lenses immediately to rinse eyes of harmful chemicals

• Cover eyes with clean or sterile gauze

• Call 4000 or proceed directly to the Emergency Room Make sure you know the

location of the nearest eyewash station

Eye Wash Maintenance

Eyewashes are periodically checked by EHRM, but are not flushed

A responsible party in each lab should be designated to flush the eyewash for one minute each week

Chemical Burns - Skin

• Remove any contaminated clothing

• Chemicals may collect in shoes, remove shoes, if appropriate

• Rinse area with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes (sink, shower or hose)

First Aid - Chemical Burns - Skin

• DO NOT apply burn ointments/spray to affected areas

• Cover with dry clean or sterile material

• For large affected areas, call 4000

• If possible, bring the name of the chemical and/or its MSDS along with you to the evaluating medical facility.

Report all injuries, no matter how small

(investigations of near misses lead to fewer future injuries)

First Degree Thermal Burns

In general first degree burns have redness only, no blister or more extensive tissue damage.

•Run cool water over area of burn or soak in cool water for at least 5 minutes. •Cover burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth. •DO NOT APPLY ANY OINTMENTS, SPRAYS OR SALVES.

Note: Burns can at first appear to be first degree, but blisters may develop over the next several hours. When in doubt, seek medical attention

Second and Third Degree Thermal Burns

Second and Third Degree burns are burns that have blisters or more extensive tissue damage.

•If victim is on fire, put fire out. •Call 4000 •Do not remove any burnt clothing unless it comes off easily. •Cover burns with dry sterile or clean bandaging. •DO NOT APPLY ANY OINTMENTS, SPRAYS OR SALVES.

First Aid - Wounds Wounds -- Significant bleeding

• Call 4000 IMMEDIATELY • Calm and reassure victim • Lay victim down. (Reduces chance of fainting) • DO NOT remove any objects impaled in victim • Put direct pressure on wound with a sterile bandage or

clean cloth • If direct pressure does not control bleeding, elevate

wound above the heart if possible • If bleeding is severe elevate victims legs about 12 inches,

and cover victim with a blanket • DO NOT APPLY TORNIQUET

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear Eye Protection When Using:

Glassware under reduced pressure Cryogenic materials Glassware under elevated pressure Explosives Caustics, Irritants or Corrosives Biohazards Radioactive Materials UV Light Toxic Chemicals Carcinogens Flammable Materials Lasers

Eye Protection

Wear goggles when using acids or whenever there is potential for a splash hazard

Wear safety glasses at other times when chemicals are present and when handling glassware

Face Protection

Face protection should be worn when there is a possibility of a chemical splash to the face. A face shield is not a substitute for eye protection…..safety glasses or goggles must be worn in conjunction with a face shield.

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Gloves

Gloves Cotton Leather Latex Viton Butyl Neoprene PVC Nitrile Other

Gloves

Be sure you know which type of glove is appropriate for the chemical you are using

Example of wrong glove having been used

Gloves

Remove soiled gloves. If gloves become soiled or contaminated during experiment, stop, and remove carefully.

Wash your hands and put on new pair of gloves. If you double-glove, remove soiled glove, replace outer glove with new one, and continue your work.

Gloves

“Fisher Scientific Safety Manual” also includes information on:

Choosing size Proper removal Care and handling

Gloves

Check “Chemical Resistance Guide” in safety catalog for degradation rating and permeation breakthrough information for various chemicals

(Xylenes: Nitrile) (Perchloric Acid:

Nitrile, or PVC) Neoprene

Chemical Storage

Separate chemicals into compatible groups

Designate separate storage for highly toxic chemicals

•Do not store more chemicals than you will need over a reasonable time

Storage (continued)

Store corrosive, toxic, and highly reactive chemicals in a well-ventilated area

Store chemicals that can ignite at room temperature in a flammables cabinet

Flammable Gas

Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated surroundings, away from flammable substances including oil, grease and gasoline

Storage (continued)

Never store liquid hazardous chemicals above eye level

Storage (continued)

Chemicals stored overhead should be kept on shelves with raised edges.

Storage (continued)

Don’t store water reactive chemicals under sink

Store heavy chemical containers on lower shelves and not on floor

Storage (continued)

• Picric acid-make sure it stays wet

• Ethyl ether (diethyl ether)-label when opened

• Evaporation may lead to explosive compounds

Never store peroxide formers longer than 6 months. Examples:

Examples of Poor Storage

Never store a chemical with a missing or obscured label

Leaks and Spills

Chemical Spills -- Minor Spill

considered minor only if person who spilled it is familiar with chemical, knows associated hazards and knows how to clean up spill safely

Chemical Spills -- Minor

Minor Spills Alert coworkers and

proceed to clean up spill

Contact Environmental Health and Risk Management for disposal of spill clean-up materials x4503

Chemical Spills -- Major

Major Spills

Anything beyond minor spill and requiring help from outside of the lab group

Chemical Spills -- Major

Alert coworkers Move to safe location

Call 4000 to report

situation

Chemical Spills -- Major

If you have specific information about the spill, remain available and identify yourself to firefighters, Public Safety or EHRM

Spill Response

Be prepared for emergencies

Chemical Spills -- Absorbent

- Caustic - use polypropylene pads or diatomaceous earth.

- Oxidizing acid - use diatomaceous earth.

- Mineral acid - use baking soda or polypropylene pads.

- Flammable liquids - use polypropylene pads.

Neutralize residues and decontaminate the area.

Absorb free liquid with an appropriate absorbent:

Mercury Spills

For larger spills EHRM has a mercury vacuum to assist in clean-up

Avoid potential for mercury spills by using mercury free devices and procedures

Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules

Minimize Containerize Label See UM rules: http://umt.edu/media/resea

rch/Eh/Materials/Hazardous/INFO%20-%20UM%20Haz%20Mat%20Plan/hazplanmarch2010%20(2).doc

Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules

Minimize

Containerize (Chemical waste in general, and hazardous waste in particular, must be stored in sturdy container, free of leaks.)

Label

Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules

Minimize Containerize Label (All

hazardous waste containers must be properly labeled.)

Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules

Do not use chemical symbols or abbreviations when labeling your containers

Biohazardous Waste Disposal

Autoclave or chemically

disinfect Infectious Waste or Contact EHRM at

x4503 for disposal

Fire Safety – Lab Fires Small Lab Fire (extinguishable immediately):

Cover fire with inverted beaker or wet paper towels.

If this fails use fire extinguisher if properly trained and are familiar with hazardous decomposition products: P - Pull the pin A - Aim hose at base of fire S - Squeeze the handle S - Sweep hose back and forth

Fire Safety

Keep in mind that liquids with low flash points may ignite if they are near heat sources such as hot plates, steam lines or lab equipment which might produce a spark or heat.

Acetone

Autoclaves Centrifuges Cylinders Electrical Fume Hoods Microwaves Radiation

Refrigerators and Freezers

Ergonomics

Housekeeping Broken Glass

Sharps

Physical Hazards:

Autoclaves The major hazards are: 1. Burns resulting from

physical contact. 2. Steam burns arising from

contact with steam issuing from the apparatus.

3. Explosive breakages of glass vessels during opening and unloading.

4. Burns arising from careless handling of vessels containing boiling liquids.

Centrifuges Rotors on high-

speed centrifuge and ultracentrifuge units are subjects to powerful mechanical stress that can result in rotor failure.

In addition, improper loading and balancing of rotors can cause the rotors to break loose while spinning.

Everyone using this type of equipment needs to know the proper operating procedures for the specific unit being operated, including how to select, load, balance and clean the rotor.

Centrifuge

Flying metal fragments damaged walls, the ceiling and other equipment. The shock wave blew out the laboratory's windows and shook down shelves.

The explosion completely destroyed the centrifuge. The safety shielding in the unit did not contain all the metal fragments.

A Cornell University laboratory was seriously damaged when the rotor of an ultracentrifuge failed while in use.

Cylinder Safety Do not locate where objects may strike or fall on cylinders

Secure in upright position except hoisting or carrying

Do not place where cylinder

may become part of an electrical circuit

Use cylinder truck, chain, and/or other steadying device to keep cylinders from being knocked over while in storage or use.

Cylinder Safety

Secure cylinders with a strap or chain. Regulators shall be removed and valve protection caps put in place when not in use.

Cylinder Safety

Always move cylinders with a cylinder cart and with the cap attached.

Compressed Gas

Lecture Bottle Labels: Flammable: flame on red

label Non-flammable: gas

canister on green background

Poisonous: skull and crossbones

Oxygen-containing: flaming letter “O”

Chlorine: labels distinctly marked

Electrical Safety

QUESTION: At 100 volts what current level is sufficient to deliver a lethal shock?

25 mA 250 mA 2.5 amps 25 amps

ANSWER: 25 mA can be life threatening. Make sure power is off before making connections. Beware of loose connections. If you feel a tingle when you touch the unit, stop using until it is repaired.

Electrical Safety

Eliminate frayed or worn wiring

Never stretch wires across floor or other equipment.

Staff should know location of circuit breakers

Electrical Safety

Match size of extension cord to appliance power cord to prevent cord overheating.

Extension cords are not intended for "permanent" installations -- appliances shall be connected to permanently wired receptacles.

Electrical Safety Electrical "octopuses" can result in overloaded circuits and fire.

Use only 15 amp fused power strips.

Replace damaged wires

Match appliance power requirements to circuit power.

Use GFCIs when working with electrical equipment near water

Electrical Safety

Only use extension cords with three prongs

Tape down on floor or cover with rubber channels to eliminate tripping hazard

Avoid use with high temperature, over sharp edges, or in traffic areas

Inspect and test cords and outlets regularly

Use with GFCIs, outdoors and in wet or damp areas, and in construction

Electrical Safety

•Maintain 3’ clearance in front of circuit breaker panels.

Unblocked Blocked

Fume Hoods

Place apparatus and equipment as far back as possible in hood for safety and optimal performance.

Equipment should be placed a minimum of 6 inches inside the hood.

Keep electrical connections outside of hood.

Fume Hoods

Ensure that equipment or materials do not block the baffle vents in the back of the hood.

Fume Hoods

When using a large apparatus inside the hood, place the equipment on blocks, when safe and practical, to allow air flow beneath it.

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Fume Hoods Do not make quick motions into or out of the hood, use fans, or walk quickly by the hood opening.

All will cause airflow disturbances which reduce the effectiveness of the hood.

Fume Hoods Do not remove stops from sliding sash hoods.

Use sliding sash for partial protection during hazardous work.

When not in use, the sash should be within 1-2 inches of full closure.

Radiation Safety For information on the campus radiation safety program or other radiation related topics please contact the Radiation Safety Officer at 2881.

Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens are used in the workplace for various applications including sample preparation procedures in research labs.

•Injuries may also result from items being heated or from explosions from pressure built up in sealed containers or ignition of volatile materials.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Ordinary household refrigerators and freezers constitute a hazard when used for storage of flammable or unstable chemicals. These units produce sparks that can lead to explosions.

Domestic refrigerators should not be used for flammable chemical storage.

"Lab-safe" refrigerators and freezers (designed for storage of flammable liquids) must be used for flammable chemicals.

Refrigerators and Freezers All chemicals should be sealed

and labeled with the name of the material, the date it was placed in storage, and the name of the person storing it there.

Refrigerators and freezers should be cleaned on a regular schedule, and old chemicals should be properly discarded through the UM waste disposal program.

DO NOT store food in any refrigerator used to store chemicals.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities.

Proper ergonomic design and work practices are necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries

Please contact EHRM at 4503 for assistance with ergonomic concerns.

Ergonomics

Biosafety Cabinets: May compromise the human neutral position,

including chair design, foot support and overall design

Newer BSCs incorporate footrests and height-adjustable work surfaces

Ergonomics Pipettes: Have evolved

over the years from mouth pipetting to rubber suction balls to electronic pipette dispensers. Whatever the mechanism, repetitious movements occur.

Ergonomics

Microscopes by nature are not designed for workers. Predominant ergonomic hazards include: Neck flexion Back flexion Rounding of back and

shoulders

Ergonomics Ergonomic improvements

begin with chair, arm and leg interface. Utilize adjustable chairs, analyze work height , adequate arm/hand rests and micro-breaks to reduce “repetitive stress injuries” (RSIs)

Ergonomics Spending long blocks of time at computer can lead to “repetitive

stress injuries” (RSIs)

There are many devices available designed to minimize this potential.

Reduce your potential risk of RSIs by taking occasional “micro breaks.” Schedule a short break after approximately 15 minutes of continuous computer keying

Housekeeping

Keep your work area neat at all times.

Housekeeping -- Laboratory Glass Do not force a rubber

stopper onto glass tubing or thermometers.

Lubricate the tubing and the stopper with glycerol or water.

Use paper or cloth toweling to protect your hands.

Grasp the glass close to the stopper.

Laboratory Glass

Clean laboratory glassware at the conclusion of your experiment. Make sure glassware racks do not interfere with eye wash station access.

Housekeeping -- Broken Glass

Broken, contaminated glassware can cause chemical exposure

Do not use broken, chipped, starred or cracked glassware.

Broken glass must be placed in a separate container.

Take special precautions when handling contaminated glassware

Housekeeping -- Broken Glass

Do not pick up broken glass with bare hands

Dispose in a sealed container.

Separate sharps: scalpel blades razor blades needles

Sharps

Use needles, capillary tubes, scalpels and other sharp instruments with extreme caution to prevent punctures and cuts

Sharps -- Recapping

Recapping is not recommended and is not necessary for disposal

If recapping is imperative, the correct procedure is: Keep one hand behind the

back, use other hand to scoop cover onto needle

Sharps Disposal

Put sharps in puncture-resistant, leak-proof, sharps container.

Label the container with the word, "SHARPS”.

If not biohazardous, deface any "BIOHAZARD" markings or symbols.

Seal container tightly.

•Contact EHRM x4503 for pickup.

Hazardous Material Shipping

If you are going to ship hazardous materials to another location, you must have Department of Transportation training. The requirements can be met by completing the materials found at:

http://www.umt.edu/media/research/eh/Materials/Hazardous/INFO%20-%20for%20UM%20Laboratories/hazmattransport.pdf

More Information

Most accidents including those in the lab working with chemicals are caused by a lack of understanding of the properties of the materials you are working with or a lack of attention to detail or a combination of both.

If you have any questions about materials you are working with, be sure and ask the responsible person in your lab.

Please see the OSHA new guidance document on

Laboratory Safety http://www.osha.gov/Publications/laboratory/OSHA3404laboratory-safety-guidance.pdf

Emergency Procedures

Question: What should you do in an emergency?

•For Fire?

Answer:

Call 4000 from any campus phone

•Other emergencies? •For Chemical Spills ?

Emergency Procedures

Follow the University of Montana Emergency Procedure Guide posted in each Lab.

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Fire Safety Procedures

•Alert persons in area of fire

•Close doors to confine fire

•Activate fire alarm

•Evacuate through nearest exit

•Do not use elevators

•Move away from the building.

Quiz You need to print and complete the following quiz. Once

done, give it to the person in charge of your lab. They will correct it and once corrected, file it in the notebook containing the Chemical Hygiene-Lab Safety plan for your lab.

Right click this link to open the quiz in Microsoft word: http://www.umt.edu/media/research/eh/Materials/Hazardous/INFO%20-%20for%20UM%20Laboratories/safetyquiz.doc

Final Steps The final steps in this process require you to read

through the Chemical Hygiene-Lab Safety Plan for your lab, ask your lab supervisor about any questions you might have regarding the plan and sign the acknowledgement page in the plan notebook.

In the course of the discussion with your lab supervisor about the plan, you should be made aware any special or unusual hazards in your work area.

You will not have to re-visit this training until such time as a new hazard is introduced in your work area. A new hazard may be a different chemical class or type of instrument.